Vettel on Verstappen pole: Red Bull haven't found anything

Sebastian Vettel doubts that Red Bull have made significant improvement at the Hungarian Grand prix, despite Max Verstappen taking his maiden pole position at the Hungaroring.

The shorter and twistier nature of the Budapest track has often played into Red Bull's favour, despite their years of struggling to match the power output of their rivals, as they have found more downforce.

However, Red Bull had not taken pole in Hungary since Vettel did so for them in 2011, at the height of the team's dominance in F1.

Regardless, Vettel says his former team are simply reaping the results that their car is capable of, playing down any recent surge.

"I don't think they found anything," Vettel told Sky Sports "I think they were quick already the weeks before coming here.

"Obviously they do have the disadvantage on the engine side; here the engine's not important, so we knew they would be strong.

"We knew Mercedes would be strong because they've got the best package, but obviously we can't be happy sitting further back and not being able to intervene in that fight.

"Hopefully the tyres will all melt and we end up with more stops than one otherwise it will be difficult."

Verstappen has won two of the previous three races, taking 23 points out of championship leader Lewis Hamilton, who could only qualify third in Hungary.

Related

More F1 news

Latest F1 news

F1 2026 Dutch Grand Prix weather forecast - danger of rain for Zandvoort farewell

• 16 minutes ago

Carmen Mundt is not just George Russell's fiancee: 'I don't have to prove anything'

• 1 hour ago

Verstappen McLaren warning, Audi statement and FOURTEEN seats still open - F1 Transfer Roundup

• 2 hours ago

Max Verstappen ‘fed up’ after being proved right as F1 future hangs in the balance

• 2 hours ago

Fernando Alonso F1 blow as Honda chief delivers Aston Martin reality check

• 3 hours ago

F1 team boss reveals brutal nature of high-profile sacking

• Today 08:15