Max Verstappen secured an unexpected second-place finish at the Hungarian Grand Prix today, despite a challenging weekend at the Hungaroring. Lando Norris claimed victory for McLaren, marking his first win of the 2026 Formula 1 season. Mercedes driver Kimi Antonelli completed the podium in third position.
Verstappen described the result as ‘incredible’ given the difficulties faced with his Red Bull car. He had struggled with the car’s balance and oversteer throughout the practice sessions. His qualifying session also saw him spin during his final attempt.
Starting from the sixth position on the grid, Verstappen navigated a race that saw significant drama. Pole-sitter Norris initially lost the lead to his McLaren teammate Oscar Piastri at Turn 2 on the opening lap.
Piastri led the early stages of the race before retiring due to a gearbox failure. This incident occurred after contact with backmarker Carlos Sainz while being lapped.
Verstappen executed a strategic race, outmanoeuvring the Ferrari drivers. A crucial overtake on Lewis Hamilton was highlighted by Verstappen as his ‘only chance’ to gain track position. Hamilton later received a five-second penalty for speeding in the pit lane, dropping him to fifth behind Charles Leclerc.
‘This was one of the toughest races of the year regarding car feel and controlling the balance. To be on the podium is an incredible result,’ Verstappen stated after the race. He also noted discovering damage to his car post-race.
Reflecting on the first half of the 2026 season, Verstappen characterized it as ‘heavy’. He emphasized the need for Red Bull to achieve greater consistency and find more performance from the car.
Following the Hungarian Grand Prix, Kimi Antonelli leads the Drivers’ Championship with 219 points. Lewis Hamilton is second with 169 points, followed by George Russell with 160 points. Charles Leclerc holds fourth with 138 points, while Lando Norris is fifth with 128 points. Max Verstappen sits sixth in the standings with 109 points.
In the Constructors’ Championship, Mercedes maintains its lead with 379 points. Ferrari is second with 307 points, and McLaren is third with 220 points. Red Bull Racing occupies fourth place with 177 points.
The Formula 1 season now heads into its summer break before resuming with the Dutch Grand Prix. Scheduled from August 21 to 23, 2026, at Circuit Zandvoort, this event will mark the final edition of the Dutch Grand Prix on the F1 calendar.
The local promoter confirmed the decision not to seek a contract extension for the race beyond 2026. The upcoming event will feature the first-ever F1 Sprint race held on Dutch soil.
