Verstappen escapes Austrian GP penalty as Red Bull rebuild RB22 after heavy crash

The four-time world champion ended up in the barriers after spinning at Turn 9 on his final push lap, sustaining significant damage that required extensive repairs from the Red Bull team.

Ahead of the race start, the FIA confirmed the full list of changes made to Verstappen’s car. These included the left-hand-side rear-view mirror assembly, front wing and nosebox assembly, and the floor assembly (excluding the plank and skids).

Further replacements were also carried out on the rear wing assembly, steering column assembly, left-hand-side front suspension assembly, and power steering assembly. In addition, the steering wheel, gearbox assembly (including control hydraulics), both left- and right-hand-side rear suspension assemblies, left-hand-side sidepod, ICE water radiator assembly, TAG700 ECU, and associated parameter changes linked to the replaced components were all changed.

These modifications were completed in accordance with Article B3.5.4 of the 2026 Formula One Sporting Regulations, with Verstappen not receiving any penalty, as GPblog had previously reported. The remainder of the grid also starts in the position in which they qualified, with no driver starting the race from the pit lane.

In the aftermath of the qualifying controversy in Austria, George Russell holds on to pole position for the race, ahead of Charles Leclerc and Lewis Hamilton.

Championship leader Kimi Antonelli will start from fourth, while Verstappen and Lando Norris line up on the third row. Oscar Piastri and Isack Hadjar take seventh and eighth, respectively, with Liam Lawson and Arvid Lindblad rounding out the top 10.

GPblog had earlier noted that Verstappen will head into Sunday’s race without any limitations.

The Dutchman had shown strong pace throughout the weekend following Red Bull’s upgrade package to the RB22, particularly in the closing stages of qualifying. However, his session came to a sudden end when he lost control at high speed through Turn 9 on his final flying lap.

The heavy crash initially sparked concerns that Verstappen might be forced to run without key upgraded components for the race. However, it is understood that the damage has been fully repaired, meaning the four-time world champion will start the Grand Prix with the same specification he had before the incident.