Nelson Piquet’s overtaking move on Ayrton Senna, drifting through turn 1 at the Hungaroring in 1986, was one of the most spectacular in Formula 1 history, and Max Verstappen is well aware of it. When asked if he might attempt something similar during this weekend’s Hungarian Grand Prix, he joked, “I could give it a try, who knows.”
Verstappen is well-versed in his classics, so there’s no need to explain Piquet’s overtaking move to him, as it turns out during a press moment at the circuit near Budapest. The Dutchman is familiar with the moment. In fact, he claims to have discussed it with Piquet, his father-in-law. “We’ve talked about it. It was a beautiful overtaking move, on the outside and with a nice drift,” he says. Then, jokingly, “Maybe I could try something like that. It would certainly make for some great photos and videos.”
In all seriousness, according to the four-time world champion, a move like his father-in-law’s is almost unthinkable in today’s F1, forty years later. “At least I’m not sure if it would turn out the same way today. But it was a brilliant move, that’s for sure.”
Video: Piquet and Senna, Hungary 1986
Please note that the video content is not included in this translation.
