Red Bull resigned to Ferrari dominance in Hungary

Jul.30 (GMM) Red Bull is resigned to trailing behind championship rivals Ferrari this weekend in Hungary.

Championship leader Max Verstappen’s team knew the tight and twisty Hungaroring circuit would suit Ferrari’s aerodynamic strengths in 2022.

But when the extent of the gap became clear on Friday, Dr Helmut Marko predicted that the Hungarian GP would be a “red demonstration of power”.

“With such a gap, you’re not just slower in a corner or two,” he said.

“Ferrari have more downforce than we do, and in Budapest there are only corners and a straight. It’s not enough to play to our strengths.”

Marko, 79, even said Charles Leclerc’s pace on the medium tyres was “frightening”.

All eyes are now on the weather forecasts.

“There’s supposed to be a thunderstorm, but we know what weather forecasts are like,” said Marko.

“Certainly in normal weather it will be very, very difficult to win the race. And you can’t just count on things going wrong.”

Just a week ago at Paul Ricard, Leclerc was leading the French GP when he made a devastating error and crashed out – blowing out his points gap to Verstappen to over 60 points.

“People will say I’m crazy,” said the Monaco-born driver in Hungary, “but I’ll believe in the championship until the end.

“I made my life a little bit more difficult last weekend, but the pace was good – everything was good.

“This is the most competitive car I’ve had since I’ve been in Formula 1,” Leclerc added. “We have the opportunity to win everywhere and maybe a little more here in Hungary.”

Steve Cole

Share
Published by
Steve Cole

Recent Posts

Hulkenberg still a 'silly season' player – Schumacher

Jun.10 (GMM)  Nico Hulkenberg could find himself with a starring role in a future round…

4 months ago

F2 driver says new fans don't understand racing

Jun.9 (GMM) Many new fans of top-level single seater racing do not understand "how motorsport…

4 months ago

Newey attracting talent to Aston Martin – de la Rosa

Jun.9 (GMM) The 'Adrian Newey effect' is already happening at Aston Martin, according to team…

4 months ago

Stroll in 'good condition' for Canadian GP

Jun.9 (GMM) Lance Stroll looks set to return to the wheel of his Aston Martin…

4 months ago

Hamilton will 'maybe not' win eighth title

Jun.9 (GMM) Lewis Hamilton's hopes of an eighth world championship are slipping away. That's the…

4 months ago

Three F1 stars predict Piastri title in '25

Jun.9 (GMM) Three former Formula 1 drivers agree that Oscar Piastri has become the clear…

4 months ago