Austrian Grand Prix practice sessions show Red Bull struggles and Cadillac setbacks

During Friday practice for the 2026 Austrian Grand Prix, the Red Bull team introduced a development package that altered the RB22's side‑pod inlet, floor and rear aerodynamic elements, but technical glitches limited its impact. Drivers Max Verstappen and Isack Hadjar complained about the car, with Verstappen posting a fourth‑fastest time and Hadjar finishing 12th and 7th in the two sessions.

Cadillac faced a tougher weekend, with Sergio Pérez forced to stop early in the first session and Valtteri Bottas experiencing a fire after his floor‑panel detached. The American squad also struggled to adapt to the new Ferrari‑derived engine, despite receiving the updated fuel partnership. Mercedes and newcomer Andrea Kimi Antonelli recorded the quickest laps, while Ferrari’s Lewis Hamilton and Charles Leclerc both placed fifth in the first session, with Leclerc later finishing eighth.

The heatwave across the Red Bull Ring added to the challenge, prompting the FIA to issue a heat‑wave protocol and special cooling vests for drivers. While Haas and Cadillac have received the new Ferrari‑based power units, they have not yet fitted them to their cars for the Austrian round.