Max Verstappen triumphs at the Hungarian GP as Ferrari gambles and Mercedes the double

This Sunday, Dutch driver Max Verstappen, racing for Red Bull, claimed victory at the Hungarian Grand Prix, the 13th round of the Formula One World Championship. He completed a flawless comeback while Ferrari endured a difficult strategy call that kept Charles Leclerc and Carlos Sainz from contesting the win. Fernando Alonso, driving for Alpine, finished in eighth place, staying off the podium.

[Consulta la clasificación general del Mundial de F1]

Fans witnessed a bold drive from Verstappen, who moved ahead of Leclerc more than once to take control in the final third of the race. The Monégasque driver attempted a second tire stop using hard compounds that did not work well on this track, forcing a third stop and a dramatic late surge, but Verstappen remained in front and crossed the line ahead after a frenzied finish with three rapid laps. The plan paid off with a decisive win on the soft tire; the outcome highlighted the risk and reward of tire strategy in this circuit’s conditions.

Ferrari exited the weekend with disappointment as Sainz finished fourth and Leclerc sixth at a track where expectations were higher. Mercedes edged closer to a double podium with Lewis Hamilton and George Russell finishing second and third respectively, achieving back-to-back podiums for the team. Alonso’s race remained conservative, securing eighth place for the Spaniard.

[Consulta el calendario del Mundial de F1]

Verstappen extended his lead in the standings, securing a twenty-eighth career victory in Formula One and boasting a substantial advantage at the top of the World Championship with 258 points. He sits 80 points clear of Leclerc, who has 178, while Sergio Pérez sits closely behind on 173 and Sainz on 156, with Russell nearby on 158. The Hungaroring result hands Verstappen a comfortable cushion ahead of the summer break. For Ferrari, the gap to the title contender remains daunting, signaling a need for a strategic pivot to contend in a season that has proved expensive for the Italian outfit.

Hungarian GP results

1. Max Verstappen 1:39:35.912

2. Lewis Hamilton 7,834

3. George Russell 12,337

4. Carlos Sainz 14,579

5. Sergio Perez 15,668

6. Charles Leclerc 16.47

7. Lando Norris 1:18.300

8. Fernando Alonso +1 lap

9. Esteban Ocon +1 lap

10. Sebastian Vettel +1 lap

Classification of the F1 World Championship after the Hungarian GP

1. Max Verstappen – 258 points

2. Charles Leclerc – 178

3. Sergio Perez – 173

4. George Russell – 158

5. Carlos Sainz – 156

6. Lewis Hamilton – 146

7. Lando Norris – 76

8. Esteban Ocon – 58

9. Valtteri Bottas – 46

10. Fernando Alonso – 41