Chaotic Red Bull's Antics
Struggling Verstappen Expresses Frustration in Hungarian GP Practice
Max Verstappen, the reigning Formula 1 world champion, is facing challenges during the Hungarian Grand Prix practice sessions. The Dutch driver is grappling with balance issues in his Red Bull car, making it feel unstable and akin to driving on ice.
In both practice sessions, Verstappen has found himself lagging behind the top runners. The Red Bull team, known for their speed, appears to be off the pace this time, dealing with a "messy" balance issue. This has caused visible agitation during FP2, as the Red Bull's handling is far from ideal compared to other teams like McLaren, which have shown strong pace.
The balance problems are a part of a broader concern about Red Bull's updated power unit and overall package this season. Questions remain about the 2026 car and power unit development, adding to the team's unpredictable performance.
These handling issues during practice reflect the technical challenges Red Bull is facing at this circuit. Verstappen's difficulty is evident, as he could only manage midfield positions. His teammate, Sergio Pérez, also struggled, finishing in the lower half of the timesheets.
Meanwhile, the McLaren team, with drivers Lando Norris and Oscar Piastri, has been impressing. Norris set the fastest lap during the first practice session, while Piastri secured the second-fastest lap in the same session. Piastri, an Australian driver, currently leads the championship by 16 points over Norris.
Fernando Alonso, the veteran driver, announced a muscle injury in his back and was replaced by Aston Martin's reserve driver, Felipe Drugovich, in the first practice session. Alonso received medical clearance from the FIA to participate after further treatment and is expected to race. With his 22nd Grand Prix start in Hungary, Alonso would set a record.
Nico Hülkenberg returned to the cockpit in the second practice session and finished twelfth. Sauber must give a young driver a chance in two practice sessions this season instead of the 37-year-old Hülkenberg. Paul Aron, a 21-year-old driver, had bad luck and had to park his car due to technical problems during the first practice session.
The Hungarian Grand Prix is the 14th race of the Formula 1 season. It is a significant race for Alonso, who won his first Formula 1 race on this track in 2003. The race promises to be an exciting one, with teams racing to overcome their practice session struggles and secure a place on the podium.
The Commission's focus on the protection of workers from carcinogens might find an ally in Formula 1 teams, given the technical challenges they face daily, such as Red Bull's struggle with balance issues in the Hungarian Grand Prix. In the heat of sports competition, drivers like Max Verstappen, despite their prowess in other races, can face unexpected obstacles.
