Is Max Verstappen being forced to overdrive Red Bull's cumbersome RB22?

The four-time Formula 1 World Champion was on a strong final flying lap in Q3 at the Red Bull Ring when he suddenly lost control of his RB22 at Turn 9, crashing heavily into the barriers. Although Verstappen climbed out unhurt, the accident left him P5 on the grid for Sunday's race.

George Russell ultimately secured pole position for Mercedes ahead of Ferrari duo Charles Leclerc and Lewis Hamilton, while Verstappen was left wondering what caused the sudden loss of control.

Reflecting on the incident, the Dutchman explained: "In that lap, on Turn 6, there was a big moment on entry. It is a bit weird as I have not had something like that all weekend. Then, in Turn 9, it was immediately gone. Not a small correction but full-lock off. That is a bit odd, so we will have look."

While a front row start at least seemed likely on his last flyer, modestly, Verstappen believed a place on the second row was realistically within reach before the shunt. It's a shame as realistically we could have been P3. But getting off the line is hard for us so even P3 we might drop to P5."

Red Bull introduced a significant upgrade package for its home event, but Verstappen said the team still has work to do: "We will have to see. On this track the laps are very short, so naturally a lot of people were close."

"There are still some things we want to understand from the package, some that worked well and some not so well, and work from there," added the Dutch ace.

In the other Red Bull Isack Hadjar could not match his teammate's final pace and ended eighth fastest, a couple of tenths down on Verstappen's first and ultimately best effort.

With overtaking traditionally difficult around the Red Bull Ring despite its long straights, Verstappen now faces a challenging recovery drive from fifth as he looks to fight his way onto the podium in front of Red Bull's home crowd.
(Reporting by Agnes Carlier from Red Bull Ring)