Max Verstappen secured an unexpected second-place finish at the 2026 Hungarian Grand Prix, held on July 26, despite persistent struggles with his Red Bull car. The four-time World Champion started the race from fourth position on the grid, having been promoted two places due to grid penalties issued to Lewis Hamilton and Andrea Kimi Antonelli.
Verstappen described the race as ‘incredible’ and ‘one of the hardest’ of the 2026 Formula 1 season. He reported significant aerodynamic issues, shift struggles, and rear-wing problems throughout the weekend at the Hungaroring.
The Dutchman’s Red Bull RB22 was noted for being ‘extremely oversteery’ and ‘dragging quite hard’ during the event. Verstappen also revealed unexpected damage to his car after the race, further complicating his performance.
Despite these technical challenges, Verstappen executed a strong drive. He made a crucial overtake on Lewis Hamilton after an undercut during the pit stop phase, regaining track position.
A strategic decision to switch to soft tyres for the final stint, diverging from many rivals who opted for hard compounds, proved instrumental in his charge to second place.
Red Bull team principal Laurent Mekies praised Verstappen’s performance, calling it a ‘mega job’ and an ‘incredibly strong performance’ given the car’s difficulties. Mekies acknowledged the team had struggled to provide Verstappen and teammate Isack Hadjar with a car they could truly push.
This result marks Verstappen’s second consecutive podium finish, following a third-place at the preceding Belgian Grand Prix. He was also voted ‘Driver of the Day’ by fans for his efforts in Hungary.
The 2026 season has seen Red Bull often operating as the fourth-fastest car on the grid, behind Mercedes, Ferrari, and McLaren, depending on the circuit. Verstappen has been vocal about his frustrations with the car’s unpredictable nature and the new 2026 regulations.
His media appearances were reportedly curtailed after qualifying in Hungary following renewed criticism of the RB22. Verstappen had described the car as ‘undriveable’ at points during the weekend.
Lando Norris of McLaren ultimately won the Hungarian Grand Prix, with Andrea Kimi Antonelli completing the podium in third for Mercedes.
