As Formula 1 returns to the Red Bull Ring for the 2025 F1 Austrian GP, all eyes are once again on Max Verstappen. The Dutchman boasts an outstanding record at the team’s home circuit, with five victories to date, and he’s hoping to make it six this weekend. However, despite his success in Spielberg, Verstappen remains cautious about his prospects in what has become an increasingly competitive season.
“It’s five”: Verstappen sets the record straight
When asked about his stats at the Red Bull Ring during Thursday’s press conference, Verstappen was quick to correct the record:
“Is it four? Five.
“It’s five.”
With five wins (2018, 2019, 2021, 2023 Austrian GP | 2021 Styrian GP) already under his belt, confidence would be justified. But Verstappen is careful not to take anything for granted at the Austrian GP.
“Well, I mean, there are no guarantees. So, yeah, we’ll always, of course, try to do our best. In the past, yes, we’ve had a lot of great races here. I mean, some, I think, back then were also unexpected wins. So, in a way, maybe we come into this weekend again, not as favourites, for sure.
“But I know that myself and the team will always try to optimise everything that we can. It looks like quite a warm weekend as well, so it’s going to be tough to make the tyres last anyway. But I’m excited. I’m here to do the best I can, and of course I hope to be on the podium.”
Red Bull brings updates for the home crowd
Red Bull arrive in Austria with a fresh set of upgrades as they look to reclaim a stronger edge over their rivals. Verstappen expressed satisfaction with the team’s efforts, while remaining realistic about the broader development race in Formula 1.
“Yeah, I mean, hopefully it gives us a bit more performance. The team has been working hard to get these parts. So, of course, I’m very happy that we have an upgrade here. And yeah, every little bit forward will help us be more competitive and hopefully close the gap a little bit.
“But at the same time, we also know that others are also bringing bits throughout the year. So, we just need to keep working hard, keep trying to close that gap down.”
With warmer weather forecast and tyre management expected to play a key role, the upgrades could prove pivotal, not just in qualifying but across the race distance.
Driving the Red Bull Ring: A Verstappen speciality
One of the highlights of the 2024 weekend was Max Verstappen’s extraordinary pole lap—0.4 seconds clear of Lando Norris. When asked what makes him so strong at the F1 Austrian GP, Verstappen gave a characteristically straightforward explanation:
“Brake late or go early on throttle, smooth driving. I’ve always felt good here for whatever reason. I think there are always tracks that are naturally probably suiting you a bit better than others. And this one probably suits me a bit better than some others, naturally. I know, of course, it’s our home Grand Prix, but I don’t know.
“It’s just a flow of the track, maybe in Sector 2, Sector 3, faster corners. You need a car that performs around here. And I think for most years, our car has been pretty decent. Last year was a bit of a surprise, the gap in qualifying, but I think we really executed the performance well in qualifying with our tyre prep and everything, which on a short lap is not always the easiest. Because I think in the race, it was a proper battle.”
Looking ahead to 2026: Planning while competing
With sweeping regulation changes set to arrive in 2026, teams are increasingly balancing current upgrades with long-term development. Verstappen, when asked about Red Bull’s approach to this transition, noted the importance of getting the balance right.
“No, I mean, of course, I think teams are already focusing also on ’26. So you try to get more performance out of this car, which is already planned for a while – the steps that come. But at the same time, you know that ’26 is a big opportunity to get it right as well.
“So I think, from what I’ve seen, what I’ve heard, it’s been the right approach by the team.”
Red Bull’s preparations for the 2026 engine era, with their in-house project in partnership with Ford, will be crucial for maintaining their competitiveness in the next generation of Formula 1. But for now, the task remains clear: close the gap, manage the tyres and try to win on home soil.
