Max Verstappen Powers Red Bull to Record-Breaking 12th Consecutive Win at Hungarian Grand Prix
Max Verstappen delivered another outstanding performance on Sunday, securing a commanding victory at the Hungarian Grand Prix for Red Bull. From the moment the lights went out, Verstappen took the lead from pole-sitter Lewis Hamilton and maintained control throughout the race, showcasing a textbook drive from start to finish.
This triumph marked Verstappen’s seventh consecutive victory and his ninth win out of 11 races in the current season. It also marked a significant milestone for Red Bull as it became their 12th consecutive win, breaking a 35-year-old record. Previously, McLaren held the record with 11 straight wins in 1988, with legendary drivers Alain Prost and Ayrton Senna at the helm.
With this dominating performance, Verstappen solidified his position as a top contender for the championship, while Red Bull demonstrated their prowess as a formidable force in Formula 1. The victory adds to the team’s confidence and momentum as they continue their pursuit of success in the highly competitive world of motorsport.
Max Verstappen’s dominance at the Hungarian Grand Prix was evident as he finished a remarkable 33.7 seconds ahead of McLaren’s Lando Norris, securing his seventh consecutive victory in the current season. His teammate Sergio Perez also put up an impressive performance, securing the third spot on the podium.
Verstappen’s win not only showcased his exceptional driving skills but also extended his lead over his teammate Perez in the championship standings by a significant margin of 110 points.
Reflecting on Red Bull’s record-breaking 12th consecutive win as a team, Verstappen expressed his excitement and credited the collective effort of the team. He hopes that the team’s momentum will continue to propel them to further success in future races.
In the Hungarian Grand Prix, seven-time world champion Lewis Hamilton started from a record-breaking 104th pole position but was outpaced at the start. Despite his efforts, he finished in fourth place for Mercedes. Oscar Piastri in the second McLaren and Charles Leclerc in the Ferrari followed in the fifth and sixth positions, respectively.
However, Leclerc was penalized with a five-second penalty, which allowed George Russell in the second Mercedes to overtake him. Carlos Sainz finished eighth in the second Ferrari, followed by Aston Martin’s two-time champion Fernando Alonso and Lance Stroll.
Max Verstappen, after his commanding victory, expressed his joy and satisfaction with the race during his cool-down lap. He described the race as “unbelievable” and thanked everyone for their support. Verstappen praised his team and the performance of his car, which allowed him to secure the win.
Verstappen’s good start and impressive driving skills contributed to his success, and he enjoyed every moment of the race. With a fantastic car and flawless performance, he dominated the event, leaving his competitors trailing behind.
As the championship race continues, Verstappen’s form and determination make him a formidable contender for the title, and the excitement in the Formula 1 world is sure to continue as the season unfolds.
Lando Norris, who secured a podium finish, described the race as challenging, especially when he had to defend his position against Sergio Perez in the closing stages. He acknowledged that it was not easy to keep Perez at bay as he was catching up. Despite the tough competition, Norris was pleased with his performance and the team’s progress.
The race took place in hot conditions, with the air temperature reaching 30 degrees Celsius and the track temperature rising to 54 degrees. Such high temperatures significantly impact tire performance and can be a crucial factor in the outcome of the race. To cope with the heat, Max Verstappen took measures to stay cool, wearing an ice-packed vest on the grid and seeking shade under a parasol.
At the start of the race, Lewis Hamilton made a strong initial start, but Max Verstappen managed to squeeze through on the inside at Turn One, taking the lead. Both McLarens also capitalized on the opportunity and pushed Hamilton down to fourth place.
With Verstappen in the lead, he took control of the race, while Hamilton expressed disappointment for losing the lead after securing his record-breaking 104th pole position. Mercedes reminded him that the race was long, indicating that there was still plenty of time to recover.
The opening lap was eventful, with George Russell making impressive progress from 18th on the grid to 13th. Unfortunately, there was a collision between the two Alpines, resulting in their retirement from the race. Zhou Guanyu was penalized for pushing Daniel Ricciardo into Esteban Ocon, causing Ocon to collide with his teammate Pierre Gasly.
The early stages of the race were filled with action and drama, and the incident involving the Alpines and Gasly highlighted the intensity and competitiveness of Formula 1. As the race unfolded, drivers and teams had to remain focused and strategic to navigate the challenges and make the most of the opportunities on the track.
During the race, Red Bull executed a seamless pit stop for Max Verstappen on lap 23, fitting him with hard tires without him losing his lead.
Sergio Perez, showing great determination, made a forceful move to pass Oscar Piastri at Turn Two on lap 48. Meanwhile, Charles Leclerc received a penalty for speeding in the pit lane. Subsequently, Lewis Hamilton made a second pit stop, opting for medium tires.
Hamilton rejoined the race in fifth place, but he was nearly a minute behind Verstappen, who continued to dominate the race. With 20 laps remaining, Verstappen maintained an imperious lead ahead of Lando Norris, Perez, and Piastri. The Dutchman enjoyed a comfortable advantage, demonstrated by a luxurious 2.6 seconds pit stop on lap 51 before setting the fastest lap of the race as he powered towards the finish line.
Verstappen’s performance was nothing short of exceptional as he demonstrated his driving prowess and the strength of the Red Bull team. His consistent form and skillful maneuvers allowed him to secure a commanding victory, making it his ninth win in 11 races of the current season. The victory further solidified his position as a top contender for the championship and showcased his potential to dominate the world of Formula 1.
