Verstappen loses out to Hamilton: 'Still a good weekend'

Max Verstappen hailed a positive weekend for Red Bull at the Hungarian Grand Prix, despite having victory snatched away from him in the closing stages by Lewis Hamilton.

Verstappen had held off Hamilton in thrilling wheel-to-wheel action after securing his maiden F1 pole position the day before.

But Mercedes' gamble to call Hamilton in for an extra pit-stop 20 laps from the end proved crucial as the championship leader successfully reeled in Verstappen once again to make an easy pass three laps from the chequered flag.

Having just fallen short of keeping enough life in his tyres, Verstappen pitted for fresh rubber and took the fastest lap bonus point, thanks to a minute advantage to third-placed Sebastian Vettel.

Verstappen remains third in the standings, when it had looked as though he may enter the title fight with Hamilton, but the Dutchman was happy with a weekend in which Red Bull looked a genuine contender on pure pace once again.

"We were just not fast enough," Verstappen said. "I tried everything I could on the hard tyre to stay alive but unfortunately it was just not enough.

"But still second, fastest lap… I think it was a good weekend overall for us and of course congrats to Lewis for the win. He was pushing me very hard, so I like that.

"Today we didn't win, but again like I said, it was a good weekend for us.

"[We were] just lacking a bit of grip, I guess, and we tried a one stop, then they had the opportunity to do the two and it paid off."

Related

F1 Superstars

Incredible statistic puts Verstappen AHEAD of Hamilton record

• Yesterday 13:57

Latest F1 News

Horner reveals 'unhuman' Verstappen secret

• April 24, 2024 19:58