Formula 1 in Hungary - Verstappen speaks plainly after the Flucharace
From apologies for his outbursts, curses, and accusations towards his own team, Max Verstappen didn't want to hear anything about it. The three-time Formula-1 World Champion had criticized Red Bull's strategy during the Hungarian Grand Prix, among other things, and hadn't held back his opinion. Words had to be bitten back.
Verstappen: "Whoever isn't pleased, let them stay at home."
His race engineer, in turn, had had enough of Verstappen's complaints towards the end of the race and indirectly referred to them as childish over the radio. "I don't think we need to apologize," said Verstappen after the race: "I think we just need to do a better job."
And he wasn't finished yet. "I don't know why people think you don't have to be clear over the radio," emphasized Verstappen to Sky Sports F1 in England: "That's Sport. Whoever isn't pleased, let them stay at home."
The three-time champion and current leading WM contender himself counts this behavior, as well as his verbal spats with his race engineer Gianpiero Lambiase, among nothing new. New or at least unusual for Verstappen is that he is not the only competitive force at Red Bull.
The McLaren, with which Oscar Piastri and Lando Norris managed a double victory on the Hungaroring, is currently the faster car. Mercedes with the third-place finisher Hamilton in Hungary is right behind and Ferrari is pushing.
Next stop: Spa-Francorchamps, Verstappen's almost home race
And so Verstappen appears on the track again, looking aggressive and irritable, no longer as controlled and untouchable as before. Already next weekend at the Fast-Heimrennen in Spa-Francorchamps - Verstappen's mother is Belgian - it will be shown whether this is just a snapshot or the new status quo in the WM fight for the rest of the season.
Max Verstappen's dissatisfaction with Red Bull's strategy during the Formula 1 Grand Prix of Hungary was quite apparent, leading to heated exchanges with his team. Despite the criticism, Verstappen refused any apologies, stating, "I think we just need to do a better job."
The Hungarian Grand Prix saw a double victory for McLaren's Piastri and Norris, with Mercedes-Benz and Lewis Hamilton finishing third. This strong performance by Mercedes poses a challenge for Red Bull and their Formula-1-World-Champion driver, Verstappen.
Verstappen's aggressive demeanor and irritability on the track have become noticeable since the Hungarian Grand Prix, deviating from his previous controlled and untouchable image. This new attitude is set to be tested at the upcoming Formula 1 GP of Belgium in Spa-Francorchamps, a race close to Verstappen's heart as his mother is Belgian.
The International Motorsport scene is closely watching the battle between Red Bull, Mercedes-Benz, and Ferrari, with Verstappen firmly positioned as the leading WM contender. His performances at the upcoming Belgian Grand Prix will significantly impact the rest of the Formula 1 season.
Despite his outbursts and accusations, Verstappen remains determined, embodying the spirit of sport. "Whoever isn't pleased, let them stay at home," he famously said, emphasizing the need for clear communication over the radio during the race in Budapest.
Red Bull, Mercedes-Benz, and Ferrari are all gearing up for the GP Hungary and the rest of the Formula-1 season, with Verstappen's Red Bull Racing team striving to regain their form following the Hungarian Grand Prix controversies.
The Formula-1 world is in the midst of a thrilling period, with each race offering anticipation and excitement, including the upcoming Formula-1 GP of Belgium, known as the Fast-Heimrennen in Spa-Francorchamps.
