Kim Hoefnagel is a journalist at GPblog, specializing in Formula 1 and Formula E. With a background in communication and experience at international circuits, she delivers reliable coverage and interviews, complemented by insights from her work in the paddock and across social media.
Max Verstappen was quite surprised to see Charles Leclerc taking pole position for the Hungarian Grand Prix on Saturday, he told, among others, GPblog at the Hungaroring.
McLaren was seen as the hot favorite for the pole position for the Hungarian Grand Prix all weekend. However, it was not Lando Norris or Oscar Piastri who secured the best starting position. That honor was reserved for Leclerc in the Ferrari.
So while the Scuderia have had a fantastic qualifying round in Hungary, the same cannot be said for Max Verstappen and Red Bull. The four-time world champion only managed a modest eighth starting spot in his RB21.
Polesitter Charles Leclerc
Verstappen too busy with own problems
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After qualifying, Verstappen appeared before the Dutch press, including GPblog. Asked if the Red Bull driver was surprised by Leclerc's pole position, he stated: "Yes, of course he was doing well all weekend. But to beat that McLaren..."
He continued: "I have been nearly a second behind all weekend and three-tenths in Q3. Very strange."
However, Verstappen doesn't want to worry too much about it. "I'm not engaged with that. Everyone is doing their thing. I have my own problems and that's bad enough."
Verstappen sees set-up making a difference
Verstappen was also asked how it is possible that certain Formula 1 teams perform so inconsistently. The four-time world champion offered a simple explanation.
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"That will also have to do with setup", he explained, immediately pointing to the situation within his own team.
"That will also be a problem for us. But yes, it's hard for me to estimate how much that changes for them. A car can of course perform better on certain circuits. I can't make more of it than that."
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