Verstappen already resigned to the performance of the Mercedes?

Mercedes et Toto wolff say they fear an aftershock Red Bull in Budapest but the words of Max Verstappen ahead of the Hungarian GP are not enough to make the German clan tremble, where we always have the impression that their concern is a sign of forced politeness. As if the star manufacturer was almost apologizing for insolently dominating the Grand Prix scene since 2014.

The Red Bull driver cannot afford such language and is content to note the harsh reality, namely that Mercedes remains the reference in the field, including in terms of engines where the Brixworth department (United Kingdom) has still improved an already ultra-successful product. Max Verstappen almost joked about it this Thursday in Budapest.

“I could tell you a beautiful story, started the eight-time Grand Prix winner. I could tell you that the Red Bull Ring was a demanding circuit for the propellers and that there are fewer straights here.

I could remind you that last year we were in pole position and that we had a good 2nd place so I can't wait to get back on the track because I think we have a real chance of winning. I could make the sauce rise you see.

Except that's not my type. So we will start by doing free practice to improve and optimize the car and we will see where we are after that.”

The Dutchman is not the type to admit weakness but his words challenge and contrast with the deliberately optimistic speeches of his boss Christian Horner, always quick to praise the progress shown by the Honda-powered RB16.

Verstappen, however, was keen to salute the work carried out by Red Bull between the two Austrian weekends, in particular to offer a car less capricious. But he also points out the lack of punch of the single-seaters bearing the Red Bull on the straight sections.

“All cars are difficult when you take them to the limit, said the Flying Dutchman. What really matters is consistency, but during the first race weekend in Austria the situation was a bit tricky, resulting in several spins on our part. During the second test, the balance was much more satisfactory. We managed to refine the working base.

Mercedes is still ahead of us so it will be difficult to catch up with them but let's see what we can do. We can also adjust a couple of things on the engine.

Afterwards, when we look at their on-board camera, we can see that the car is particularly stable and predictable. They can throw the car around corners and it doesn't flinch. I would like to be closer to them but everyone works their butt off. We are not twiddling our thumbs.”

Neither does Mercedes. The Brackley team (United Kingdom) pushes the limits of excellence a little more every year. To the great dismay of Verstappen and his team, although they are also terribly competent.