Wolff: We hope to arrive to FP1 with the car in a happier place

Max Verstappen was dominant during the Styrian Grand Prix at the Red Bull Ring last weekend and will be hot favourite to repeat that result on Sunday.

Lewis Hamilton and Valtteri Bottas could only watch on from second and third respectively as the Dutchman dominated proceedings from pole to claim his fourth win of the season, with the seven-time world champion stating after the race that Red Bull are "just faster".

Verstappen holds an 18-point lead at the head of the drivers' championship, while Red Bull are 40 points clear in the constructors', but Wolff insisted that the title will not be decided after round nine.

"Last weekend, we maximised the opportunities available to us and despite not having the quickest car, took a solid double podium and a good haul of points," Wolff said.

"Every time we hit the track; we race to win. But, while we missed out on the top step of the podium last time out, there was still plenty to be encouraged by. Our drivers performed well, our pit stops were excellent, and our strategy calls were strong.

"We head back to the Styrian mountains this weekend with another big challenge on our hands but running on the same circuit on consecutive weekends brings opportunity too.

"We had an experimental Friday with the car set-up last weekend, and we hope to arrive to FP1 this weekend with the car in a happier place, ready to build from there.

"The tyre compounds are also a step softer this weekend, so that will bring a new challenge for all the teams and fresh possibilities in terms of strategy.

"This championship is a heavyweight contest over 23 rounds, and we're just over a third of the way through. There are many opportunities to come and it's still all to play for, so we're excited for round nine."