Nicole MulderManaging Editor
Nicole Mulder is Managing Editor at GPblog and a specialist in Formula 1 and MotoGP. With years of experience and permanent FIA accreditation at Grands Prix worldwide, she delivers reliable coverage and insights based on direct access to drivers and the F1 paddock.
Helmut Marko was initially sceptical about the updates that Red Bull Racing brought to the Hungaroring. However, after the first two free practice sessions on Friday, the package seems to have had a positive effect on the RB20's performance. Speaking to GPblog, Marko analyses Red Bull's Friday in Hungary.
Marko was not sure what to expect from Red Bull's latest update package, as not all updates have been equally successful for the Austrian Formula 1 team so far. "I said it had to work because the last three didn't have nearly any effect," Red Bull's advisor told GPblog.
Marko:'McLaren on full power and we were not'
The biggest difference between Max Verstappen and Lando Norris, who was faster than the Dutchman in the second free practice, was due to a difference in engine power, according to Marko. "The engine mode of the McLaren was on full power and we didn't have full power," the 81-year-old Austrian explained.
Marko therefore suspects that Red Bull currently has the fastest car - at least in the long runs. "Yes, the long runs were very consistent. Max was always on a 24.1 and was stable. All his laps were in this region while the others were going higher and higher." Marko said.
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Austrian Grand Prix
Overview
Friday 26.06.26
Practice 1
11:30 AM
Practice 2
03:00 PM
Saturday 27.06.26
Practice 3
10:30 AM
Qualification
02:00 PM
Sunday 28.06.26
Race
01:00 PM
Friday 26.06.26
Practice 1
Fri 11:30 AM
Practice 2
Fri 03:00 PM
Saturday 27.06.26
Practice 3
Sat 10:30 AM
Qualification
Sat 02:00 PM
Sunday 28.06.26
Race
Sun 01:00 PM
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F1-stand 2026
Season
| Pos. | Driver | Team | Points |
|---|---|---|---|
1 | MercedesMER | 156 | |
2 | FerrariFER | 115 | |
3 | MercedesMER | 106 | |
4 | FerrariFER | 75 | |
5 | McLarenMCL | 73 | |
6 | McLarenMCL | 70 | |
7 | Red Bull RacingRBR | 55 | |
8 | Red Bull RacingRBR | 37 | |
9 | AlpineALP | 32 | |
10 | Racing BullsRCB | 28 |
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