Red Bull and Ferrari Set for Upgrades at Austrian Grand Prix
As teams prepare for the Austrian Grand Prix, both Red Bull and Ferrari are poised to introduce critical upgrades aimed at narrowing the performance gap to McLaren.
Max Verstappen, who finished second in the previous race in Canada, emphasized the need for enhanced performance to challenge for wins consistently. “Hopefully it gives us a bit more performance,” said Verstappen regarding the new components. He underscored that while a minor improvement is expected, he remains cautious of rival teams making similar advancements.
Yuki Tsunoda confirmed that only Verstappen’s car will feature the new upgrades in Austria, with an additional tweak anticipated for next weekend at Silverstone, as stated by Red Bull advisor Helmut Marko.
In line with the battle for supremacy, Oscar Piastri announced new parts on the front end of McLaren’s car to sustain their championship lead after a mid-season resurgence.
Ferrari, which has shown variable performance in 2025, is also rolling out updates, including a new floor. Team principal Fred Vasseur acknowledged the team’s progress while tempering expectations. Charles Leclerc noted that while the updates would not drastically elevate competitiveness, they aim to take incremental steps forward. “I don’t think that it will fundamentally change [overall competitiveness],” Leclerc remarked, recognizing the formidable presence of McLaren and Red Bull in the current season.
Lewis Hamilton, adjusting to his new position at Ferrari, echoed similar sentiments regarding the expected performance impact of the upgrades. He expressed optimism but acknowledged uncertainty about their effect on car balance. “We really don’t know the actual effect that it’s going to have,” Hamilton stated, looking forward to enhancements that could improve handling.
As teams converge in Austria, the significance of these upgrades may shape not only the outcome of the race but also the trajectory of the championship battles ahead.
