The Milton Keynes-based team is preparing to introduce what is expected to be its most significant development package since the Miami Grand Prix, and it will do so at its home circuit, the Red Bull Ring. After a difficult start to the season, Red Bull has made gradual—if not spectacular—progress through previous upgrades, allowing Max Verstappen to secure a third-place finish in Canada and fourth place in Spain, with those results separated by a first-lap retirement in Monaco.
Expectations for the Austrian circuit
Austria holds special significance for both Verstappen and Red Bull. The Dutch driver reflected on the strong memories he has built at the circuit while highlighting the unique characteristics that make the Red Bull Ring such a demanding venue.
“Austria is naturally a home Grand Prix for the team. It has been a great track for me in the past and we have some very good memories there,” Verstappen said ahead of the weekend.
“It’s a very interesting circuit where all the high-speed corners are quite different from one another, so it is really important to achieve a good balance with the car. You need both high-speed and low-speed performance, strong traction and, now that some circuits are becoming increasingly energy-sensitive, it is important to work on managing that aspect as effectively as possible.”
Verstappen also expressed his excitement about the new developments Red Bull is bringing to Austria.
“We have a new package that we are bringing, so it is exciting to see how much lap time it can give us.”
Team-mate Isack Hadjar also commented on the arrival of the upgrades, stressing the importance of understanding and maximising their potential throughout the race weekend.
“We are bringing a new package to Austria and, as with any upgrade, the main objective will be to understand it and maximise its potential across the entire weekend,” Hadjar explained.
“Hopefully it will bring us closer to where we want to be and allow us to put on a strong performance in front of our home crowd.”
The team principal’s perspective
Red Bull team principal Laurent Mekies was more cautious when discussing the Austrian package, emphasising that it should not be viewed as a miracle solution.
“There is no doubt that the Austrian package alone will not be enough. We know we will need additional steps,” Mekies said.
“What is important is that we continue on the path we have followed since Japan, gradually reducing the gap. We are no longer talking about four tenths of a second and hopefully we can reduce it even further.”
Mekies also joked about one of the recurring topics surrounding the RB22: its weight.
“Eat less. That’s my plan. That’s my plan for Austria!” he laughed. “And hopefully we will become lighter there. Austrian food is very good, I know that. But the plan is to make the car eat a little less and put it on a diet.”
The Frenchman described the Spanish Grand Prix weekend as a valuable “reality check” for the team, admitting that Red Bull still faces deficits both in terms of power unit performance and chassis competitiveness.
“It is no longer about a single area. We need to find a bit of performance in medium-speed corners, high-speed corners and on the straights,” Mekies concluded.
With a major upgrade package arriving at one of the team’s most important events of the year, Austria could provide a crucial indication of whether Red Bull’s recovery is gaining momentum—or whether further developments will be required before it can consistently challenge at the front once again.
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