Verstappen warning issued ahead of Austria: ‘This track plays to his strengths’

This weekend, the Dutchman will return to the circuit where he has often excelled in the past, with Verstappen's excellent track record at the Red Bull Ring tallying five wins during his time in the pinnacle of motorsport.

Though he did not manage to win last year, he was involved in a fierce battle for the victory with title rival Lando Norris. That battle ended in a collision, after which George Russell came out unscathed and took a surprising victory.

But will the 'Max Verstappen factor' come into effect in front of the Orange Army' and play a leading role in 2025?.

"I reckon so," Palmer stated while on the F1 Nation podcast. "It's Red Bull's home race, they always go big, and Max has a huge amount of home support there as well, and it's a circuit that does kind of suit the Red Bull. That could well play to his advantage."

According to the former Renault driver, it is mainly the combination of the layout of the circuit and Verstappen's qualities that could make the difference as he looks to chase down Oscar Piastri and Lando Norris at the top of the drivers' standings.

"Last year, Max soared through those long, fast, sweeping corners. That's where he really made the difference. I think it will be a harder one, definitely for Ferrari, and maybe Mercedes as well. I'm expecting another battle between Max and McLaren," Palmer explains.

F1TV presenter Laura Winter also does not rule out that Verstappen will make himself stand out this weekend, despite the risks of a race ban, still sitting on 11 penalty points throughout this weekend in the Styrian hills.