P1racenews AI automatic summary:
On the cusp of a PU penalty, Max Verstappen sustained a worrying engine glitch in the only practice session of the Austrian GP weekend.
Max Verstappen faced engine trouble during the practice session before the Austrian Grand Prix sprint weekend, but still managed to set the fastest lap time. Verstappen’s car slowed down on the start-finish straight due to engine issues, causing a red flag situation. He skillfully maneuvered his car back to the garage with the help of marshals after identifying the problem. The team quickly fixed a sensor issue on Verstappen’s car, allowing him to return to the track and set the fastest time. New track limit measures at the Red Bull Ring proved successful in preventing multiple infringements during the session. Despite initial Mercedes dominance, Verstappen ultimately topped the timesheets ahead of sprint qualifying, showcasing his competitive edge amidst potential engine concerns.