Max Verstappen eyes Austrian GP as Red Bull unveils final upgrades

Red Bull Racing introduced a major upgrade package to its RB22 car for the Austrian Grand Prix, the team's last large development of the season. The changes addressed chassis performance and were intended to close the gap to rivals after a season of under‑performance.

Max Verstappen qualified only a fraction of a second off the fastest Mercedes time but showed improved pace with the new parts. While he expressed optimism about the car's direction, his contract for 2027 remains unsettled; he holds a deal through 2028 with a clause that could allow a move if he is not in the top two before the summer break. Team principal Laurent Mekies said Verstappen has indicated a desire to continue with Red Bull.

The Austrian round also features a tight championship battle. Mercedes leader Kimi Antonelli leads the standings, with Ferrari and McLaren (referred to as "Meklaren") pursuing the title. All teams are seeking to gain ground, and the results in Spielberg could reshape the relative strengths heading into the final phase of the season.