Verstappen: “The car was flying,” statements from the top 3 qualifiers in Budapest
At the end of a high-flying session, the three best drivers are satisfied with their performances and share their impressions with us. With a vindictive Lewis Hamilton, a determined Valtteri Bottas aiming to bounce back, and Max Verstappen on a high, one thing is certain: tomorrow's battle promises to be epic.
Max Verstappen 1st in 1:14.572.
First pole position of his career. Max Verstappen delivered an impressive performance through the corners of the Hungaroring. Following his previous successful races, with confidence at its peak, the Red Bull driver made his mark and delivered a perfect lap. The Dutchman’s mastery was total, and he is clearly taking on a new dimension in this championship, becoming the hunter of the Mercedes, at the expense of the Ferraris, which are once again lagging behind.
Speaking about his pole position, the Red Bull driver says: « It’s incredible. This one [the pole position] was still missing, and you know it’s always going to be difficult in qualifying but we managed to handle it to get it.
Praising his car, the Dutchman adds: « The car was flying and it was incredible. »
Aware that his strong performance is only useful by securing points in the race, Max Verstappen adds: “There is still a race to do and that is the most important thing. But it’s already a good thing for the team.”
Valtteri Bottas 2nd in 1:14.490.
Discreet since the beginning of the weekend, the Finn managed to get the best out of his Mercedes at the right moment. Despite suffering an engine failure that deprived him of a significant number of practice laps, Valtteri Bottas did more than just hold his own at this stage of the Hungarian weekend.
« We had been chasing [the qualifying time] constantly since the beginning of the weekend after missing the FP, but we just wanted to start getting back to a rhythm similar to this morning, » stated the Mercedes driver.
He adds, “It went better and better in qualifying, and I was pleasantly surprised by the time at the end. I will continue to fight for victory, and with this support, it could make the difference.”
Lewis Hamilton 3rd in 1:14.569.
Surpassed at the end of the session by Max Verstappen and his teammate, the Englishman nevertheless secured the main objective by making it into the top 3 for the start of the race. Equipped with a formidable car and possessing extraordinary skills, the four-time world champion will certainly be on the attack right from the start of the race, targeting both the Red Bull driver and his teammate, as we saw at Silverstone.
The four-time world champion declares: «Naturally, we are always striving for first place, but Max did an excellent job just like Valtteri, and even if I was a bit distanced in qualifying, I remain in a good position for the fight for victory.»
Seasoned competitor, the Mercedes driver adds, “I am always here for the fight. There is a long way to the first corner and it should be interesting. Hopefully, we can give them a run for their money.”
With these words, Lewis Hamilton sets the tone, he won’t give up anything in tomorrow’s race and is aiming for victory.
From our special correspondent in Hungary
