Verstappen out of contention in the Sprint: disastrous start and doubts over updates

After sprint qualifying there was some optimism around Red Bull. Following a strong result in Austria, Verstappen lined up P3 after qualifying. A surprising result after free practice, but the gaps were small. Verstappen, George Russell, Charles Leclerc and the McLarens were all within a tenth. On Saturday it turned out that Verstappen had made the difference over that single lap.

The start of the sprint played out as it has so often this season for Verstappen: the Dutchman barely got off the line. After an okay start in Spielberg, Verstappen again lost four places, as did his teammate. Red Bull does not seem able to solve this problem, which is becoming painful as we approach the halfway point of the season.

In the yo-yo racing that followed, Verstappen looked briefly competitive, but once order was somewhat restored, he quickly dropped back. He could defend against Russell and Leclerc for a while, but ultimately lost those positions without a chance. Oscar Piastri kept Verstappen behind, but only just.

After a good result in Austria, it’s clear Red Bull has not yet made a major step forward. The updates were supposed to bring Red Bull closer to the front, and at the Red Bull Ring that briefly seemed to be the case. However, that was more down to Verstappen’s performance nearly securing the win than Red Bull actually being the second-best team.

Especially on a circuit where the engine is so dominant, concerns will be high for Red Bull. While all competitors are allowed to upgrade their power units under the ADUO rules, Red Bull Ford cannot because they are seen as the benchmark. Red Bull may have the best internal combustion engine, but the electrical part of the power unit falls short compared to Mercedes and Ferrari. That became painfully clear in the sprint and raises questions about whether Red Bull can change this at all in the short term. You suddenly understand why Red Bull is putting so much pressure on the FIA to revise the ADUO ruling, but for now that plea is falling on deaf ears.