Red Bull's significant upgrade package at the Austrian GP delivered, giving Max Verstappen his best result of the season and boosting the team’s chances of retaining him. The new chassis proved competitive, narrowing the gap to Mercedes and showing Red Bull can still develop a front-running car. Verstappen was a genuine threat for the podium, a performance that undoubtedly strengthens the team’s hand against his well-known exit clause. However, the 2026 engine remains a crucial question mark. While Red Bull Powertrains’ ICE is strong, fears persist about its electrical components matching rivals like Mercedes. This uncertainty could still make a Mercedes-powered McLaren an appealing alternative for Verstappen. Though Ferrari’s strategic missteps may have flattered Red Bull’s pace slightly, the overall performance step was undeniable. Continued strong results in the upcoming races are now essential for Red Bull to secure their star driver long-term, shifting the leverage in these high-stakes contract talks.
Read the full story at The RaceWILL STRONG AUSTRIAN GP HELP RED BULL KEEP VERSTAPPEN? OUR VERDICT
Red Bull's significant upgrade package at the Austrian GP delivered, giving Max Verstappen his best result of the season and boosting the team’s chances of retaining him. The new chassis proved competitive, narrowing the gap to Mercedes and showing Red Bull can still develop a front-running car. Verstappen was a genuine threat for the podium, a performance that undoubtedly strengthens the team’s hand against his well-known exit clause. However, the 2026 engine remains a crucial question mark. While Red Bull Powertrains’ ICE is strong, fears persist about its electrical components matching rivals like Mercedes. This uncertainty could still make a Mercedes-powered McLaren an appealing alternative for Verstappen. Though Ferrari’s strategic missteps may have flattered Red Bull’s pace slightly, the overall performance step was undeniable. Continued strong results in the upcoming races are now essential for Red Bull to secure their star driver long-term, shifting the leverage in these high-stakes contract talks.
