Red Bull tackles major problem for Verstappen with secret test

Red Bull Racing has struggled with its starts throughout the season. For one reason or another, Verstappen and Hadjar often failed to get off the line cleanly when the lights went out.

At Silverstone, for example, Verstappen lost several positions off the line and was forced to fight his way back through the field with a series of overtakes.

With so many poor getaways already this season, it is clear that the problem lies with the RB22 and not with Verstappen or Hadjar. Therefore, Red Bull has worked hard to address this issue over the recent weeks. That effort also included a recent filming day at Silverstone, where Hadjar tested various start procedures behind closed doors.

It will only become clear on Sunday whether Red Bull has found a solution to its problems. Footage circulating online after Friday's two practice sessions, including clips filmed from the Spa-Francorchamps grandstands, showed solid starts from Verstappen.

It would be hugely important for Red Bull and Verstappen to finally get this issue under control. The Dutchman has repeatedly lost ground at the start this season, and once that happened, it proved too difficult to fight back against the Ferraris and Mercedes, even when the RB22 had the pace to challenge for a strong result.

Red Bull will no longer have the opportunity to work on its starts during filming days this season. Teams are permitted to hold two filming days per year, and the Austrian outfit has now used both of its allotted sessions.