Max Verstappen expects to underperform Ferrari in Hungary

In Hungary, Red Bull and Ferrari will engage in one last duel before the summer break. But at the Hungaroring, Max Verstappen believes he will struggle in terms of performance which should give the Scuderia an advantage.

Published on 28/07/2022 à 17:21

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Max Verstappen expects to underperform Ferrari in Hungary

Max Verstappen can secure his 8th victory of the season in Hungary. © Photo Germain Hazard / DPPI

The final episode of the battle between Red Bull et Ferrari before the summer break will begin on Friday in Hungary. If the 12th round of the championship promised a duel between Charles Leclerc et Max Verstappen, the Monegasque's error quickly ended the suspense. The world champion was then content to calmly manage his lead in front of Lewis Hamilton.

But arriving in Hungary, Max Verstappen expects to experience a more complex race than at Paul Ricard. “ It will be a little more difficult for us in terms of performance on a flying lap in particular », Explains the world champion. Historically, the Hungaroring has never really smiled on Red Bull. With only two victories acquired by Mark Webber in 2010 and Daniel Ricciardo in 2014, the bull brand often took pride of place.

This year again victory could elude them with the Scuderia who will be keen to bounce back after two missed Grands Prix. In Austria, the double engine explosion of Carlos Sainz cost a double podium and in France, Leclerc's error as well as the Spaniard's penalty prevented them from securing a top 3. I don't expect us to be terrible but Ferrari are going to be very strong, of course they have been all year but I think this is a circuit where they could be, let's say, very strong “, underlines Verstappen.

Rain as justice of the peace?

If Red Bull has less chance of competing with the Scuderia on a regular basis, another parameter could disrupt the duel. “ We'll see but obviously with the weather, I don't know what's going to happen and how much rain is going to fall. All of these things can come into play and can upset the results », recalls the world champion. This season, rain appeared twice during races in Italy and in Monaco. And each time, it was Red Bull who climbed to the highest step of the podium with Verstappen in Imola and Sergio Pérez in the Principality. So with the current weather forecast, the Austrian team could aim for a pass of three.

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