Max Verstappen addressed Red Bull's upcoming upgrade for the Austrian Grand Prix during Thursday's media day in Spielberg. The team plans a second development step after its Miami package to address performance shortfalls. Verstappen noted that further gains remain challenging.
Red Bull aims to halve the RB22's 12kg weight excess and introduce aerodynamic revisions, including updated sidepods, at its home race. Team principal Laurent Mekies targets a reduction in the lap deficit from three and a half to four tenths to around one tenth, though he stated the package alone will not suffice for victory challenges.
Verstappen said the initial steps taken since the season start have proven easier than those required to contend for wins. "The hardest step is always the last one, to really fight for the win," he told reporters, adding that the team continues to push for improvements while rivals also develop their cars.
The four-time world champion emphasized collective focus on closing gaps in downforce, grip, and balance. He declined to speculate on reassessing his position should Red Bull remain fourth fastest into the summer break.
