Verstappen concedes Red Bull is “too slow" after Styrian F1 GP

Max Verstappen admits Red Bull has a lot of work to do if it is to challenge Mercedes on raw pace in the remainder of the 2020 Formula 1 season.

Verstappen was unable to challenge Lewis Hamilton for the victory, and was overtaken by Valtteri Bottas in the closing laps - despite his impressive defence of the Finn in the lap prior.

Reflecting on his first podium finish of the season, the Dutchman conceded Mercedes is simply too fast at the moment.

“We’re just too slow. I pushed as hard as I could to stay with Lewis. It’s not possible," he said. 

"We have some work to do. Of course with Valtteri I could see him coming - my tyres were pretty dead.

“Up until then, for me, it was a really boring race just seeing Lewis pulling away. I just tried to do it at my own pace. One lap of fighting with Valtteri was cool, but of course, I knew the lap afterwards he’d pace me anyway but at least a bit of excitement is good.’’

Verstappen believes Mercedes is ahead in both engine performance and chassis performance, stating that Red Bull has to improve in all areas if it is to have a realistic shot of the drivers’ championship this season.

“[We have to] keep on working, keep on improving the car but also the engine," Verstappen added. "We are clearly too slow on the straights as well. I think it’s a bit of both, that we need to work.’’

Verstappen now sits sixth in the championship, 28 points behind leader Bottas.