Author: Barkha Roy
Red Bull Racing’s Max Verstappen dominated the Hungarian Grand Prix, securing a historic 12th consecutive Formula 1 Grand Prix victory and breaking McLaren’s record of 11 successive wins set in 1988 by Ayrton Senna and Alain Prost. The Dutch rider’s relentless form in the championship race continues, as he extended his lead even further, taking his seventh win in a row this season.
Starting from second on the grid, Verstappen made a brilliant start, getting alongside pole-sitter Lewis Hamilton and overtaking him smoothly at Turn One. From that point on, Verstappen was in control, maintaining a substantial lead throughout the race and crossing the finish line 33 seconds ahead of his nearest rival.
Max Verstappen was simply unstoppable in Hungary 💪
The @redbullracing driver stormed to a sixth @DHL_Motorsports Fastest Lap Award >> https://t.co/sOAsD9HZK8#HungarianGP #MomentsThatDeliver pic.twitter.com/fT20EIdxDZ
– Formula 1 (@F1) July 24, 2023
Lando Norris put in an impressive performance for McLaren, securing another second place. Meanwhile, Verstappen’s team-mate Sergio Perez made a surprising comeback, starting from ninth on the grid and making a series of aggressive overtakes to take third place.
For Hamilton, the race was a challenge. Despite starting from pole position, his hopes of victory were dashed on the first lap, as he lost three positions and ended up finishing fourth. The seven-time world champion expressed his frustration on the radio, questioning the McLarens’ pace.
Oscar Piastri, driving for McLaren, secured a commendable fifth place, contributing to McLaren’s strong position in the Constructors’ Championship. Unfortunately, the race ended in disappointment for the Alpine team, with Pierre Gasly and Esteban Ocon suffering a double DNF after a collision caused by a pinball at the first corner on the opening lap.
A torrid start and a premature end for both Alpine drivers 💥😖#HungarianGP #F1 pic.twitter.com/MWpV1CcH7N
– Formula 1 (@F1) July 23, 2023
George Russell showed remarkable resilience in his Mercedes, recovering from 18th on the grid to take sixth place. His teammate, Lewis Hamilton, also showed a determined performance, fighting back after an earlier setback to finish fourth.
Carlos Sainz’s brilliant start took him from 11th to sixth position, but he was unable to make any further progress, finishing eighth in the second Ferrari. Aston Martin’s Fernando Alonso took ninth place, solidifying his position in the championship. Lance Stroll completed the scoring positions, finishing in tenth place.
Verstappen’s win at the Hungarian Grand Prix marks his ninth victory of the season, further cementing his status as championship leader with a 110-point lead over Pérez.
The race also saw Red Bull Racing achieve a remarkable milestone, becoming the first team to win twelve races in a row, breaking McLaren’s long-standing record.
Verstappen expressed his joy at the team’s achievements, highlighting the incredible journey they have had over the last two years and hoping to keep up the momentum for the future.