Get ready for Round 9 of the 2019 season with our official race preview – think of it as your McLaren encyclopaedia for each race weekend.

Hear from McLaren drivers Carlos Sainz and Lando Norris, get insight from Team Principal Andreas Seidl, and learn more about the wider team with our Spotlight series.

Round 9

Where Red Bull Ring When 28 - 30 June Start time 15:10 local, 14:10 BST Laps 71

Carlos Sainz #55

“We go to Austria with good momentum following a strong performance in France. We were the fourth fastest car out there the whole weekend and my ambition is to keep getting closer to the cars ahead while keeping the other midfield teams behind. It's not easy, but we're working in the right direction and we still need to keep pushing at every race.

“On Sunday afternoon, after the race debrief, our focus immediately switched to maximising our package for what can be a challenging circuit in Austria. This is the first back-to-back of the season and I can't wait to race again.”

Lando Norris #4

“I’m looking forward to experiencing the Austrian circuit in an F1 car for the first time. I had a good result there in F2 last year. We showed that we had good pace in France and I did everything I could, but it ended up being out of my control. I’m pleased to have scored points anyway.

“We know that we’ve got to keep on working hard to stay ahead of the rest of the midfield. Austria is a fun and quick circuit and I’m looking forward to going racing again.”

Austrian Grand Prix SECTORS ON OFF DRS ON OFF

Andreas Seidl, Team Principal

"We head to the Alps aiming to replicate the strong weekend we had in France. The team executed last weekend well, but, as always, we must not get complacent heading into the next race. Reliability remains an important focus for the team and the points at stake can make all the difference in the battle for the championship.

“There’s a really positive atmosphere within the team and among the fans which is motivating us to push harder and harder at each race weekend. The commitment and performance shown by our drivers is encouraging everyone back at the factory to give it their all and provide Carlos and Lando with the best possible car.

“Austria is a unique track and the first high-altitude circuit of the calendar. These characteristics pose a new set of challenges that we haven’t faced yet with the MCL34, however we're prepared to meet them head-on and look forward to an exciting weekend of racing.”

Tech heads

Race distance 306.452km/190.420 miles Distance to Turn One 185m/0.115 miles Corners 10 (seven right, three left) Tyre choice Hard C2, Medium C3, Soft C4

Spotlight: Gemma Petrillo

The spotlight is rarely shone on the team outside of the garage – but the contribution is no more and no less important. While a rapid pit-stop, bold overtaking move or decisive strategy call earn the plaudits, successes are just as dependent on engineering an upgrade in record time, manufacturing high-quality components, and carrying out stringent analysis and simulation. Every part of the operation needs to work in harmony to see progress on a race weekend. This is the ultimate team sport.

We are a team together. And these are some of the stories.

When did you start working at McLaren?

November 2009.

Please can you tell us a summary of your job description?

I work as Head of Sports Hospitality and Events, which involves overseeing the production and running of McLaren’s trackside Formula 1 hospitality offering and surrounding events throughout each grand prix season.

With the introduction of the Team Bahrain Merida partnership, my role is now expanding into the world of Pro-Cycling.

What do you love about your job?

I love the travel and the people. I get to work with a huge rage of talented people, both at McLaren and through our partners. I love exploring new places and get a real buzz from spending time with guests trackside.

For most of our partners it’s the trackside element that really brings their partnership with McLaren to life, so I see my job as making sure people feel as immersed in the team as possible, whilst having a great time. Seeing guests experience the joy of feeling part of the team and leaving with lasting memories is what it’s all about.

Most memorable McLaren event?

I’ve got lots of great memories, but if I had to choose one I’d go for the 2012 USA Grand Prix. It was the first time we had raced in Austin at the Circuit of the Americas and as the first purpose built F1 track in the USA, there was a real sense that America was really behind F1.

The atmosphere was electric and we won the race, which always helps! The first race at a new track, in a new city, is always exciting as it’s new for everyone, so whether you’re working your first or 21st grand prix season, you collectively get to experience something new for the first time.

What are you doing when the lights go out?

I’ll be watching with all of our guests up in the F1 Paddock Club, hoping for a decent start from Carlos and Lando!

What’s the highlight of your McLaren career so far?

I started my career at McLaren as Communications Assistant on the road car side of the business and the first project I ever worked on was launching McLaren as a road car company. Looking back, it was an incredible experience and learning opportunity to be able to join a company in it’s infancy with the weight of the McLaren legacy behind it.

I moved over to the F1 side of the business at the end of 2011 and in 2012 we won seven races, so every race win I’ve experienced trackside with the team has also been a highlight.

What is your earliest McLaren memory?

I remember being aware of McLaren in the Senna/Prost days, but I really go into F1 during the Häkkinen/ Schumacher era, so I suppose my earliest memory of McLaren is of them being one of the most dominant teams in the sport.

#FearlesslyForward

1 0 / 3 1 1 / 3 8 things you might have missed



Reading between the lines at the French GP Read More



2 1 / 3 2 1 / 3 McLaren Plus



Bringing you closer to the team Read More



3 2 / 3 3 2 / 3 Wheel of misfortune



It's high stakes in France as Carlos and Lando play Jenga Read More



