For the first time in six races, we saw a driver other than Max Verstappen take the pole position award. In fact, Lewis Hamilton’s pole position was only the second time a Red Bull car will not start on the pole. Hamilton spoiled the Red Bull party which might be more consequential than it looks from the surface. For the unaware, Red Bull is chasing a 35-year-old record that was set back in 1988 by two McLaren legends. Red Bull has tied this long-standing record thanks to Max Verstappen consistently dominating in 2023. However, despite his dominance throughout the season so far, the Dutchman might not be able to secure this record for Red Bull.
Back in 1988, Ayrton Senna and Alain Prost won 15 of the 16 races in the season. During their domination in 1988, they won 11 races in a row. Red Bull has achieved this feat starting their streak from the 2022 Abu Dhabi GP. However, for the Hungarian GP, the mighty RB19 might not be able to get him first over the line. Verstappen expressed this belief in his conversation with the media, as quoted by Formula Passion.
“The car was terrible. We didn’t expect to be in such trouble here, we suffered a lot in Q1 and Q2 and it was the worst balance I’ve ever had. All this is not due to the updates, the grip came and went even with the same compound. I tried to correct something but the front was like on ice. The sensations were really erratic, and it was difficult to make progress today,” said Verstappen. [Translated by Google]
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Verstappen’s prolonged dominance was always in question. However, with his performances, it was difficult to imagine. Although during the upcoming race, Red Bull and Verstappen’s fear might come true.
Max Verstappen does it believe overtaking Lewis Hamilton will be a cake-walk in the race
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The entire world of F1 is aware that RB19 is head and shoulders above the rest of the grid. However, Verstappen believes overtaking Hamilton will not be a cakewalk on the Hungaroring.
“The race? It will be very hot, it will not be easy to overtake,” said Verstappen. “Anyway, I finished second, however, we should be in front with the car we have. Tomorrow will depend on the temperature, it will be hot, so it will probably be more difficult to manage the rear tyres.”
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Now, everyone is aware Red Bull is the favorite to win the race. However, it will be interesting to see if Hamilton can spoil the Red Bull party for another day.
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