Austrian Grand Prix

The Austrian Grand Prix (German: Grand Prix von Österreich) was a Formula One race.

The first event, in 1964, was held at a race track on the Zeltweg Airfield. The race was a success, but the track was deemed too dangerous; it was narrow and very bumpy, and spectators complained of poor viewing areas. The FIA removed the race from the F1 calendar until a suitable track was built.

From 1970 until 1987, the event was held at the Österreichring (also located near Zeltweg). It was designated the European Grand Prix once, 1975, when this title was an honorary designation given each year to one grand prix race in Europe. The track was popular with drivers. These events were moderately successful, but in 1987, this track was also deemed too dangerous by FIA standards, because of the amount of high-speed corners, lack of protection from trees and embankments and accidents at the start of many races at the narrow pit straight; whereupon the event disappeared for a decade.

In 1995 and 1996, the track was refurbished and brought up to date, which allowed the race to run again in 1997. Since the larger portion of the modernized track, which was renamed A1-Ring after a sponsor, is located on the municipal territory of Spielberg, Spielberg was now given as the site of the Grand Prix. It was a mainstay on the calendar until hosting its final race in 2003.

The 2002 Austrian Grand Prix received negative publicity after Ferrari instructed Rubens Barrichello to cede his victory to Michael Schumacher.