Red Bull concedes F1 title fight after Verstappen’s crash in Austria

Red Bull advisor Helmut Marko has conceded defeat in the Formula 1 title chase after Max Verstappen was eliminated from the Austrian GP following an incident with Andrea Kimi Antonelli.

Verstappen’s collision with Antonelli on the opening lap has left him 61 points behind championship leader Oscar Piastri — McLaren dominated the race with a 1-2 finish as Lando Norris claimed victory.

“We have some updates coming in the next two races, but this performance forces us to write off the championship,” Marko told Austrian TV ORF.

Red Bull boss Christian Horner emphasized the team’s focus is now solely on the upcoming Silverstone race — while acknowledging McLaren’s significant advantage over the rest of the field.

“We still have strength and depth in this team. This is the same group of people who 18 months ago designed a car that won every grand prix,” Horner added.