Red Bull encountered engine and balance problems during Friday practice at the Austrian Grand Prix while testing a major upgrade package for the RB22.
Max Verstappen finished fourth in both FP1 and FP2 at the Red Bull Ring, more than half a second behind pacesetter Kimi Antonelli. The four-time world champion and teammate Isack Hadjar reported issues in Turn 3, where the power unit lost revs at the apex.
Verstappen described the handling as hit-and-miss. He said the rears were grabbing and locking up, forcing drivers to guess the grip level before throttle application created wheelspin.
Technical director Pierre Wache confirmed an engine management problem that the team must address before qualifying. He noted that the extensive upgrade, which includes a revised floor, sidepods and weight reduction, has altered the car's characteristics.
Team principal Laurent Mekies hopes the package will cut the deficit to the leaders from four or five tenths to two or three tenths. Hadjar said the car felt easier to drive in FP2 but remains off balance.
