Max Verstappen signs today's comeback: “I would never have believed it”

Few people would have bet on this one. Stopped in his tracks by mechanical problems in qualifying and forced to start from 10^e place on the rack, Max Verstappen defied the predictions this Sunday. Well helped by the two-stop strategy put in place by Red Bull but also by the more than doubtful strategic choices of Ferrari, the reigning world champion managed to climb back through the peloton to claim the winner's trophy in Hungary.

« I never would have believed it this morning, admitted Max Verstappen, probably surprised to have been able to win even though the elements did not work in his favor before the start. I hoped I could get closer to a podium. The conditions were tricky but I think we implemented a very good strategy. We showed great reaction, stopping at the right time every time. Our exit laps were always good and despite a 360 I managed to win the race »

Max Verstappen wins the #HungarianGP 🇭🇺 after a magnificent comeback 🏆

🇳🇱 The Dutchman wins in front of the Mercedes, Lewis Hamilton and George Russell

👎 Ferrari failed its strategy Charles Leclerc. The Monegasque finishes 6th

▶ https://t.co/t7uFs3yVeh pic.twitter.com/F3ifoTCaGB

— CANAL+ F1® (@CanalplusF1) July 31, 2022

And yes, the road to victory was not easy for Max Verstappen. As in qualifying the day before, the Batavian once again encountered technical problems on his RB18 which did not make his task easier at the start of the Grand Prix. He even got scared when he lost control of his car in the penultimate corner achieving a nice figure, without consequences in the end.

« I was struggling with the gears and the clutchhe explained. We had to make some changes to simply not burn the clutch. It cost us a bit in performance and I think it surprised me coming out of the corner. Luckily it was a 360 and I only lost one place (facing Charles Leclerc). »

Max Verstappen spins 😱

He was very, very hot not to get off the track 🥵#HungarianGP 🇭🇺 | ▶️ https://t.co/t7uFs3yVeh pic.twitter.com/uscgr6TR7N

— CANAL+ F1® (@CanalplusF1) July 31, 2022

Not even slowed down by his beautiful pirouette, Max Verstappen signed a 8^e victory in 2022 and goes on vacation more than ever in the shoes of the leader. This success allowed him to relegate his runner-up Charles Leclerc to 80 points! Enough to enjoy a well-deserved rest.

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