Max Verstappen expressed satisfaction with Red Bull's upgrades at the Austrian Grand Prix, where he secured his second podium of the 2026 season despite handling issues that limited his challenge for victory.
Verstappen finished on the podium behind winner George Russell after a competitive race at the Red Bull Ring. He cleared Lewis Hamilton in a wheel-to-wheel battle and applied pressure on the Mercedes driver, forcing an earlier pit stop.
The Dutch driver noted that a revised RB22 allowed him to fight for the win for the first time this season. However, rear axle handling problems in the second half of the 71-lap race reduced his pace on bumps and kerbs.
"What was satisfying is that this was the first time I felt like actually I could fight for the win," Verstappen said. He added that the team had worked hard on the upgrades, calling the result a positive step forward.
Verstappen also mentioned that staying out longer before his final stop was not the ideal strategy, though he acknowledged the overall effort as a good race result.
