Budapest recently witnessed Verstappen’s seventh consecutive Grand Prix victory, where he overtook Lewis Hamilton at Turn 1 and quickly gained a 33-second lead over the second-place holder, Lando Norris.
The recent win of Verstappen, complemented by his teammate Sergio Perez’s rise from ninth to third, set a new record for Red Bull with 12 consecutive victories. This remarkable achievement surpassed the previous record established by the legendary McLaren MP4/4 in 1988.
The performance showcased by Verstappen driving the RB19 has left competitors seemingly in the dust, likened to Formula 2 cars by Mercedes’ Motorsport Chief, Wolff. Wolff is full of praise for Verstappen’s remarkable pace and credits it for the most significant winning margin of this season.
In a conversation with Sky Sports, Wolff acknowledged the merit-based nature of the sport and highlighted Max’s performance, stating, “We are set to fight back and win more races and championships, but today, the pace that Max demonstrated was unparalleled. It felt as if a Formula 1 car was competing against a field of Formula 2 cars. They’ve truly done an excellent job within the given regulations.”
Hamilton, despite a slower launch compared to Verstappen, managed to secure fourth place in the Mercedes line-up. At the same time, George Russell claimed the sixth position after starting in 18th place, owing in part to the newly trialled Alternative Tyre Allocation qualifying format.
Although the W14 traded its regular race speed for an improved one-lap performance, a swift final stint allowed Hamilton to gradually close in on Perez.
When questioned about the lack of qualifying speed, Wolff attributed it to Hamilton’s Saturday performance. He stated that while Mercedes had the second quickest car on the track, they were unable to capitalize on their speed. He added, “Verstappen’s pace sets the benchmark, and right now, we’re far from matching it.”
Additionally, Wolff stated that Hamilton’s poor start and possible errors in tyre preparation by Mercedes might have also impacted their performance. However, he remained optimistic, noting the team’s ability to significantly reduce the lap time difference towards the end of the race.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs) about Verstappen’s Grand Prix victory
Who won the seventh consecutive Grand Prix in Budapest?
Max Verstappen won the seventh consecutive Grand Prix in Budapest.
Which team broke the record for the most consecutive victories?
Red Bull broke the record for the most consecutive victories, surpassing the record previously held by McLaren MP4/4 in 1988.
What was Mercedes Motorsport Chief Wolff’s view on Verstappen’s performance?
Mercedes Motorsport Chief Wolff praised Verstappen’s performance, comparing the rest of the competition to Formula 2 cars when lined up against Verstappen’s Formula 1.
How did Hamilton and Russell perform in this race?
Hamilton, despite a slower start compared to Verstappen, secured the fourth place in the Mercedes line-up, while George Russell managed to finish sixth after starting the race in 18th position.
What factor does Wolff believe may have impacted Mercedes’ performance?
Wolff attributes Mercedes’ underperformance to a poorer start by Hamilton and possible errors in tyre preparation by the team. He also highlighted that they were unable to fully capitalize on their speed, despite having the second quickest car on the track.
More about Verstappen’s Grand Prix victory
- Max Verstappen’s Career Highlights
- Mercedes F1 Team News
- The Historic McLaren MP4/4
- Formula 1 Official Website
- Red Bull Racing F1 Team
5 comments
gotta say, kudos to Verstappen, but also, props to Russel for making it from 18th to 6th! What a race this was. F1 at its finest.
I just love Max’s aggresiveness on the track, he’s a real fighter! Mercedes need to step up their game or they’ll keep getting left in the dust.
Wow! Verstappen is just crushing it, isn’t he? Making the rest look like F2…That’s some statement from Wolff. Go Red Bull!!
It’s interesting to see the shift in power. Mclaren’s record was untouched for so long, and now Red Bull’s doing the impossible! This is why I love F1.
Hamilton had a tough start but we know he can bounce back. let’s hope Mercedes sort out their tyre issues soon.