Red Bull Racing had two-time world champion Max Verstappen to thank for its 12 straight wins in Formula 1 championship, after the Dutchman continued his dominance over other drivers in the 2023 Hungarian Grand Prix last weekend. Red Bull’s record of 12 straight wins was almost in jeopardy when Verstappen started the race as the second-best driver in the qualifying round while his fellow teammate Sergio Pérez only managed a ninth-placed finish, but the sheer power in the Red Bull engine and its drivers’ skills ensured that a new record is set in the history of Formula 1.
Hamilton Took Record-Pole in Qualifying
A notable casualty in the first round of qualifying day was none other than Mercedes’ George Russell. The 25-year-old driver, who finished last year’s Hungarian Grand Prix Qualifying Day on-pole, only managed a 1:19.027 at the end of Q1, causing his Mercedes Team Principal Toto Wolff and himself to be reasonably upset with the mediocre performance, while the following round saw Ferrari’s Carlos Sainz Jr., Alpine’s Esteban Ocon and Pierre Gasly, AlphaTauri’s Daniel Ricciardo and Aston Martin’s Lance Stroll unable to make it into the final round of qualifying day.
McLaren almost stole the show on Saturday when both Lando Norris and Oscar Piastri produced surprising results in Q3 and propelled themselves into an initial starting grid of first and second rows, but a determined seven-time world champion Lewis Hamilton from Mercedes had other ideas. The 38-year-old, who took eight poles in one of his favourite F1 Grand Prixes, snatched the first place by 0.003s when he pushed his car to a 1:16.609 with his final effort. There was nothing Verstappen could do to improve his initial time, meaning Hamilton has smashed another record of a ninth pole in the Hungarian Grand Prix.
View this post on Instagram
Red Bull’s 12 Straight Wins Smash McLaren’s 35-Year F1 Record
Despite the record effort, Hamilton did not get the good start he was looking for. Instead, it was his rival from Red Bull and the McLaren duo who established a lead on the Mercedes driver after the start. Verstappen, who was eyeing for Red Bull’s 12 straight wins in Formula 1, forced Hamilton to go wide in Turn 1, before both McLarens proceeded to pass the British driver in style after a few corners.
On the other hand, things were chaotic at the back of the starting grid, following Zhou Guanyu’s crash into Daniel Ricciardo’s AlphaTauri, before the latter tripped both Alpines. The eventual ending saw Ocon and Gasly retire for the race.
While Verstappen shows his dominance with the aim of achieving his team’s 12 straight wins in this race, his teammate Sergio Pérez was pushing himself to earn a podium finish. The Mexican took over racers such as Alonso, Sainz, Russell, Piastri and Hamilton to finish third, while Verstappen claimed Red Bull’s 12 straight wins and Norris got his eighth career podium finish in Formula 1.
You Might Also Like: 32-Year-Old Spanish Goalkeeper David de Gea Left Manchester United After 12 Amazing Years at the Club
HISTORY MAKERS! 🤯 12 consecutive @F1 wins 🏆 #GivesYouWings pic.twitter.com/2a7t7livbg
— Oracle Red Bull Racing (@redbullracing) July 23, 2023
Verstappen’s Seventh Straight Win
In addition to Red Bull’s 12 straight wins in Formula 1, Verstappen also prolonged his winning streak in 2023 to seven consecutive victories. When spoke about his team’s and his performance in the 2023 Hungarian Grand Prix, the Dutchman said: “What an unbelievable rocket ship that was today. That was so enjoyable to drive. Unbelievable. We could do basically whatever we wanted with the strategy. Twelve in a row for the team is pretty incredible.”
The 2023 Formula 1 Championship will continue this weekend, with the Belgian Grand Prix ready to take place, who do you think has a chance to stop Max Verstappen from making it eight wins in a row? Tell us why down in the comment section below.