Four-time world champion Max Verstappen has a strong track record at the Red Bull Ring, having won there five times. With an upgraded car for Red Bull's home race in Austria, he’ll be aiming to add another victory to his name. However, he remains at the risk of receiving a ban for one race for too many penalty points.

Verstappen's teammate Yuki Tsunoda is usually too far to help him, and the 27-year-old's future is far from clear. When asked if he will stay on with the team for the 2026 season, "I don't think we need to talk about that," Verstappen said. "It's not really in my mind. It's just driving and trying to push the performance, you know. And then we focus on next year," he added.

Verstappen has a long-term contract through 2028, so the Red Bull seat should be the safest place for him. But the deal was made on the basis of performance, which could allow a move. On the other hand, Mercedes is yet to confirm the driver for 2026, and if things go well, it can turn out as an option for him.