Juan Pablo Montoya expects lighter RB22 to boost Red Bull’s performance in Austria. Montoya predicts Red Bull breakthrough with major Austria upgrades.

Max Verstappen’s future remains a key topic

Formula 1 is heading to the Austrian Grand Prix, Red Bull’s home race and an important event for the Milton Keynes-based team. Despite having what the FIA has identified as the best internal combustion engine on the grid, Red Bull has so far been unable to achieve more than a third-place finish, secured by Max Verstappen in Canada, as its best result of the 2026 season.

The RB22’s main issue since the start of the campaign has been its excess weight. That disadvantage has limited the car’s overall performance and prevented Red Bull from fully exploiting the potential of its package. However, team principal Laurent Mekies has already confirmed that important upgrades will arrive for the Austrian Grand Prix.

Dutch journalist Erik van Haren, writing for De Telegraaf, has reported that the most significant changes will be related to weight reduction, with the RB22 finally expected to move much closer to the minimum weight limit required by the regulations.

Montoya expects a major Red Bull step forward

According to Juan Pablo Montoya, Red Bull’s resurgence could become the next major storyline in Formula 1 following Ferrari’s breakthrough victory in Barcelona.

“What will be the next surprise? A competitive Red Bull,” the Colombian told Online Betting Site. “Red Bull has actually done a really good job. They have the best power unit.”

“Apparently, for Austria they are going to significantly reduce the weight of the car. That will be a crucial move, and I also assume that some additional upgrades will arrive.”

If the expected improvements deliver the gains Red Bull is hoping for, the Austrian Grand Prix could provide a much clearer picture of the team’s true potential and, at the same time, strengthen its position as it continues efforts to convince Max Verstappen to remain with the team for the future.