Max Verstappen heads to the Red Bull Ring for the Austrian Grand Prix with high confidence. The Dutchman, who finished second in the previous race weekend in Canada, is aiming for a victory and a fifth consecutive pole position at the Spielberg circuit this weekend. The race is considered a true home game for Red Bull, which according to Verstappen makes the weekend extra special. His teammate Yuki Tsunoda is primarily focused on a good qualification.
“The Austrian Grand Prix is always a special race for the team,” Verstappen said in an official press release. “It promises to be an intensive program, but it’s always nice to feel the support at the Red Bull Ring, especially from the Orange Army stands,” he referred to the many Dutch fans who will travel to Austria this weekend. In honor of this first race in front of a home crowd, the four-time world champion will start with a special helmet. “This weekend I’m wearing my special Orange Lion helmet, which combines the orange and blue of Red Bull and has a lion in the design,” he explained.
Momentum from Montreal
Verstappen hopes to carry the momentum from the recent Grand Prix in Montreal to Austria. “We have worked hard to complete the improvements to the car,” he concluded. “Moreover, I find the Red Bull Ring a fun circuit to drive on – it’s short, but at the same time offers good overtaking opportunities. We hope to qualify well and then perform strongly in the race.”Yuki Tsunoda, teammate and first-time driver in a Red Bull vehicle, also describes the weekend as ‘special’. “As a Red Bull driver, this feels extra special,” the Japanese driver stated. “You feel the support of the fans every time you leave the pit. I can’t wait to drive this home race.” Tsunoda has had a few tough weeks, but is determined to achieve a better result this coming weekend. “These have been difficult weeks for me, but I am determined to start from a better position,” he concluded. “That’s what my team deserves. Saturday will be crucial again, but we have done everything possible to ensure we qualify well.
