Red Bull’s Max Verstappen came from behind to win the Hungarian Grand Prix on Sunday. Verstappen, who started the race from 10th place, overcame a highly competitive lineup on his way to the front, as he claimed victory for the eighth time this season. Lewis Hamilton fought hard for a second-place finish after starting from seventh, while teammate George Russell, who began the race as P1, settled for third. The podium in Hungary was just like the French GP, where Verstappen came first, with Hamilton and Russell following close.
The Hungarian GP was another disappointing race for Ferrari as they have now gone three Sundays without an appearance on the podium. Charles Leclerc, the only person challenging Verstappen this season, was the victim of another failed strategy from Ferrari, something which made him furious at the end of the race. After starting from third place, he was passed by Verstappen twice as the Dutch driver raced to victory. Leclerc eventually finished sixth, while his teammate, Carlos Sainz, came fourth after beginning second.
With the win in Hungary, Verstappen has now extended his lead on the leaderboard to 80 points ahead of Leclerc. Leclerc’s second position is being threatened by Sergio Perez, who is just five points. If he is dislodged by Perez, that means Red Bull would be holding the first two spots on the driver’s leaderboard. As for Verstappen, with just nine races left, the odds are on his side for a second world championship title.
Seven-time world champion, Lewis Hamilton, enjoyed another race ending at the podium. While he is still yet to win a race this season, he has now featured on the podium for five consecutive races. Currently ranked sixth on the leaderboard, Hamilton seems completely out of the title race, but there’s a lot he can still do for himself before the season is over.
Hamilton’s teammate, Russell, all but has a guaranteed top-three spot at the end of the season, as he currently trails Perez with less than 20 points. But that would depend on how much Leclerc improves before the season comes to an end.
Written by: Leon Osamor
