Red Bull faces challenges during first test of F1 upgrade at Spielberg
Autosport • 2 min read • Latest: Jun 26, 2026, 7:01 PM
Last updated Jun 26, 2026
During Friday practice at the Red Bull Ring in Spielberg, Red Bull Racing encountered difficulties with a crucial upgrade package for the RB22. Max Verstappen finished fourth in both sessions, over half a second slower than pace-setter Kimi Antonelli. Verstappen and teammate Isack Hadjar reported engine-related issues affecting balance, particularly in Turn 3, while technical director Pierre Wache noted that the upgrade's major changes have affected the car's characteristics. Both drivers expressed concern over the team's ability to extract optimal performance from the new components before qualifying.
- •Max Verstappen reports engine issues affecting performance in Turn 3
- •Red Bull's extensive upgrade has altered car characteristics
- •Verstappen and Hadjar highlight balance problems during practice
- •Technical director Wache emphasizes need for adjustments before qualifying
- •Kimi Antonelli topped practice sessions on Friday
- 7:01 PMAutosport — What's behind Red Bull's "hit-and-miss" issues during first test of crucial F1 upgrade?
- 6:58 PMMotorsport.com — Why Red Bull suffered “hit-and-miss” issues during first test of crucial F1 upgrade
- 6:58 PMYahoo Sports — Why Red Bull suffered “hit-and-miss” issues during first test of crucial F1 upgrade
"Red Bull did not yet get a clear picture during Friday practice in Spielberg of what Max Verstappen described as a “crucial” upgrade package for the RB22. The Dutchman finished fourth in both sessions at the Red Bull Ring, eventually ending up more than half a second behind pace-setter Kimi Antonelli. Read Also: Formula 1F1 Austrian GP: Antonelli completes perfect Friday by ...Keep reading
"Red Bull did not yet get a clear picture during Friday practice in Spielberg of what Max Verstappen described as a “crucial” upgrade package for the RB22. The Dutchman finished fourth in both sessions at the Red Bull Ring, eventually ending up more than half a second behind pace-setter Kimi Antonelli. Read Also: Formula 1F1 Austrian GP: Kimi Antonelli tops FP2 to complete ...Keep reading
"Max Verstappen and Isack Hadjar both complained about engine-related issues in Turn 3, while Pierre Wache explained why Red Bull struggled to find the right balance with its extensive Austria upgrade
Sources
External links- AutosportJun 26, 2026, 7:01 PMWhat's behind Red Bull's "hit-and-miss" issues during first test of crucial F1 upgrade?
Red Bull did not yet get a clear picture during Friday practice in Spielberg of what Max Verstappen described as a “crucial” upgrade package for the RB22. The Dutchman finished fourth in both sessions at the Red Bull Ring, eventually ending up more than half a second behind pace-setter Kimi Antonelli. Read Also: Formula 1F1 Austrian GP: Antonelli completes perfect Friday by ...Keep reading
- Motorsport.comJun 26, 2026, 6:58 PMWhy Red Bull suffered “hit-and-miss” issues during first test of crucial F1 upgrade
Red Bull did not yet get a clear picture during Friday practice in Spielberg of what Max Verstappen described as a “crucial” upgrade package for the RB22. The Dutchman finished fourth in both sessions at the Red Bull Ring, eventually ending up more than half a second behind pace-setter Kimi Antonelli. Read Also: Formula 1F1 Austrian GP: Kimi Antonelli tops FP2 to complete ...Keep reading
- Yahoo SportsJun 26, 2026, 6:58 PMWhy Red Bull suffered “hit-and-miss” issues during first test of crucial F1 upgrade
Max Verstappen and Isack Hadjar both complained about engine-related issues in Turn 3, while Pierre Wache explained why Red Bull struggled to find the right balance with its extensive Austria upgrade
Original reporting and copyright belong to the linked sources. SportsNewsReport.com aggregates and links — it does not republish full articles.
Related Stories
Last 14 days- F1•Jun 26, 2026, 7:24 PMKimi Antonelli leads Austrian GP long runs as Ferrari upgrade falls flat
- NASCAR•Jun 26, 2026, 6:52 PMBubba Wallace’s NASCAR Car Is Getting a ‘Space Jam’ Makeover in Chicago
F1•Jun 26, 2026, 6:10 PMMercedes welcome Niki Lauda's family at F1 Austrian GP: "A legacy that lives on"- NASCAR•Jun 26, 2026, 5:54 PMNASCAR Teams Up With The Rolling Stones for First-of-Its-Kind Collaboration
F1•Jun 26, 2026, 5:17 PMFord’s Formula 1 return builds momentum and results
WEC•Jun 26, 2026, 4:43 PMNeil Verhagen wants Paul Miller Racing to chase a bigger IMSA prize
