Max Verstappen faces another challenge at the Hungarian Grand Prix, as he cannot rely on his teammate, Sergio Pérez. Verstappen is set to start from the third position, behind both McLarens. However, Pérez, after a crash in Q1, could only secure the 16th position. When asked about Pérez’s latest mishap, the three-time world champion skillfully dodges the question.
Sergio Pérez pushed his limits a bit too far on the kerbstones during Q1, ending his fast lap prematurely. The wet weather conditions caused Checo to slide off the track, finishing his Saturday afternoon against the wall. Verstappen, who not long after recorded the third time behind Lando Norris and Oscar Piastri, expresses sympathy for Pérez.
“I don’t want to say too much,” Verstappen said about Pérez’s early exit. “It’s a shame that it had to happen in Q1, he had a good weekend so far. I don’t want to say more about it, it was just very unfortunate.” The verdict on the 34-year-old Mexican has long been passed in the paddock. Many an expert expects him to have to give up his seat to another driver this summer. Reserve driver Liam Lawson, but also both Visa RB drivers, are rubbing their hands.
‘We are simply slower’
Verstappen knows that he will have a tough time at the Hungaroring – according to the Limburger, he can hardly keep up with the McLarens. “I had to push harder than next year,” he admitted. “I think it just means we’re slower. We really need to try to get the setup right, because we weren’t groundbreaking in free practice either. I’m not going to give false hope.”
