Max Verstappen voices doubt over fresh Red Bull upgrades

Max Verstappen has voiced reservations over Red Bull's upgrades for the Austrian Grand Prix weekend as the team looks to take a step forward.

Red Bull currently sit fourth in the championship standings but is looking for a boost in form with new parts in Spielberg.

The car is nearing the end of its development cycle as team advisor Helmut Marko revealed complete focus could be placed on the 2026 car as early as the conclusion of the British Grand Prix next weekend.

Verstappen enters the Austria weekend buoyed by a second-place result in Canada last time out, as well as an upgraded floor.

But even with the new part on the car, Verstappen has questioned their ability to lift Red Bull back to the head of the pecking order.

“It's difficult, this season is a bit more complicated,” Verstappen told Kronen Zeitung. 

“Unfortunately, we're not as competitive as we'd like to be. But we're trying to maximise results. 

“Last weekend [in Canada] is a good example of that. We're getting updates to the car for the Red Bull Ring - hopefully, they'll help. But I'm not sure they'll be enough to win.”

Verstappen is the most successful driver at the Austrian Grand Prix, winning the event four times.

As the Dutchman looks to extend his record, he suggested he will need things out of his control to fall into place.

“In the hot weather, it gets very warm in the cockpit, even on your feet,” he said, previewing the warm conditions that are expected during the weekend.

“It's a physical challenge, especially on high-speed tracks.

“Of course, I need a bit of luck to win again. But I'll give it my all, that's for sure.”