F1: Verstappen chasing more records for Red Bull in Spielberg

Even though he already is, Max Verstappen hopes to become the most successful driver in Austrian Grand Prix history this weekend as Red Bull plan a big ‘century’ celebration on home ground.

The 25-year-old Dutchman, who leads this year’s title race by 69 points ahead of teammate Sergio Perez, shares the record of three Austrian wins with four-time champion Alain Prost.

Another win at the Red Bull Ring circuit would take him to four and be his seventh in nine races this year, as well as the team’s 101st as they return to Austria for the first time since the death of owner Dietrich Mateschitz last October.

Verstappen has already won four times at Spielberg- he won twice in 2021 when one of the two races staged during the restrictions caused by the Covid pandemic was called the Styrian Grand Prix.

“It’s going to be a bit special this time,” said team boss Christian Horner amid celebrations of the team’s 100th triumph at the Canadian Grand Prix.

“It’s great to return to Austria with this run of form and results, and with Max in such exceptional form.

“There will be a very big sell-out home crowd and a great atmosphere. They always put on a big show and this year will be the biggest of all.”

“We always enjoy coming back to our home race in Austria,” said Verstappen. “And I’m excited to try to add another trophy to the collection for the team. It’s the second sprint race weekend too, and they are always more hectic and complex.”