Verstappen recognises costly Austrian GP ‘mistakes’

Max Verstappen has recognised that costly "mistakes" were made last weekend in the Austrian Grand Prix, with him targeting to bounce back at Silverstone. 

The reigning world champion was looking set for victory in Red Bull's home race, before being judged as having caused a collision with Lando Norris in the closing stages. 

Verstappen and Norris sustained significant damage from the clash, which forced both drivers to pit. As a result, Verstappen finished in fifth, despite also receiving a 10-second time penalty. 

It ended what was looking set to be a perfect weekend for the reiging world champion, who had topped every session prior to the race. His focus is now on scoring big points in the British Grand Prix, another Red Bull home race.

"It is another home race for the Team, so we want to make everyone at home back in the factory proud this weekend," said Verstappen. 

"Austria ended up not being the result that we were hoping for and there were a lot of things to take away from the race that myself and the Team can really analyse and work to improve on. 

"There were some mistakes in the race that really cost us, however, we have to look at the good moments that we had throughout the weekend, including winning the Sprint and being on pole twice. 

"We are analysing what we did right as well as what went wrong and it is the last race of a very busy triple header, so we want to come back fighting in Silverstone."

Special livery

As 2024 is Red Bull's 20th season in F1, the Milton Keynes-based team is running a special livery for its home race. 

The British GP is a celebratory weekend for Red Bull, with Verstappen wanting to use this as inspiration to respond to its Austrian GP disappointment. 

"This will be a special race, with a new customised livery on the car," added Verstappen.

"We want to come back stronger and are ready for the weekend in Silverstone, especially as it is the Team’s 20th year, which marks a celebration for us."