Red Bull's Hungarian GP Shocker! Verstappen's Struggles & FIA Warning!

Max Verstappen and Red Bull Racing faced a challenging Friday at the Hungarian Grand Prix, leaving fans and the team scratching their heads. The day was marred by a bizarre incident and a concerning lack of pace, sparking questions about their weekend prospects.

Verstappen's 'Quite Bad' Friday Practice

Verstappen described the Friday practice sessions as "very tough," citing a lack of grip and overall balance in the car. "Nothing really worked," he lamented, expressing the need for the team to investigate the issues overnight. He finished ninth and 14th in the two Free Practice sessions, a far cry from his usual dominance.

The Rag Incident: FIA Warning for Verstappen

Adding to the drama, Verstappen received a warning from the FIA for throwing a rag out of his Red Bull during FP2. The rag, which he used to wipe his face, was inadvertently left in the cockpit. Verstappen explained that he discarded it to prevent it from potentially interfering with his pedals. The stewards acknowledged his explanation and issued a warning.

Red Bull's Pace Woes: A Deeper Dive

Data analysis reveals that Red Bull's lack of pace on Friday might be a recurring trend. While McLaren showed impressive speed, Red Bull lagged behind, raising concerns about their competitiveness. However, the team has a history of drastically improving their performance between Friday and Saturday, leaving room for optimism.

• McLaren emerged as the team to beat during Friday practice.
• Red Bull's pace was significantly slower compared to their performance at the Hungarian GP in 2024.
• Verstappen's teammate, Yuki Tsunoda, also struggled with grip and balance.

Despite the challenges, Red Bull remains hopeful for a turnaround. The team will analyze the data and make necessary adjustments to improve their performance for qualifying and the race. Will they be able to overcome their Friday struggles and reclaim their competitive edge?