Verstappen raises a pressing question about upcoming Red Bull updates

Max Verstappen says he is looking forward to the race weekend at the Austrian Grand Prix and is "happy" that Red Bull Racing have brought an upgrade to get closer to McLaren again.

The four-time world champion continues to see other teams developing their own challenges around him, so these new parts are an important step in the right direction for himself and his Austrian team at their home race weekend.

"Yeah, I mean, hopefully it gives us a bit more performance," Verstappen said in Thursday's press conference.

"The team has been working hard to get these parts. So, of course, I’m very happy that we have an upgrade here. And yeah, every little bit forward will help us be more competitive and hopefully close the gap a little bit. But at the same time, we also know that others are also bringing bits throughout the year. So, we just need to keep working hard, keep trying to close that gap down.

At the same time, Verstappen emphasises that the competition does not stand still. In conversation with the Dutch media, he expressed hope that the upcoming updates will do their job, while on the other hand, he admitted it's a small wonder he's currently third in the standings, given the struggles they have had so far in 2025.

“We also know that other teams continue to bring things throughout the year. So we have to keep working hard to keep reducing that gap,” the 27-year-old continued.

Max Verstappen arrives at the Red Bull Ring for the Austrian Grand Prix.

Verstappen feels at home on Red Bull Ring

Verstappen has good memories of the Red Bull Ring, where he has managed to win four Austrian Grands Prix, and one Styrian Grand Prix in 2021, around the Red Bull Ring, with the Dutchman himself saying the circuit suits him well.

“Late braking, early on the gas, smooth driving. I've always felt good here,” he says. “Some circuits just suit you better than others, and I think this is one of those.”

Read also

Verstappen breaks silence on Perez’s comments: 'That’s not how he meant it'

Alonso defends Verstappen and calls on FIA to adjust penalty points system

What's the secret of his strong performances on this circuit? “It might just be the flow of the track, especially sector 2 and sector 3, with the fast corners. There, you need a car that performs well. And we've usually had that here,” he explains.

About his dominant qualification last year – where he was four tenths faster than the rest – Verstappen says: “That was quite surprising. But we just executed it very well then, also in terms of tyre management. That's not always easy in a short lap. In the race, it was of course a real fight.”