F1 star Max Verstappen: What he hopes to gain from the Red Bull Racing upgrade

Just in time for the home race at the Red Bull Ring, Max Verstappen’s team has brought a comprehensive upgrade package to the track. The clever minds at the Milton Keynes-based team have made improvements in several areas: the sidepods, engine cover, underbody and rear suspension have all been modified, whilst the engineers have also made changes to the rear wing and exhaust.

The first practice sessions did not go entirely smoothly, but Technical Director Pierre Waché was nevertheless satisfied with the initial impression made by the new components. He did, however, put things into perspective: “It’s hard to say whether the whole package will deliver exactly what we expected. We can’t say how it will compare with the others, as we only know our own package.” At the same time, he emphasised: “We’re quite happy with it.”

Verstappen was also asked about the new parts, and the four-time champion – who finished fifth in qualifying despite a crash – said: “On such a short lap, the gaps automatically become smaller. I think we still need a bit more time, and that we need to try out the upgrade on different circuits before we can draw any conclusions.”

“Overall, though, we’re quite happy. There are a few things we can still improve, but on the whole it’s worked quite well. Of course, you always want to achieve more, but as I said, I think we’re all generally satisfied with it,” revealed the 71-time Grand Prix winner.

When asked whether the new package suggests a better race result is on the cards, the 28-year-old Dutchman said: “Of course I hope so, but at the same time, race pace has tended to be a weakness of ours so far. I hope that’s no longer the case. But there’s no guarantee of that.”

Topic of the week

From major doubts to a major spectacle: why GP fans have reason to be delighted

Before the start of the season, critical voices dominated, but the World Championship rounds so far have shown that the rule changes are delivering exactly what was hoped for: excitement right up to the final lap.

Read more

TV program

Today

Budapest: Das Rennen Re-Live

FIA Formula One World Championship

26.07.2026 - 17:15