F1 News

Verstappen knew immediately he would pass Hamilton

Verstappen immediately felt he would pass Hamilton

24 July 2023 at 06:00
23
  • GPblog.com

Max Verstappen had a perfect Hungarian Grand Prix. While the Dutchman was ahead of Lewis Hamilton in qualifying, he made short work of Hamilton's Mercedes even before the first corner. Helped by a strong start with no wheel spin, he got away from the grid well, unlike at Silverstone, and then easily broke away from the field.

Verstappen perfectly off the mark

Verstappen took his seventh victory in a row in Hungary and already his ninth win this season. In the post-race press conference, the Red Bull driver looked back at his start and the moment he took over the lead in the race. "When I released the clutch, I immediately felt like I was going to pass him [Hamilton]. I had no wheel spin like at Silverstone, so yes, a good run," Verstappen said.

The start with no wheel spin meant Verstappen positioned himself right next to Hamilton. "Of course I knew then that I would have the inside at the first corner. We both braked quite late, but I just did my thing. Also in turn two. From there I could slowly build the pace". Verstappen showed that by finishing with a lead of no less than 33 seconds over number two, McLaren driver Lando Norris.