Red Bull Ring (Österreichring) History of an Iconic F1 Track

Red Bull Ring (Österreichring) History
In this Circuits of the past video I tell you the history of the Red Bull Ring, home of the Austrian Formula One Grand Prix.
The original name of the circuit we know today as Red Bull Ring was actually Österreichring.
It all started in 1958 with races on an airfield in Zeltweg. In 1961 and 1963 inagural Formula One races were held here and in 1964 there was an official Austrian Grand Prix counting for the championship.
However, the airfield track was very bumpy which caused a lot of suspension failures. So after 3 races the track was found no longer suitable for Formla One.
Not far from Zeltweg they started to built a new permanent race track. It opened in 1969 under the name Österreichring.
The Österreichring was a very challenging track with fast corners and huge elevation changes. It hosted the Formula One Austrain Grand Prix from 1970 to 1987. Because of it’s challenging character, it was one of the most populair tracks on the F1 calendar.
But as usual, beautiful race tracks often are also dangerous race tracks too. When in in 1975 Mark Donohue died, the fast first corner was modified for the 1976 Grand Prix. A year later it was changed into a chicane.
However, after the 1987 Austrian Grand Prix the Österreichring was removed from the F1 calendar.
In the 1990’s the track was modernized. The new version opened in 1996 under the name A1-Ring, after the telecom provider who financed the reconstruction.
But the natural flow of the circuit was destroyed in this new layout. Actually, it was now a stop-and-go-circuit.
From 1997 to 2003 the new A1-Ring hosted the Formula One Austrian Grand Prix again. A year later, in 2004, the old Österreichring was bought by Red Bull boss Dietrich Mateschitz.
He had ambitious plans to rebuilt the race track and expand it with a hotel, kart track, racing school and much more. Also the lost part of the original Österreichring should be reconnected to the new track!
Assuming that all permissions have been granted they start to demolish the old buildings. But after protests of the owner of a nearby domain, the Austrian environment Council did not agreed the permissions and the works had to stop immediately.
What remained was a half demolished race track. Now it seemed to be all over for the iconic Österreichring…
However, after years of abandonment they finally got permission to rebuilt the track. But there was another problem when investors withdrawl from the project.
Nevertheless in 2008 they finally start to rebuilt the circuit. But because there was less money, they only rebuilt the track in the A1 configuration, but changed the name to Red Bull Ring. And in 2014 Formula One returned to Austria.
Oficcially there are still plans to expand the track and reconnect the abandoned western loop.
In the spring of 2016, photos of a new connection to the abandoned western loop appeared on the internet. Several media speculated about a possible return to operation of the old section. However, the operators of the Red Bull Ring remain silence.
When Herman visited the Red Bull Ring in the summer of 2017 the old western loop was still abandoned. Why they made those connections will remain a mystery…
Before this section will ever be used again, they have to fight a tough battle to get the permission, because of noise complaints from local recidents. So long, this section is left abandoned.
So far the history of the Red Bull Ring. If you want to know more about it, check the article on the website: www.circuitsofthepast.com/ost...
Hier de geschiedenis van de Red Bull Ring in het Nederlands: www.circuitsofthepast.nl/oste...
The sources of the footage used in this video is Red Bull Content Pool, Michael Draye & Herman Liesemeijer.
Special thanks to Simon Smith for the voice over. Visit also his channel: / higherplaingames
For now, thanks for watching and don’t forget to subscribe and hit the noticication bell, so you son’t miss the next video from Circuits of the past.
#AustrianGP #RedBullRing #F1
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[@LoganHunter82]

"Why would you move next to a racetrack, then go and complain about the noise?" THANK YOU!!! Exactly!!!

[@penamena5238]

The same thing has happened to laguna seca here in california. its ridiculous

[@jayd2517]

Happens all the time in the UK. I don't think we've got a single circuit not affected by noise complaints and curfews!

[@ax2bxc]

@@jayd2517 Happens with major airports as well. People build around it then complain about the noise. When the airport needs expanding those people will complain that their property will be gone.

[@351wmustanggt]

There is only one race track left in the county I live in here in Florida just because of that reason. The race tracks were there many years before the houses were.

[@heliumtrophy]

Short sighted governments see a race track isn't being used anymore, sell off the surrounding land to property developers and then when the new residents find out that the race track is back in use, they start complaining because a) they're clueless and didn't know any better or b)feel they've been misled. More than likely they'll just love to complain for the sake of it though.

[@robdavies82]

I remember seeing photos of it while it was abandoned and thought that was the end forever. It would be good if Red Bull could open up the full circuit, maybe not for F1, but for classic racing and track days.

[@Circuitsofthepast]

It seemed it was all over for the track those days. They even mentioned on their own website. Fortunately they rebuilt it. And yes, it would be great if the old section will be reconnected one day.

[@matthewgroff433]

You will get people who move next to or near an airport and complain about the airplanes flying overhead! Also you get people who move next to a working farm and complain about the smell! Then you have people who move next to a elementary school or a playground and then complain about the noisy children playing outside! etc. etc. etc.!! All of those people knew about those situations, but yet choose to live there, then complain about the Noise or smells! Here is another good one: someone moved in next to a city sewage treatment plant and then complained about the smell and threatened to sue the city if they did not do something! If I remember correctly Judge told the people: "You knew there was a sewage treatment plant there and YOU choose to live there!" But I think the city ended up spraying a deodorizer or odor neutralizer to help keep the smell to a minimum.

[@Cynderfan35]

I would gladly welcome extension to the current layout, this track is one of my personal favorites. I've raced it a lot in league and scored only league race victory at Red Bull Ring, if they would extend its layout, i bet racing maybe for endurance cars would be possible too. like why not 6h of Red Bull Ring?

[@remiicario]

I heard that they are currently renovating the western loop (old Österreichring), so it could make a comeback in the near future (I hope.)

[@Circuitsofthepast]

Thanks for watching this new video after the corona break. Together with F1 we kick off the summer season. We will follow the F1 calendar, so next video will be about the Hungarian Grand Prix. But not at the Hungaroring, but Népliget, the track of the first ever Hungarian GP in 1936: kzbin.info/www/bejne/poSWhIaXZtCHj7s Meanwhile I will also visit some old road racing circuits in my home country the Netherlands.

[@mannyjesseboateng5439]

I love the idea of having an extended version (western loop) of the red bull ring (osterreichring), It will be a challenge for the drivers and teams to tackle this the new part of the circuit configuration. I have no idea why the circuit organisers have kept silent about the idea but they should try it! In my opinion it would be epic! Cheers Herman. It was very nice of you to upload the video of the short but detailed summary of the circuit. :)

[@Circuitsofthepast]

Thanks!

[@derosiflo6524]

Austrian here. There were always talks about a west loop, for example to host endurance races. But sadly that won't happen because of regional/local politics. There's one layout proposal from many years ago for example (as seen in the video) Cheers

[@Circuitsofthepast]

Thanks for the update. Yeah the old proposal (2:45) is very interesting. The new section runs over the ridge, so that should be a very steep section. Unfortunately, it will probably never be realized.

[@kben24]

It’s insane that they won’t bring back the original layout… when it’s literally right there looking absolutely stunning!! Some minor tweaks, and you’ve immediately got one of the Top 5 racing circuits in the world… which translates into more tourism, and more economic boost for your town.

[@jayd2517]

So many circuits suffer from noise complaints especially here in the UK. I was at Brands Hatch recently and due to running behind schedule thanks to race stoppages and safetycars the last race of the day had to be cancelled. As you said, why would you move next to a race track and then complain about the noise? You wouldn't move next to a train track and then complain about the trains!

[@Surrentino]

One of your videos dropped into my suggestions and after watching 2 hours of you visiting old circuits I can definitely say that I just found one of my favourite KZbin channels 🤩 keep up the good work man! You just earned a new fan!

[@sterotacromycopheno]

Thanks a lot for the info, very useful to know the history of this great circuit !

[@mozilla2576]

Great work! I love historic tracks.

[@Circuitsofthepast]

Thanks!

[@66infernal53]

Man, thanks for what you are doing!

[@Circuitsofthepast]

You're welcome!

[@tommodica1130]

I went to either 1970 or 71 F1 race. Great track & great viewing areas. I hope VAT 69 doesn't want their banner back

[@bigklamoty2137]

Thanks for the video. I will be on the Red Bull Ring in September, and i'm definetly looking for to visit the old Westschleife

[@Circuitsofthepast]

You're welcome! Have good fun on the Red Bull Ring.

[@arnaur2870]

Great video! Didn't know the track was abandoned from 2004-08 Are you planning to do this for all F1 tracks? That would be nice, but I know that takes a lot of time 😅

[@Circuitsofthepast]

Not al F1 tracks, but I will follow the F1 calandar this season. For the Hungarian GP I have a special about Népliget, home of the 1936 Hungarian GP. And for the double header on Silverstone I have specials about Aintree and Crystal Palace. Later a special onboard at Spa-Francorchamps for the Belgian GP.

[@kyleh698]

Great info. Thank you :-D

[@Circuitsofthepast]

You're welcome

[@Vlad79061]

Always loved the old track, the new one is just one of the many...

[@pvtparts6879]

4:50 To confirm what you alluded to I read on a German language news article (through Google translate) that Helmut Marko said they cannot incorporate the old circuit due to noise complaints from local residents. As you said why do people move next to a race track then complain.

[@tomboys588]

I think you really shouldn't have a legal right to move next to a track and then complain about the noise. It's affecting so many circuits and music venues too. It's fine to complain if someone builds a track next to your house. But I think it should simply come down to "who was there first"

[@bergsteirer]

Thanks Herman, very well done.

[@Circuitsofthepast]

Thank you!

[@chourokandriad3567]

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[@The.Drunk-Koala]

Yeah I love the idiots that do that. Move near a race track and then complain about the noise. I giggled my head off when neighnours of Monza tried the same as well. That track is 100 years old and people know very well its a very well used track.

[@ndrsg3013]

When you mention about people moving close to a racing track and complaining about the noise, I really want to make a series of videos screaming of rage at the camera and ask(demand) them all to move out or never live close a racing track if you don't like the beautiful roar of racing cars ;)

[@robhimself33]

Just here for any extra knowledge that can give me an edge in Daily Race B.

[@tobias03coimbra52]

at least they didn´t destroyed the old section like the Hockenheimring did to the old section. maybe one day they could use the old part of the Österreichring

[@sbatty65227]

I always preferred the old layout of this circuit.

[@jahblessin3996]

New subscriber here. Great content

[@Circuitsofthepast]

Thanks!

[@nicholasseeger4637]

Not the only circuit to suffer from this like Laguna Seca and Jarama circuit. Can you imagine moving to a house under the final approach on a major Airport and then complain about the noise from the planes? Duh!! I get the feeling it is as if they are out on purpose to ruin the little joy others have left.

[@blackmoonsunshineparanorma7479]

I prefer the old layouts of they were longer and more fun to my opinion. I raced the old spa, monza with oval, brooklands, old hockenheimring, many others they were the best ever and exciting. The new layouts they suck.

[@Circuitsofthepast]

In real or in the simulator? ;)

[@blackmoonsunshineparanorma7479]

@@Circuitsofthepast simulator

[@Skasaha_]

Older layouts typically have far less overtaking opportunities and some of them like Spa are just plain flat out even in 90s F1 cars. There's no racing, just attrition.

[@Toffeeabi81]

I like people who live near a pub and expect no noise dont live near other if you dont want the noise fast cars/music

[@Circuitsofthepast]

So you like them? Or did you forget one word? ;)

[@Toffeeabi81]

@@Circuitsofthepast I like the older circuits but I understand why the steep banking at monza the the old spa circuit and the nurburgring amongst other have been removed or change md for safety. Reims in another really fast and dangerous road circuit that it m would have good to be able to watch to see how difficult and risky it was to drive

[@Circuitsofthepast]

I was talking about the people who complain about the noise. You sayd "I like people..." ;)

[@Toffeeabi81]

@@Circuitsofthepast I agree no point in moving near an motor sport track or pub if you dont like noise. I like the tracks and I like pubs

[@angelsone-five7912]

The reason we have lost so many 1/4 mile ovals in the UK is because people move in near them and then moan about the noise, I can never get my head around this, it`s crazy.

[@mohamadryanfitrie5829]

2:08 What is that song can you tell me?

[@marcelosilvalima1816]

The BIG difference between it and Hockenheimring is that is was smalled and gone on with a good shape and good for the drivers, too..... Hockenheimring was torn apart and changed into a strange circuit..... I MISS VERY MUCH the old layout and the long straights..... The braking towards the OstKurve was ABSOLUTELY AMAZING and financial interests just killed the track. SHAME! Marcelo Silva.

[@Thunderer0872]

People move next to a Railway and then want the trains to stop running, I used to take calls for train times and get asked if the local line to them was getting more trains or would it be closed any time soon? Jeez

[@muckman5509]

Where can I get more info on the bull statue?i heard it weighed over 700 tons ?

[@Circuitsofthepast]

I don't know. This one is about the history of the track itself.

[@drhexhox8740]

If they are going to rebuild the westschliefe do you think they will also rebuild the old Bosch kurve,Texaco Schikane and old Rindt kurve?

[@Circuitsofthepast]

They will certanly not do that. The old Österreichring is something from the past.

[@wakilauda728]

The layout has changed considerably.

[@Circuitsofthepast]

You can say that again.

[@wakilauda728]

@@Circuitsofthepast The shape of the course has changed considerably compared to the past.

[@wilsonjunior157]

It would be great if they went back to using the old track or at least the faster part. but is this possible? Unlike Hockenhein, the old circuit still exists.

[@Circuitsofthepast]

Theoretical it could and the plans are still there. But they got only permission for the current track, not to revive the old section.

[@drhexhox8740]

Were some of the house built before the track or all of them were built after racing came here and complained about the noise

[@Circuitsofthepast]

I think most of the houses were earlier. The track is there since 1969, but there were alrwady races since 1951. It's a never ending discussion. But in general, if you move to a house near a race track you can expect noise. If you don't like racing sounds you better move somewhere else. But if you lived there for years and they built a race track near your house it's a different story.

[@madmac66]

Ostereichring was always one of my fave circuits on the f1 calendar. The A1 ring is an abomination in comparison

[@happysoul1907]

I don't think you can do a track walk of zeltwig anytime soon

[@happysoul1907]

Also I was on google earth and I saw a cut through the trees and I thing that it is remains of the jochen rint curve but I don't know

[@happysoul1907]

*think not thing

[@Circuitsofthepast]

Zeltweg is a military airbase. To enter it illegal for a track walk would bring you in deep trouble.

[@hellsummon]

That's how we've lost a lot of tracks in the US. People moving in next to them then lobbying the government about the noise.

[@AW042]

With the recent incidents...it will surely be rebuild to its former look...2 red flags in motoGP and moto2

[@Circuitsofthepast]

I don't think they will rebuild it back. But maybe they will straighten the section between the first corner and the hairpin.

[@beetlesazer]

Also in MotoGP

[@Circuitsofthepast]

Yeah but I made this video last year short before the two F1 races.

[@kickstartmotoart]

I thought F1 was planning to use the old loop after hela licht

[@Circuitsofthepast]

There were rumours. But it is not likely that will ever happen because of noise complaints from local residents. See also the other discussions about this topic here in the comments.

[@happysoul1907]

It is such a shame that this circuit was abandoned it was a great track that produced Brilliant races and it was very beautiful but despite being dangerous it was very popular so I don't really understand why this track was remade I know about noise complaints but why would you move near a racing track and then complain about the noise just makes no sense anyway its was a Brilliant circuit and it did not deserve to be destroyed

[@MrLeovdmeer]

The people already lived there. Most locals live in family houses with multible generations.

[@Circuitsofthepast]

If you already lived there before there was a race track you have a point. But if you go there and expect the race track will move for you, you better go elsewhere.

[@MrLeovdmeer]

@@Circuitsofthepast that is thru but not the case in Austria. I know because I go there twice a year for 30 years already. These villages are there for generations with the same families. The old part of de track will never return.

[@Circuitsofthepast]

Bedankt voor de informatie. Ik denk ook niet dat het oude gedeelte ooit weer in gebruik zal worden genomen.

[@ivan_zock]

Why... Because human love money rether than make everyone happy.... #welcometoplanetearth

[@fbello18]

They literally ‘quartered’ many awesome circuits - Hockenheim, Interlagos, Kyliami, Paul Ricard (why they did that bloody hell to Mistral straight?) - F1 today is so boring ! There are too many rules - boring !! So today I just see the “Highlights” of the race on KZbin.

[@Skasaha_]

I don't think you quite understand what makes it boring to you. The racing is closer than ever, but the professionalism and reliability of cars makes results predictable. Most tracks are significantly easier to overtake on in newer configurations. You're just bored because kids aren't dying and cars aren't blowing up any more.

[@sampas99]

Paul Ricard was always boring, even in the 70's. By the way watch the 1993 German Grand Prix and try not to fall asleep with the astounding 3/4 overtakes all race.

[@francoisdvanderwesthuizen6772]

Noise complains... they can be glad it's not the screaming v10 era anymore... haha

[@Circuitsofthepast]

Grappig ;)

[@broderickfall]

And they say Europeans love F1 more. Clearly they didn't love it enough to make some concessions. I'm not bitter, just sour... apologies for the negativity Not a fan of the current go kart track.

[@Circuitsofthepast]

Our politicians don't love Formula 1. In my country, the Netherlands, motorsport was a dirty word before Jos Verstappen came into F1 and now his son Max is champion it's very populair. Before, the main stream media here was anti motorsport. Racing drivers were portrayed as suicidal lunatics. Those years it was harder to be a motorsport fan. Fortunately it changed. However, due to anti motorsport polacy in the 1980's Zandvoort lost half of it's original layout.

[@wolfgangmarkusgstrein8522]

That criminal, Tielke, ruined all great tracks!

[@exoroxx]

I don't like his work either, but Bilster Berg is actually a nice, fluid and demanding race track. Maybe, because Walter Röhrl put in some input... Tilke generally robs the character of the old circuses to make it safe and boring.

[@user-cw6ib1qz4k]

The original Osterreichring was great! Red bull ring is nothing, why do they ruined it??

[@Circuitsofthepast]

For a combination of safety and noise complaints.

[@crumblefest]

Kill the terrible music playing under the narration... unlistenable...