Max Verstappen has voiced his frustration at Red Bull for being “all over the shop” this weekend after his run of five consecutive pole positions came to an end with Lewis Hamilton pipping him in qualifying for the Hungarian Grand Prix. Red Bull introduced a major new upgrade to their car for this weekend with early signs suggesting it would push them further adrift from the chasing pack.
But neither Verstappen or Sergio Perez were able to find the sweet spot in practice and even Q1 and Q2 indicated the former was in for a battle for pole. Both McLaren and Mercedes were looking quick and that proved the case in Q3 with Lando Norris and Hamilton pushing Verstappen.
The Dutchman was able to hold off the challenge from Norris, but Hamilton was able to put his Mercedes on pole for the first time in 33 races by just three-thousandths of a second. It’s the first time since the Miami Grand Prix back at the start of May that someone has been able to beat Verstappen in qualifying.
Starting from second still gives Verstappen every chance of clinching another victory on Sunday. But the two-time world champion called out Red Bull after the session for not being at their usual level.
He said: “I’ve been struggling the whole weekend to find a good balance – every session has been up and down. Today also in qualifying, it was really difficult. Q1, Q2 to feel confident, to really attack corners.
“I thought my first run in Q3 was quite good, but then second run, again no feeling. I tried to push a little more – you lose the rear, lose the front.
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