After numerous start-line accidents, arguments with local farmers over car parking and a general feeling that the circuit was unsafe, the Austrian Grand Prix at the Osterreichring was finally pulled from the calendar in 1987. The track continued to hold other events but gradually fell into disrepair until Austrian telecoms company A1 provided the funds to redevelop the circuit. Renamed the A1-Ring, it brought Formula One racing back to Austria in 1997. It would continue to host Grands Prix for the next six years - including the infamous 2002 event which saw Rubens Barrichello hand victory to Ferrari team mate Michael Schumacher within sight of the finishing line - before being dropped from the F1 schedule once more after 2003.

Over subsequent years, numerous improvement plans for the circuit stalled until it was eventually redeveloped and re-branded as the Red Bull Ring and reopened in 2011, since which time it has hosted series including DTM, World Series by Renault and European Le Mans.