Verstappen has Started Second, Never from the Front in Hungary

Red Bull driver Max Verstappen has established himself as a record breaker. He has the honour of being the youngest driver to start a race, grand prix winner, podium finisher and point scorer.

But this time, another record beckons the 20 year old at the Hungarian Grand Prix this weekend. However, one feat has eluded him so far, namely, claiming pole position for a grand prix.

He has paid a visit to the front row, but never on pole position. However, given Red Bull’s fondness for Hungary, this is his big chance to tick that off the bucket list.

If Verstappen goes all the way in Saturday’s qualifying session, it will it be his maiden pole. As a bonus, he would also be the youngest pole-sitter in the history of Formula One.

The current holder of that honour is Ferrari driver Sebastian Vettel. At the time, he was 21 years and 72 days old at the 2008 Italian Grand Prix.

This weekend, Verstappen will be 20 years and 302 days old if he manages to snatch pole. Even if pole stays away from him this weekend, Verstappen has the opportunity to depose Vettel in the remaining nine races.

However, realistically speaking, this is as good a chance that he gets to achieve the record. This is because, the Hungaroring is a low-speed, high downforce track, something that Red Bull revels in. Here, there is more emphasis on aerodynamic grip than engine power.

Where Red Bull clearly struggle is in the horsepower department. The Renault power unit is not as fast as it’s rivals, Mercedes and Ferrari.

According to team estimates, they had a deficit of a second on the straights at Silverstone. The start-finish straight is the area where speed is the dominating factor. So Red Bull have a real chance of being in with a shout.

Red Bull dominated the only other track independent of power, Monaco in May. However, the victor was Daniel Ricciardo.