Max Verstappen questioned the timing of flag responses after his crash during qualifying at the Red Bull Ring. The FIA defended its procedures while George Russell secured pole position.
Max Verstappen lost control of his RB22 on the entry to Turn 9 during qualifying for the Austrian Grand Prix. The rear of the Red Bull stepped out, leading to a significant impact with the barriers. He later said he was physically fine, adding with a smile that he felt “as good as it can be.”
Verstappen stated that a single yellow flag was shown initially after his crash in one of the fastest sections of the circuit. He described the delay before double yellow flags appeared as “crazy,” believing double yellows should have been displayed earlier. The FIA explained that standard procedure was followed, with marshals displaying a single yellow flag immediately upon seeing him lose control. Race control upgraded the flags to double yellows 15 to 20 seconds later after assessing the danger.
George Russell, who took pole, said he did not see Verstappen’s car and assumed it had continued. He performed a significant lift under the single yellow and noted seeing green flags ahead. Russell said he was glad common sense prevailed and believed a single yellow was correct given the circumstances.
