Verstappen and Red Bull Surprise Themselves With Strong Austrian GP Result

Max Verstappen drove from fifth on the grid to a stunning second place at the Austrian Grand Prix, giving Red Bull its strongest result of the 2026 season and the first concrete evidence that the team's latest upgrade package is moving the RB22 back toward the front. Even with persistent brake issues and rear instability, the four-time champion crossed the line just 1.6 seconds behind George Russell.

Why it matters:

Red Bull has endured a difficult 2026 campaign, and Verstappen's podium charge offered genuine hope that the Milton Keynes squad is finally clawing its way back into championship contention. Lewis Hamilton estimated the new upgrades could be worth as much as four or five tenths, a massive gain under Formula 1's current regulations that could dramatically alter the competitive order if reliability and setup follow suit.

The details:

• Verstappen's weekend was troubled from the outset. His RB22 stopped twice in the pit lane during Friday practice, and a qualifying crash left him starting only fifth.
• Race day brought more headaches. Verstappen battled brake problems and rear instability throughout, and at one stage reported that his rear suspension was no longer working as intended, costing him valuable lap time.
• The Red Bull Ring layout, with its long straights and heavy braking zones, played to the RB22's strengths. However, Verstappen still lost ground to Mercedes in the faster corners.
• Sister team Racing Bulls suffered similar issues, with Isack Hadjar also wrestling persistent brake problems throughout the weekend.

What's next:

Silverstone will provide a far sterner examination of whether Red Bull has genuinely turned a corner. The British Grand Prix demands excellence in high-speed aerodynamic performance, an area where the RB22 still appeared vulnerable in Austria. Teams often need a race or two to fully unlock the potential of new components under the current technical regulations, meaning the true extent of Red Bull's progress might not become clear until after this weekend.