01/07/2025 09:50
Max Verstappen delivered a worrying update on Red Bull's upcoming
upgrades package, by conceding that it is "probably not" going to
help him fight McLaren. The reigning world champion endured a
disastrous Austrian Grand Prix which saw him qualify in seventh, as
a result of aborting his final lap due to a spin ahead for Pierre
Gasly. A strong start was made by the Dutchman; however, his race
came to a premature end at Turn 3 on the first lap after being
taken out by Kimi Antonelli. It has left Verstappen 61 points
adrift of McLaren, whose pace advantage increased considerably at
the Red Bull Ring. Red Bull does have an upgrade awaiting
introduction, although Verstappen has quickly shot down any high
expectations. When asked by select media, including RacingNews365 ,
if Red Bull has something coming, Verstappen answered: "It's
coming. Is it enough to challenge McLaren? I'm not sure. Probably
not. "But I also don't want to sound depressed or whatever. I know
that everyone in the team always gives it 100% and we keep pushing,
keep learning, keep trying to bring more performance to the car,
and that's the only thing that we can do." Was Verstappen's DNF
'painful'? Verstappen's retirement in Austria marked a horrific
home race for Red Bull, who sit fourth in the constructors'
standings. It has enjoyed so much success in its home race over
recent years, with the four-time world champion recognising that
change happens in F1. Discussing if it was a painful race to retire
from, Verstappen explained: "Well, yes, and no, painful because, of
course, the fans. "But at the same time, I never look at it like
that, because, of course, we had a lot of success here, but every
year for me is different, because cars change, tyres change as
well. "So you can't say that, oh, because we were good the last few
years at this track it should be no problem, it will be good.
"There are always so many factors that come into play that you have
to nail to be competitive, and clearly we were not."
