International press on Verstappen: 'Another direct hit in face of Mercedes'

Max Verstappen showed at the Styrian Grand Prix that Red Bull Racing has a good chance of winning the world championship. A day later the international press praised the Dutchman.

"Max Verstappen is an earthquake that shakes the foundations of Mercedes and Lewis Hamilton's dream of an eighth title to break Michael Schumacher's record."

"Another direct hit in the face of Mercedes, which has no intention of giving up the crown, but now a little staggering. On the A1 Ring of Zeltweg, Max Verstappen and Red Bull are still knocking hard and after the triumph of Le Castellet, here is the success in the GP of Styria."

Sky Sports stressed that Mercedes are under pressure this season. "This underlines the extent of their success in the era of the turbo-hybrid engine and is the first time since 2013 that Mercedes has gone four races without a win."

"Only a problem with the brake pedal, caused by the vibrations on the aggressive kerbs, caused a brief increase in the heart rate at the command post. But in the end, Hamilton only had the chance to score the bonus point for the fastest race lap with an extra stop and to do damage control."

Finally, L'Equipe felt that the battle was now truly on. "Max Verstappen's victory in the Styrian Grand Prix on Sunday confirmed an increasingly favourable dynamic for Red Bull against Mercedes and Lewis Hamilton. A first since 2013."