Max Verstappen had a challenging qualification at the Hungaroring, settling for the eighth starting position for the Hungarian Grand Prix. The Red Bull driver has been struggling with a lack of grip all weekend and was unable to find a solution to the balance issues of his RB21 during the qualification.
“We tried everything, but unfortunately, we couldn’t find the solution,” Verstappen explained afterwards. “Nothing contributed to a better balance. The qualification was just as bad as the other sessions.”
According to the Dutchman, who couldn’t even match the speed of Gabriel Bortoleto and Lance Stroll, the team is puzzled. While Red Bull still performs strongly on many circuits, the team seems to have lost its way in Budapest. “It’s hard to explain why we suddenly have so many problems with the car this weekend. We have no grip at the front, no grip at the back. It’s a bit of a mystery at the moment,” said Verstappen.
The reigning world champion indicated that the feeling in the car was similar to driving on a slippery road. “It just felt like I was driving on ice. I’m already happy that I made it to Q3.” For Sunday’s race, Verstappen faces a catch-up race, although based on the speed this weekend, it doesn’t seem an easy task to make his way forward.
