Max Verstappen addresses Red Bull upgrade significance in F1 future decision

Max Verstappen has addressed the importance of Red Bull's upgrade package performing well at this weekend's Austrian Grand Prix, as he continues to weigh up his Formula 1 future.

Verstappen, despite being contracted to Red Bull until the end of 2028, has yet to commit to the Milton Keynes-based outfit for next season.

The Dutchman has various exit clauses that would allow him to leave Red Bull at the end of the year; however, he has recently been involved in meetings with senior figures from the organisation.

RacingNews365 understands that talks will continue ahead of Red Bull's home race, with all of the company's leading figures set to attend.

Red Bull has brought its second major upgrade package of the season to the Austrian Grand Prix, but the four-time world champion has insisted that its performance is important for the entire team.

Asked how important this weekend's upgrades are to his decision over his future with the team, Verstappen told select media, including RacingNews365: "I think it's just crucial for us as a team.

"We want to improve from where we started the season to where we want to end it. We know that we are lacking performance. It's more about trying to improve the car. I think that's what everyone wants."

Red Bull currently sit fourth in the pecking order, with a gap to the top three and another gap back to the leading midfield outfits, Alpine and Racing Bulls.

It is not where Verstappen wants to be, with the Dutchman unable to say how long he is prepared to remain patient.

Discussing how patient he is willing to be to see change happen, Verstappen replied: "Well, let's see, right? I mean, it's difficult to answer that right now. 

"We don't like being the fourth-best team, so we want to be better. That's what we are working on at the moment."