Verstappen honest about Red Bull chances: 'Not going to give people false hope'

Max Verstappen is not particularly hopeful regarding his chances in the Hungarian Grand Prix. The Dutchman had expected more from Red Bull Racing 's latest updates and therefore fears that McLaren - as in qualifying - will be faster.

Verstappen not hopeful for Hungary GP

Ahead of the Grand Prix weekend at the Hungaroring, Verstappen was still expressing hope for Red Bull's updates, but the Dutchman is now less positive. This is because despite all the updates, the RB20 is still not performing well enough according to Verstappen.

In qualifying, he saw both Lando Norris and Oscar Piastri finish ahead and he fears it will be no different in the race. "I don't know at the moment," he says when asked how he will try to beat the McLaren drivers. "But what can I do? We'll try the very best. Try to have a good stable balance with the car and I hope if I find that, I can follow them but I don't know"

Verstappen noted that McLaren was faster than Red Bull not only in qualifying, but also in the longruns. "My long runs have been okay but nothing fantastic or special. I think it's better to be realistic than sitting here and spreading false hope. But we'll see tomorrow. It is what it is," said a frustrated Verstappen.

This article was written in collaboration with Sophia Crothall.