Max Verstappen heads to the Hungarian Grand Prix in a better mood than he has enjoyed for most of 2026. But given Red Bull‘s talent for turning promising weekends into expensive lessons, the word “optimism” still feels like it needs a small asterisk attached.
Belgium Was a Reminder, Not a Resurrection
Spa delivered Verstappen his 130th career podium, finishing third behind Kimi Antonelli and Charles Leclerc. Crucially, Red Bull ditched the experimental rear wing that had caused headaches in Austria and at Silverstone, reverting to a conventional setup that at least kept the RB22 pointing in the right direction. Verstappen’s own verdict was characteristically understated: “I kept the car on the circuit, so that is already something.” High praise indeed.
“Spa was a positive race for us. Everything ran quite smoothly all weekend and it was nice to celebrate our 130th podium with the team. Hungary is the last race before the summer break, so it is time for one final push.” – Max Verstappen
For context on just how significant that milestone is, Verstappen has now reached the podium in 53.5% of his career starts. Lewis Hamilton sits on 53.08% across 207 podiums. Schumacher managed 50.32%. The numbers are extraordinary, which makes seventh in the 2026 championship all the more uncomfortable to digest.
The Hungaroring Is a Different Beast Entirely
Spa rewards high-speed stability and straight-line pace. The Hungaroring rewards maximum downforce and a car that dances through slow corners. These are essentially opposite requirements, which is precisely why Red Bull cannot simply carry Spa’s setup onto the plane to Budapest and hope for the best.
Verstappen is under no illusions about what is needed.
“It is a completely different circuit with a different layout to Spa. We need to make sure we get the car set up properly from the start. It makes a big difference how you begin the weekend, and hopefully we can get on top of it straight away.” – Max Verstappen
He has won here twice before, in 2022 and 2023, so the circuit itself holds no fear. The question is whether the RB22, in its current conventional-wing specification, can find the right balance quickly enough. Isack Hadjar also arrives with momentum after his stunning recovery drive in Belgium, and he is equally bullish about the Hungaroring suiting Red Bull’s low-speed strengths.
Last Chance Before the Holidays
This is the final race before the summer shutdown, and with Verstappen sitting 113 points behind championship leader Antonelli, there is no room for another weekend of false promises. A strong result here will not close the gap meaningfully, but another capitulation would make the second half of the season feel very long indeed.
Red Bull have form for turning up at the Hungaroring and delivering. Whether the 2026 version of this team can do the same remains, frustratingly, an open question. Mercedes arrive with engine confidence already loudly declared, which sets the tone nicely for what Red Bull are walking into.
Enjoy the fan support, Max. You may need it.
