Verstappen makes Red Bull admission as extreme Hungary challenge awaits

Max Verstappen is at risk of going three races without a victory at this weekend’s Hungarian Grand Prix.

Verstappen has set his sights on winning in Hungary but has warned Red Bull that “work” is required after a “tricky” race in Silverstone.

The Dutchman heads to the Hungaroring having gone two races without a win for the first time since mid-2022. If he fails to secure victory this weekend, it will be the first time since 2021 that he has gone three races winless.

McLaren and Mercedes are threatening Red Bull with impressive developments, putting the Milton Keynes-based outfit’s dominance at risk. In Silverstone, both rivals had stronger pace, leaving Red Bull in a rare third place in the pecking order.

Verstappen recognizes that Red Bull needs to extract more performance from the RB20 this weekend at the circuit often described as similar to Monaco but without the barriers.

“Hungary is an interesting track, and we are looking forward to racing there this week,” said Verstappen.

“The circuit is very narrow and twisty, with a very technical second sector; it will also be quite a bit warmer this week too,” said Verstappen.

“Silverstone was a tricky race for us. Although we made all the right calls, we still have a lot to work on and improve going into the second half of the season.”

Verstappen is the only driver to have won the Hungarian GP since the current regulations were introduced in 2022. He defeated both McLaren and Mercedes last season, who offered Red Bull a significant challenge – with Lewis Hamilton starting on pole position.

In preparation for the 13th round of the campaign, Verstappen has conducted positive simulator sessions and made his debut at the Goodwood Festival of Speed as part of a 20th-anniversary Red Bull celebration.

“I have been back at the factory with the team on the sim preparing for the upcoming race, which has been good,” Verstappen added.

“We have also been at Goodwood, marking 20 years of Red Bull and celebrating everyone who has been a part of the team’s history.

“Finally, we had a brilliant race in Hungary last year and have good memories here as we achieved 12 wins in a row. Hopefully, we can have a great race again this year and achieve another good team result.”

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