Red Bull plan major car upgrade to prevent Max Verstappen departure
Red Bull will introduce their biggest car upgrade in years at this weekend’s Austrian Grand Prix in a final attempt to prevent four-time world champion Max Verstappen from leaving the team.
The 28-year-old has endured a frustrating start to the 2026 Formula One season, securing just one podium finish in the opening seven races.
Speculation over the Dutchman’s future has intensified after he reportedly rejected an offer to extend his contract until 2032.
Exit clause threatens Red Bull future
Reports suggest the reigning constructors’ champions are facing a race against time due to a performance clause in their leading driver’s current deal.
This stipulation allegedly allows him to walk away ahead of the 2027 campaign if he is not within the top two of the drivers’ championship by the summer break.
Sitting in seventh place with just 55 points, the former title-winner is currently 60 points adrift of second-placed Lewis Hamilton.
Mercedes rookie Kimi Antonelli currently commands the championship standings with 156 points following an era of renewed dominance for the German manufacturer.
Weight reduction key to Austrian upgrade
To arrest their alarming slump, the Milton Keynes-based outfit are preparing an extreme overhaul of the RB22 chassis for their home race in Spielberg.
The highly anticipated modifications will represent the Austrian manufacturer’s biggest update in years.
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Engineers are aiming to significantly reduce the overall weight of the vehicle to meet the strict 768kg minimum limit.
Team management hope this drastic development will close the gap to their rivals and restore confidence within their camp.
A recent resurgence from Ferrari, highlighted by Hamilton’s milestone victory in Barcelona, has further emphasized the urgent need for improvements at Red Bull.
