Max Verstappen secured his best result of the 2026 Formula 1 season by finishing second at the Austrian Grand Prix on Sunday, June 28, 2026.
The Red Bull Racing driver charged from fifth on the grid to challenge race winner George Russell at the Red Bull Ring.
Verstappen utilized a new package of car upgrades to climb through the field early in the 71-lap race, executing multiple overtakes on the opening laps.
Despite a qualifying crash on Saturday that left him with a minor knee injury, he managed tire degradation through intense heat to finish just 1.6 seconds behind the leader.
Verstappen and Team Optimistic After Strong Showing
"I think it was of course a very good race for us," said Verstappen.
The Dutchman noted that the opening stints provided strong performance before minor balance issues emerged later in the afternoon.
"The first few laps were quite fun and then it was trying to manage your tyres and honestly, I think the car was in quite a good window for I would say half of the race," he said.
Verstappen remained optimistic about the competitive step forward demonstrated by the team on their home circuit.
"Then we picked up let's say a few issues with the car which prevented me from basically finding that nice rhythm.
But still, to be second and close to a win I think is extremely positive for us. So in that sense, I'm very happy," he added.
Red Bull team principal Laurent Mekies expressed confidence that the recent technical updates have significantly narrowed the gap to their primary rivals.
"The most satisfying element was the pace," said Mekies.
Mekies acknowledged that development must continue at a rapid pace to sustain a championship challenge.
"We know we need more as our competition will continue to bring updates but we are now within the last tenths needed to be on top of the podium," he said.
He also evaluated the outright speed of the leading drivers during the competitive race distance.
"I think it is fair to say Kimi Antonelli was the fastest guy out there and perhaps Max Verstappen was a little faster than George Russell," said Mekies.
Antonelli Extends Championship Lead Despite Mistakes
Championship leader Kimi Antonelli completed the podium in third place despite battling early brake issues and track excursions.
"I was a bit too excited in the first laps and definitely didn't drive well.
Too many mistakes and even in the first stint with the medium, I lost 3-4 seconds with mistakes," said Antonelli.
The Italian rookie reset his approach after the first pit stop window, matching the pace of the leaders in the final stint.
"I was struggling with the brakes but after we changed tyre I reset and the pace at the end was very strong.
It was a shame I joined the party a bit too late," he said.
Antonelli extended his lead over his teammate in the drivers' standings to 40 points despite the mixed weekend.
"Of course, congrats to George and Max," said Antonelli.
He concluded by emphasizing the need to minimize unforced errors in the upcoming rounds.
"Really great weekend. From my side, there is a lot to improve but still minimise the mistakes," he said.
Red Bull's second driver, Isack Hadjar, also secured points by moving from eighth on the grid to finish in sixth position.
"The upgrades definitely kicked in this weekend, you could feel it," said Hadjar.
Hadjar explained that an aggressive strategy was necessary to maximize his recovery through the field.
"I think from P8 it was nearly the best that we could have done," he said.
The Formula 1 championship will resume next weekend with the British Grand Prix scheduled for July 5, 2026.
