Max Verstappen delivered a worrying update on Red Bull's upcoming upgrades package, by conceding that it is "probably not" going to help him fight McLaren.
The reigning world champion endured a disastrous Austrian Grand Prix which saw him qualify in seventh, as a result of aborting his final lap due to a spin ahead for Pierre Gasly.
A strong start was made by the Dutchman; however, his race came to a premature end at Turn 3 on the first lap after being taken out by Kimi Antonelli.
It has left Verstappen 61 points adrift of McLaren, whose pace advantage increased considerably at the Red Bull Ring.
Red Bull does have an upgrade awaiting introduction, although Verstappen has quickly shot down any high expectations.
When asked by select media, including RacingNews365, if Red Bull has something coming, Verstappen answered: "It's coming. Is it enough to challenge McLaren? I'm not sure. Probably not.
"But I also don't want to sound depressed or whatever. I know that everyone in the team always gives it 100% and we keep pushing, keep learning, keep trying to bring more performance to the car, and that's the only thing that we can do."
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Was Verstappen's DNF 'painful'?
Verstappen's retirement in Austria marked a horrific home race for Red Bull, who sit fourth in the constructors' standings.
It has enjoyed so much success in its home race over recent years, with the four-time world champion recognising that change happens in F1.
Discussing if it was a painful race to retire from, Verstappen explained: "Well, yes, and no, painful because, of course, the fans.
"But at the same time, I never look at it like that, because, of course, we had a lot of success here, but every year for me is different, because cars change, tyres change as well.
"So you can't say that, oh, because we were good the last few years at this track it should be no problem, it will be good.
"There are always so many factors that come into play that you have to nail to be competitive, and clearly we were not."
Also interesting:
Join RacingNews365's Ian Parkes, Sam Coop and Nick Golding, as they look back at the Austrian GP but also take a look ahead to Silverstone. Max Verstappen's title chances are a lead discussion, as is whether Lando Norris can for the first time this year secure back-to-back wins.
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