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Verstappen happy with updates for RB19: "Looks good"
The Hungaroring was always previously considered a 'Red Bull track' because of its many slow corners, yet Max Verstappen has only won once in Hungary. Last year, he grabbed victory and this weekend, with many updates to the RB19, Verstappen hopes to cross the line first again. In the press conference, the world championship leader looks ahead.
"They (the updates, ed.) look good. Normally makes the car faster but they look nice," insisted Verstappen. In what area should the car perform even better now? "Especially in the corners." So the twisty Hungaroring will immediately be a good gauge of whether the updates are having the desired effect.
Ricciardo definitely back in Red Bull family
That his friend Ricciardo is returning to Formula 1 is something Verstappen likes, even though he saw another friend have to leave the king class of motorsport. "I spoke already quite a bit with Daniel last week, I could see he was very excited. Also after of course driving our car, so yeah of course it's great to have Daniel back on the grid within the family."
He continued: "Of course on the other side I'm also good friends with Nyck, so it's also sad to see him go, but unfortunately that's also how this world works. I don't think there are any hard feelings between the drivers, that's just how it goes. You have to move on," Verstappen said of his compatriot's quick exit.
Verstappen aims for record(s)
Verstappen has won the last six Grands Prix, where Red Bull is still unbeaten as a constructor in 2023. If the Dutchman wins again in Budapest, he will match Michael Schumacher, Alberto Ascari and Nico Rosberg in the list of most wins in a row. Sebastian Vettel leads this 'ranking' with nine consecutive wins.
For Red Bull, a record is also looming. If an RB19 wins in Hungary, they will have won (with the 2022 Abu Dhabi GP) 12 races in a row. Currently, the Austrians share the record of 11 wins in a row with McLaren (achieved in 1988). "I I don't know, I'm honestly not really thinking about that, I'm just here to have a good weekend and of course I try to win, I'm not going into this weekend thinking we can win 12 races in a row. So yes, if we win that means we break that record, but it's more important that we win."