Max Verstappen Admits: Red Bull ‘Not Strong Enough’ to Challenge McLaren in Austria

Austrian GP Qualifying: Verstappen Concedes Red Bull Can’t Match McLaren After P7 Finish.

Max Verstappen admitted Red Bull was far from competitive after a disappointing P7 finish in qualifying for the Austrian Grand Prix, conceding McLaren was operating on “another level” following a dominant pole by Lando Norris.

At Red Bull’s home circuit in Spielberg, Norris delivered a blistering 1:03.971 to take pole, more than half a second clear of Ferrari’s Charles Leclerc. Championship leader Oscar Piastri locked out P3 for McLaren, capping a strong performance for the Woking-based team.

Verstappen’s final run was cut short by a yellow flag caused by Pierre Gasly’s spin, but the Dutchman didn’t use it as an excuse. “The whole of qualifying didn’t go well,” Verstappen said. “There was no corner where the car felt good. It wasn’t nice to drive at all.”

“We’re Not Strong Enough to Challenge McLaren”
Verstappen, a former winner at the Red Bull Ring and crowd favourite, was blunt about the team’s current standing.

“I don’t think we’re strong enough to challenge the McLarens. They’re just at another level. Hopefully we can be competitive with Ferrari or Mercedes tomorrow.”

Top 10 Qualifiers – Austrian GP
Lando Norris (McLaren) – 1:03.971

Charles Leclerc (Ferrari) – +0.521

Oscar Piastri (McLaren)

Lewis Hamilton (Ferrari)

George Russell (Mercedes)

Liam Lawson (Racing Bulls)

Max Verstappen (Red Bull)

Gabriel Bortoleto (Sauber)

Kimi Antonelli (Mercedes)

Pierre Gasly (Alpine)

While Leclerc remained optimistic about Ferrari’s long-run pace, Verstappen faces an uphill task to claw back positions on race day. His frustration was evident, but so was the reality: Red Bull may have a serious fight on its hands—not for victory, but for the podium.