Verstappen second at Hungarian GP, calls result incredible

Max Verstappen secured a surprising second-place finish at the Hungarian Grand Prix on Sunday, July 26, a result he described as an "incredible" overperformance for his struggling Red Bull team. The four-time world champion's podium came amid a race marked by fierce on-track battles, technical issues, and a furious radio outburst directed at two rival drivers.

Verstappen started the race from fourth position after grid penalties demoted Ferrari's Lewis Hamilton and Mercedes driver Andrea Kimi Antonelli from their original qualifying spots. He made an immediate gain, overtaking Charles Leclerc's Ferrari on the opening lap to move into third. His race was further aided when the second-placed McLaren of Oscar Piastri retired due to a gearbox failure. Verstappen then engaged in a prolonged duel with Hamilton, ultimately making a pass that he said made his second stint more straightforward. He held off a late charge from Antonelli to cross the line in second, behind race winner Lando Norris.

The result equaled Verstappen's best of the 2026 season, but the drive was far from easy. He reported that his car was "extremely oversteery" and degrading, issues identical to those he faced in...