Verstappen handed major Austrian GP boost after terrifying qualifying crash

The four-time world champion had seen his weekend take a significant upturn following Red Bull's upgrades to the RB22, particularly during the latter stages of qualifying. However, it all came crashing down when he lost control at the high-speed Turn 9 while on his final flying lap.

The heavy impact immediately sparked questions over whether Verstappen would be forced to run without some of the upgraded components on his car for the Grand Prix. However, GPblog understands that the crash has not left the Dutchman at a disadvantage.

Specifically, this website can confirm that the 28-year-old's car has been fully repaired and will race with the same upgrade specifications that were fitted before the accident.

Verstappen will start Sunday's race from fifth on the grid following the incident. However, one of the biggest talking points from qualifying was the controversy surrounding the yellow-flag procedure, with George Russell leapfrogging both Ferraris to claim pole position.

Earlier, Verstappen described it as "crazy" that double yellow flags were not deployed sooner after his high-speed crash at one of the fastest sections of the Red Bull Ring during Austrian Grand Prix qualifying.

The Dutchman spun into the barriers at Turn 9 on a lap that looked set to challenge for a front-row starting position. The delay in escalating the incident to double yellow flags allowed the two Mercedes drivers to complete their final runs. Kimi Antonelli mistakenly believed he had seen double-waved yellows and backed off, while Russell correctly observed only a single yellow flag and was able to complete a pole-winning lap, jumping ahead of the two Ferraris.

The decision not to immediately deploy double yellow flags has drawn criticism, given that Verstappen's stricken Red Bull was sitting in the barriers at one of the circuit's quickest corners. Asked for his reaction to the initial use of only a single yellow flag, Verstappen told GPblog and other media outlets: "I only heard about that now, that's quite crazy."

The incident also became a major talking point among the other drivers, with Antonelli admitting he "doesn't know why" double yellow flags were not shown immediately. Polesitter Russell, however, defended the decision, saying a single yellow was "correct".