Spielberg: Max Verstappen heads into this weekend’s Austrian Grand Prix hoping that Red Bull’s new upgrade package will revive his fading title defence. The reigning world champion has won four times at the Red Bull Ring in the Styrian Alps and will have strong home support.
But Verstappen faces tough competition with McLaren’s Oscar Piastri and Lando Norris leading the championship, and Mercedes’ George Russell coming off a win in Canada. Red Bull’s Helmut Marko confirmed that new upgrades will debut in Austria and be refined by Silverstone, but warned that the title fight could be lost if they fail.
He also noted that the F1 cost cap and preparations for 2026 rule changes will soon limit development. Verstappen hasn’t won since May’s Emilia Romagna Grand Prix and trails Piastri by 43 points and Norris by 21.
He’s also just two penalty points away from a race ban. Team boss Christian Horner admitted Red Bull struggles in medium-speed corners, which could again benefit McLaren, especially in the predicted heat.
Last year’s Austria race saw a clash between Verstappen and Norris, and with Mercedes and rookie Kimi Antonelli gaining pace, the title battle is tightening. Ferrari, meanwhile, remains cautious after a slow start to the season, with Charles Leclerc calling for steady progress race by race.
