Verstappen vs Hamilton: F1 Rivalry Revived in Dramatic Hungarian Qualifying
Jul.23 - After Lewis Hamilton's breakthrough return to pole position in Hungary, Toto Wolff hinted that the next step is a signature on a 2024 contract.
"It's not signed but we've done it emotionally," the Mercedes boss said.
Hamilton agreed: "It's taking more time than we all thought to get to where we want to be, but I think we'll get there."
The result on Saturday ended Max Verstappen's run of dominance, with the Dutchman saying he qualified three thousands behind Hamilton because his Red Bull car felt "terrible".
"I think the update works but I think we just didn't put everything together setup wise," Verstappen said.
"It doesn't matter where you are on the grid. If it doesn't feel good, it doesn't feel good."
Dr Helmut Marko agrees: "Our numbers say the new parts are working."
In the sister Red Bull, Sergio Perez at least returned to Q3 for the first time in six rounds - but Dr Helmut Marko kept his criticism of the Mexican in check.
"The first practice session was wet and because Perez crashed, we didn't get any insights," Marko said.
"The car doesn't behave quite as expected it would here," he added at the Hungaroring. "We lose in turns 5 and 6 and have problems with the curbs.
"For Perez, it was an important performance. He had the same problems as Max. He is five tenths behind, but the reason is Max.
"You can't blame Perez for that."
But while Mercedes was celebrating, Wolff does not expect Hamilton to stay ahead after a long race on Sunday.
"Max's long runs on this circuit are from another planet," he insisted.
However, the first step for Verstappen will be to get through the opening first lap with Hamilton. Red Bull boss Christian Horner reminded the F1 world that the pair obviously have "history".
"As long as they get through the first corners together, it will get interesting after that."
Wolff also warned: "Lewis and Max both have nothing to lose.
"Lewis will give everything he has to make it a great fight. Our biggest weakness hasn't been that our car lacks downforce. The problem is the unpredictability of the rear.
"Today, Lewis had confidence in the car. At the same time, we must also remain realistic."
Hamilton, though, is hopeful.
"They (Red Bull) have become a little slower compared to the beginning of the year. Look at DRS - they don't have the advantage they used to," he said.
"Where did it go? They also had an update here - we expected it to be a good step forward, two tenths or something."
Red Bull's Marko agreed that the Hamilton and Verstappen rivalry "still contains a bit of fuel" ahead of their lap 1 battle on Sunday.
"At least there is no longer any talk of boredom in Formula 1," he said.
"Yesterday, Hamilton was very fast on the single laps - faster than us," Marko told Servus TV.
"Overtaking is very, very difficult here so it will be an interesting and tough race."
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IMO Max's outlook and driving style have matured since those fiery early days against Louise, however, the early laps will be very close and interesting to watch. Lando and Oscar will be there to pick-up the pieces if the front two come to grief.
What a Joke. Lets See, hammy lost 3 positions through the first corner without any contact. Then Max went on to lead every lap and win the race by 33 seconds over 2nd place and 39+ Sec over hammy. I wouldnt say .003 of sec on Sat has ended Max or RB dominance, It just pissed off Max. I dont see any great rivalry right now, just Max dominating hammy where it counts, in points. 281 to 133 thats a 148 point lead over hammy! Hell Max could sit out the next 6 races and barely be behind hammy if he managed to win each race and set the fastest lap.
Mercedes is living in a dream state. There is no rivalry between MV & LH. Those days are long gone. If MB wants to throw money down a rat hole, it is their money to do so, renewing LHs contract. They may have second thoughts after the race, however. Hamilton couldn’t even compete with McClaren let alone RB. Silly season is coming early this year if MB truly believes .0003 is off pace in qualifying and MB and LH are coming back.
I'm afraid that I underestimated Max and RB! It wasn't a game, it was a shame! Louise faded into the distance. I am really stoked by McLaren's great performance in the last two races. Hope they can find a little extra to close the gap to RB. Their drivers are certainly capable.
I offer the following in an attempt to define Dame Lucilles persoanlity:
A grandiose sense of self-importance
A preoccupation with fantasies of unlimited success, power, brilliance, beauty, or ideal love
A belief that he is special and unique and can only be understood by, or should associate with, other special or high-status people or institutions
A need for excessive admiration
A sense of entitlement
Interpersonally exploitive behavior
A lack of empathy
Envy of others or a belief that others are envious of him or her
A demonstration of arrogant and haughty behaviors or attitudes
This is a classic set of behaviour's that define an extreme narcissist. Sound familiar?
I repeat: Mercedes is going to wait out the 2023 season, and then dump The Dame.
Précisément, exactement, tout à fait!
Complètement correct dans chaque mot
The same could be said about you!
Spot on!
Takes one to know one!!
?
A rather juvenile post!
Can you feel the love , Can you, Can you, hehehe, Lavinia, Lavinia oh how times change , I wonder what brought it on.?