Verstappen doesn't seem to mind rain: "It can throw everything upside down"
General
- GPblog.com
Max Verstappen is a fan of driving at the Hungaroring, so he looks forward to the Hungarian Grand Prix every year. Yet the Red Bull Racing driver has not had luck on his side in recent years in Formula 1. The Budapest track is one of the few circuits on the calendar where he has never won.
Verstappen's first encounter with the Hungarian track was in 2013 when the Dutchman came to test a Formula Renault. He found it a bit like a kart track, because it is very technical and challenging. When one mistake is made, you immediately suffer in the following corners. It will therefore be important in qualifying to put together a good lap.
When travelling to Hungary in recent years we have often heard that this 'should be a weekend that suits Red Bull'. The Red Bull vehicles have often been very strong in the corners in recent seasons, so the Hungaroring was always a highlight, but good results failed to materialise. Verstappen finished second twice, but that was as far as it went.
The chances of the reigning World Champion winning for the first time this weekend may be less than in other years. In 2022, it is the Ferrari that excels in the corners, while Verstappen and co. will have to rely on top speed. In Hungary, however, there is only one long straight so it promises to be a challenge for the RB18s.
Verstappen looks ahead
"We haven't really managed it here the last few years. We were never super-competitive, mainly because of Mercedes' dominance for years. Again, it will be difficult. Ferrari will be very strong here. They are almost unbeatable in qualifying this season and this circuit suits them," Verstappen is quoted by NOS.
Fortunately, the 24-year-old Dutchman can hope for rain. For Saturday afternoon there is namely a lot of rain on the schedule. "It will be warm and there will be rain, but we don't know how much. That will play a role. It can throw everything upside down."