Max Verstappen secured a second-place finish at the Austrian Grand Prix in Spielberg, concluding behind race winner George Russell despite managing a persistent rear-axle issue during the second half of the event.
The performance marked the second podium finish of the season for the four-time world champion, who overtook Lewis Hamilton and Andrea Kimi Antonelli to trail Russell by less than two seconds at the finish line.
Verstappen Highlights Car Issues
Following the race, Verstappen highlighted lingering concerns regarding the technical reliability and operational consistency of his vehicle, noting that internal struggles continue to hinder the team's ability to mount a sustained championship challenge against Mercedes.
"What was satisfying is that this was the first time I felt like actually I could fight for the win," said Verstappen.
"I do think that the first half of the race we were more competitive because, for whatever reason in the second half, something felt off on the rear of the car."
He added: "Everything was just extremely difficult, from bumps, kerbs, traction, it was just completely gone.
So that's something that we need to understand again, what went wrong there."
Verstappen credited his squad for accelerating a major vehicle upgrade package ahead of the weekend, which significantly enhanced his competitive pace during the initial stages of the race.
"To be that close to a win I think is great effort from the team," said Verstappen.
"They have worked really hard to get these upgrades on the car here and this is the first time in the race where I felt really competitive and I could push a bit more.
So that is definitely the positive of this weekend."
He acknowledged that strategic decisions regarding the timing of his final pit stop relative to Russell may have altered his chances of securing a home victory for Red Bull.
"It's easy now to look back at it," said Verstappen.
"I do think I had the deg over George but I also knew that it was going to be a very long stint to the end.
But we'll look at it again."
He expanded on the performance deficit experienced during the extended stints, indicating that prolonged track time compromised his late-race momentum.
"I personally felt like the laps that I stayed out, I probably lost a little bit too much compared to what I gained back of those extra laps on new tyres.
But it's easy to say now," said Verstappen.
Title Hopes Depend on Improvements
Currently trailing championship leader Antonelli by 98 points with 14 rounds remaining, Verstappen noted that closing the gap demands significant internal improvements.
"There are more races left than last year, but it's a very big gap," said Verstappen.
He emphasized that the organization must resolve several hidden procedural and operational deficiencies before they can realistically fight for the world title.
"We had very good pace but I think to fight for a title we need to be more 'all-round'.
I think we still have too many issues, from the starts to just procedural issues in the background, that even I think you guys don't know about, but I know about," said Verstappen.
The driver clarified that his statements were meant to encourage continuous improvement within the Milton Keynes-based outfit rather than openly criticize staff members.
"It's not a big criticism or whatever.
I think everyone is aware but we always want to be better, we chase to be the best.
So, we just need to focus on all of those things," said Verstappen.
He concluded that stabilizing these internal structures would alter their competitive position in the remaining global rounds.
"Then, yes, if we are a bit more, let's say, 'rock solid', and we've shown that in the past, then of course it's a different story.
Hopefully it doesn't take too long. We have still a little bit of work to do," said Verstappen.
Meanwhile, Mercedes Team Principal Toto Wolff attributed Red Bull's strong performance entirely to Verstappen's exceptional driving capabilities rather than the team's recent aerodynamic upgrades.
"I'm not surprised at all," said Wolff.
Wolff stated that Spielberg historically serves as an exceptionally strong track for the Dutchman, allowing him to mask underlying vehicular weaknesses.
"Red Bull is one thing, but it was Max Verstappen.
For me, how it feels is like Max won every single race here that he's ever participated in, in whatever car.
Spielberg is one of his strong places," said Wolff.
The Mercedes chief also noted that a sudden drop in performance from rival teams like Ferrari assisted Red Bull's progression to the front.
"The car seems to have been going well, and the Ferraris, I don't know what happened to them," said Wolff.
Wolff warned that Verstappen remains a dangerous factor in the broader 2026 championship battle despite his current point deficit.
"Max is always good for playing a role in the championship," said Wolff.
He affirmed that the upgraded RB22 showed strong pace, though its ultimate results heavily depended on the primary driver.
"That [Red Bull] car performed well this weekend," said Wolff.
Wolff concluded that Verstappen's capacity to maximize the limits of his machinery sets him apart from his teammates.
"I think the biggest factor this weekend was Max, to be honest. He's able to bring out everything that is in that car.
You can see that with his teammates," said Wolff.
The team boss cautioned his drivers against dismissing the competitive threat posed by the reigning champion as the season moves forward.
"That's why you can never discount or underestimate the Verstappen factor for a championship," said Wolff.
