Max Verstappen encouraged despite Austria defeat as Red Bull move in the right direction

The four-time Formula 1 world champion charged through the field with three decisive overtakes in the opening laps before settling into a race-long pursuit of George Russell. Despite closing to within 1.5 seconds at the chequered flag, Verstappen was unable to find a way past the Mercedes driver, who claimed victory at the Red Bull Ring.

2026 Formula 1 Championship leader Kimi Antonelli completed the podium in third, but Red Bull left its home race convinced it has finally found a package capable of taking the fight to Mercedes and Ferrari.

Verstappen admitted tyre management became the defining factor after an exciting opening phase, with balance issues creeping into the car during the second half of the race.

"I think it was of course a very good race for us," Verstappen said. "The first few laps were quite fun, and after that it was basically about managing the tyres."

"I think the car was in quite a good window for the first half of the race, but afterwards we ran into a few issues. That prevented me from finding a nice rhythm."

"But still, to finish second and come so close to winning is extremely positive for us. Looking at it that way, I am very happy."

While Verstappen was encouraged by the performance, Mekies went even further, insisting Red Bull now has the outright pace to win races after months of chasing its rivals.

"The most satisfying element was the pace," Mekies said. "For the first time this season we have enough to win so a big credit to everyone back in Milton Keynes."

The Frenchman acknowledged more development work remains necessary as the championship battle intensifies.

"We know we need more as our competition will continue to bring updates but we are now within the last tenths needed to be on top of the podium," he added. "It is a move in the right direction."

Mekies also felt Verstappen may have had the fastest overall race pace, despite Russell converting pole position into victory.

"I think it is fair to say Kimi Antonelli was the fastest guy out there and perhaps Max Verstappen was a little faster than George Russell," he said.

"Starting positions do matter."

The result provides another encouraging sign that Red Bull's latest upgrades are beginning to deliver after a difficult start to the 2026 campaign.

Although Russell ultimately held on for victory, Verstappen's ability to stay within striking distance throughout the closing stages suggests the gap at the front has narrowed significantly.

With the championship heading into the next phase of the season and further upgrades expected across the leading teams, Red Bull leaves Austria believing it is firmly back in the fight for victories.