"The car seems to have run well and the Ferraris, I don't know what happened to them," said Toto Wolff.
Despite Verstappen's strong performance in Spielberg, Wolff dismissed suggestions that the Red Bull driver should immediately be viewed as a major threat in the overall championship battle, responding to the query with a joke about his own driver.
"I think this could be a George Russell thought," said Toto Wolff.
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The Austrian executive suggested that analyzing the single race result as a total championship shift was overcomplicating the current reality of the season.
"Overcomplication," said Toto Wolff.
Wolff reiterated that Verstappen remains a formidable competitor capable of influencing the title outcome regardless of seasonal standings.
"Max is always good to play a role in the championship," said Toto Wolff.
He pointed out that Verstappen's ability to maximize performance distinguishes him clearly from his teammates, making him a permanent factor in the sport.
"That [Red Bull] car performed well this weekend. I think the biggest factor this weekend was Max, to be honest.
He is able to get everything out of that car. You can see that from his teammates," said Toto Wolff.
Wolff concluded that the driver's individual talent means he can never be counted out of championship considerations.
"That's why you can never rule out or underestimate the Verstappen factor for a championship," said Toto Wolff.
Following the race in Austria, Mercedes driver Kimi Antonelli continues to lead the driver's championship standings.
The Italian driver finished third in the race and holds a 40-point lead over his teammate Russell, while Lewis Hamilton sits in third place, an additional six points behind.
Verstappen secured his second podium finish of the 2026 season with the runner-up result.
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He currently occupies seventh place in the global championship standings, trailing the leader Antonelli by 98 points.
