Verstappen set for crucial Red Bull boost

Red Bull is set to unveil a significant upgrade package at the Hungarian Grand Prix later this month in a bid to fend off the threat from McLaren.

The Woking-based squad has steadily powered its way to the front of the field in recent weeks and is now challenging Red Bull and Max Verstappen at every track.

It marks a remarkable achievement for the team as until the Chinese Grand Prix in April, it appeared Red Bull would enjoy another dominant campaign similar to 2023.

"To be quite honest, at the beginning of this season the other teams were not as close as we expected," Red Bull's technical director Pierre Waché told de Telegraaf. 

"But it seems that the development of, certainly McLaren, and in certain areas also Mercedes, has been successful."

New Red Bull upgrade

The Spanish Grand Prix seemed the ideal time for the teams to introduce a new update, particularly as it is a circuit the F1 teams know in considerable detail, and which normally marks the start of the European season. 

Red Bull, however, did not do so, nor was there any significant update at Silverstone last weekend for the British Grand Prix, other than some changes to the floor that were described as "subtle".

"McLaren has taken a giant step forward since the beginning of May, in Miami,” Waché said. 

“It is true that the others have moved closer and we have to come up with updates, which can ensure that we regain the lead.”

It has emerged Red Bull does have another major update in the pipeline, to be introduced at the next race in Hungary, presenting Verstappen a chance to gain the upper hand in his fight with McLaren and Lando Norris.

The Briton is 84 points adrift of Verstappen in the drivers' standings, but McLaren is only 78 behind Red Bull in the constructors' championship.