Max Verstappen delivered a strong performance at the Austrian Grand Prix on June 2026.
What happened?
He started the race from fifth after a loss of the rear axle in qualifying, but managed to overtake both Kimi Antonelli and Charles Leclerc.
Max Verstappen was in George Russell's mirrors right up until the last pit stop, after which the team decided to stay longer on track.
Red Bull strategy underdelivers for Max Verstappen
The decision to delay the attack for the win until the very end of the race has been questioned, given Verstappen's faster pace compared to Russell.
By Lap 19, the gap dropped to five seconds, and the team tried to reduce this deficit with an undercut.
The battle with Lewis Hamilton
Verstappen lost time in a battle with Lewis Hamilton, while Russell increased the gap, which Max would later reduce after overtaking Lewis.
On Lap 42, he found himself within one second of the deficit, forcing George to go for his second change earlier than planned.
What comes next?
The reason for Red Bull's decision will be clearer when considering Antonelli's pace during the period from Lap 25 to 50 of the race.
Antonelli was on a level above in terms of pace compared to both drivers, but he was also on five laps fresher tyres.
Max Verstappen's pace was even better compared to Russell in the second stint, with an average of 0.15 seconds per lap faster.
The Austrian Grand Prix showed that Max Verstappen is a force to be reckoned with, and his performance will be closely watched in the upcoming races.
On June 2026, Max Verstappen finished the Austrian Grand Prix with a strong performance, despite the team's strategy raising questions about the win.
The heavily upgraded Red Bull and Max Verstappen's exceptional race pace made them a threat to Mercedes.
Max Verstappen's battle with Lewis Hamilton was a highlight of the race, with the two drivers delivering a fantastic battle on Lap 11.
The friction between Max Verstappen and Lewis Hamilton was palpable, even behind the screen.
The Austrian Grand Prix was a testament to Max Verstappen's skill and determination, and he will be looking to build on this performance in the upcoming races.
Max Verstappen's performance at the Austrian Grand Prix has set the stage for an exciting season, with the driver looking to challenge for the top step of the podium.