Max Verstappen has performed down options that Pink Bull’s efficiency on the Austrian Grand Prix will determine his F1 future.
Pink Bull will introduce a major improve package deal to its dwelling race at Spielberg in a bid to considerably enhance the workforce’s fortunes after a tough begin to the 2026 F1 season.
Verstappen heads into the eighth race of the season in seventh place within the drivers’ standings with 55 factors. The Dutchman, who’s greater than 100 factors behind championship chief Andrea Kimi Antonelli, just isn’t excited about combating for the title.
Pink Bull brings large improve to Austria
The four-time world champion’s future has been the topic of hypothesis for a while, nevertheless it has intensified after it was revealed that his contract till 2028 features a clause that will enable him to depart Pink Bull early if he finishes second or worse within the championship by the summer season break in August.
However Verstappen rejected the concept that his future would rely upon upcoming races.
“I feel it is crucial for us as a workforce,” Verstappen informed the media. crash web After I was requested that actual query. “We wish to enhance from the place we began the season to the place we wish to finish it.
“We all know we’re missing in efficiency, so it is essential that we attempt to enhance the automobile. I feel that is what everybody desires.”
Verstappen admitted after Barcelona that Pink Bull presently feels just like the “fourth workforce” on the F1 grid. Pink Bull are making enhancements, however they nonetheless have work to do to get again into the struggle for wins.
“Nicely, let’s have a look at, proper? It is onerous to reply that proper now. We wish to be a greater workforce as a result of we do not like being the fourth-best workforce,” he mentioned when requested how a lot endurance he has.
“That’s what we’re engaged on proper now.”
Verstappen within the Austrian paddock
The race is shifting at a quick tempo, with rivals consistently bringing new updates, and Verstappen is aware of Pink Bull might want to frequently enhance.
“That is a straightforward step to take if you find yourself thus far behind,” he mentioned. “Essentially the most tough one is at all times the final man who fights actually onerous to win. So let’s take into consideration how we are able to try this. To be in that struggle once more, I do not know.
“The workforce is at all times giving 100% and dealing onerous to make the automobile quicker, however we additionally know that different groups are at all times bringing upgrades as effectively.
“So we at all times must work onerous and discover a little bit bit extra to shut that hole. In Barcelona, it was clear that there was nonetheless a niche. Hopefully this weekend we’ll be a little bit higher.”
