Max Verstappen aims for another record as Red Bull head home

SPIELBERG – Formula One leader and two-time world champion Max Verstappen, 25, is bidding to become the most successful driver in Austrian Grand Prix history this weekend, as Red Bull plan a poignant “century” celebration on home ground.

The Dutchman, who leads the title race by 69 points ahead of teammate Sergio Perez, shares the record of three Austrian wins with four-time world champion Alain Prost.

Another win at the Red Bull Ring circuit would take him to four. It would be his seventh in nine races this campaign, as well as the team’s 101st as they return to Austria for the first time since owner Dietrich Mateschitz died last October.

“It’s going to be a bit special this time,” said team boss Christian Horner, referring to

having won their 100th race.

“It’s great to return to Austria with this run of form and results and with Max in such exceptional form.

“There will be a very big sell-out home crowd and a great atmosphere. They always put on a big show and this year will be the biggest of all.”

Verstappen has, in fact, won four times at Spielberg already as he won twice in 2021 when one of the two races staged there during the Covid pandemic

was called the Styrian Grand Prix.

“We always enjoy coming back to our home race in Austria,” he said.

“And I’m excited to try to add another trophy to the collection for the team. It’s the second sprint race weekend too and they are always more hectic and complex.”

A mass of support for the Dutchman is expected again with a vast “orange army” camped at the circuit. But, after reports in 2022 of racist, sexist and homophobic abuse among spectators, alcohol has been banned and security tightened.

Rain has also been forecast for much of the weekend, particularly Friday and Saturday, but it is unlikely to worry Verstappen who won the sprint race last season, although Charles Leclerc won

for Ferrari

in the grand prix itself.

That was Ferrari’s last victory and, after another disappointment at the Canadian Grand Prix, they are hoping to deliver a response this weekend and, at least, compete with Aston Martin and Mercedes for a podium finish.

Since that win by Leclerc, who has

made clear his dissatisfaction with Ferrari’s form and decision-making,

Red Bull have won 18 of the 19 contests, with Mercedes taking the other. Verstappen has won six of eight races this term, with Perez clinching the other two.

After recent improved results with their updated car, Mercedes’ seven-time champion Lewis Hamilton will seek to maintain his momentum as two-time champion Fernando Alonso aims for a seventh podium of the year with Aston Martin.

“I’m hoping that at some stage we can have things a bit more level between us,” said Hamilton, after finishing third behind Verstappen and Alonso in Canada.

“To have all three of us in a super-tight battle would be sick!”

The race also marks the start of what McLaren team principal Andrea Stella has signalled as a “major overhaul of the car” with further upgrades to come at Silverstone and in Hungary.

“At the start of the season, we realised the car needed a fundamental redesign,” he said in Montreal. “I would say, pretty much every single aerodynamic part.

“We had to redesign even some parts under the bodywork. That’s also why it took some time to be in condition to deliver these upgrades.”

Further back, Williams will have upgrades for Logan Sargeant that only Alex Albon had in Canada.

“This track is another one that should suit our car more than some other circuits,” said Sargeant.

“With this format being a sprint weekend, coupled with the rain, it’s all to play for.” AFP, REUTERS