Verstappen hit by early setback as Red Bull upgrade falters in Austria

As Red Bull introduced a major upgrade package to the RB22, the four-time world champion saw his running last barely five metres after the car temporarily stopped in the pit lane.

Verstappen reported over team radio that the clutch failed to release properly before the car went into anti-stall. He then required assistance from Red Bull engineers to push the car back into the pit lane. He was not the only driver to suffer problems, with McLaren also confirming issues on Lando Norris’ car. The team revealed they are investigating a suspected hydraulic leak, which delayed the British driver’s participation in running at Spielberg.

Soon after, Verstappen would again suffer another issue, this time stopping just in front of the Ferrari garage, with the team needing to wheel him back to the garage. Teammate Isack Hadjar also remains with his fair share of issues, with the French driver not yet able to join the action so far, and his car still on the blocks as engineers and mechanics continue to work on it.