F1 News, Reports and Race Results

Horner: Verstappen had less downforce than Schumacher!

Red Bull's Christian Horner says the extent of the damage suffered by Max Verstappen's car in Hungary meant that Mick Schumacher's Haas "had more downforce" in Sunday's eventful race.

At the start, Verstappen followed poleman Lewis Hamilton into the first corner but the Dutchman was then collected by the McLaren of Lando Norris who had been rammed from behind by Valtteri Bottas.

Despite the damage inflicted to Verstappen's car which was missing most of its right-hand bargeboard and a large section of its floor, the Red Bull driver was able to continue the race after the red flag period, although at the wheel of a considerably weakened car.

After the second start, Verstappen struggled for ten laps to get the measure of Schumacher's Haas.

"Let’s just say I should think Mick Schumacher had more downforce," said Horner.

"[Verstappen] drove his heart out, earned one point that could be crucial at the end of the year.

"Thankfully Mercedes made a howler strategically today, Fernando Alonso looked like he was driving for Red Bull as well, so the damage was limited compared to what it could have been."

The last two incident-packed races have heavily impacted Red Bull and Verstappen's points haul. But Horner is convinced that the Milton Keynes-based outfit's luck will turn around.

"We’ve won six races in the first half of the year," said the Red Bull team principal.

"The races that we haven’t scored at, Azerbaijan wasn’t Max’s fault, Silverstone wasn’t Max’s fault, here wasn’t Max’s fault, so our luck will change, over the length of the season, it will balance out over the second half of the year.

"I think the whole team deserves a well-earned break, and believe you me we’ll come out fighting in the second half of the championship, so it’s going to be interesting."

Gallery: The beautiful wives and girlfriends of F1 drivers

Keep up to date with all the F1 news via Facebook and Twitter

Phillip van Osten

Motor racing was a backdrop from the outset in Phillip van Osten's life. Born in Southern California, Phillip grew up with the sights and sounds of fast cars thanks to his father, Dick van Osten, an editor and writer for Auto Speed and Sport and Motor Trend. Phillip's passion for racing grew even more when his family moved to Europe and he became acquainted with the extraordinary world of Grand Prix racing. He was an early contributor to the monthly French F1i Magazine, often providing a historic or business perspective on Formula 1's affairs. In 2012, he co-authored along with fellow journalist Pierre Van Vliet the English-language adaptation of a limited edition book devoted to the great Belgian driver Jacky Ickx. He also authored "The American Legacy in Formula 1", a book which recounts the trials and tribulations of American drivers in Grand Prix racing. Phillip is also a commentator for Belgian broadcaster Be.TV for the US Indycar series.

Recent Posts

Sebastian Montoya steps up to Formula 2 with Prema

Sebastian Montoya, the 19-year-old son of former Formula 1 star Juan Pablo Montoya, is set…

7 hours ago

Sauber finds its ‘Northern Star’ under Binotto’s leadership

When former Ferrari team principal Mattia Binotto took on the role of Chief Operating Officer…

8 hours ago

Leclerc hails a season ‘without missed opportunities' in 2024

Charles Leclerc concluded the 2024 F1 season with a sense of satisfaction, the Ferrari driver…

10 hours ago

Coulthard sounds alarm over FIA president’s rift with F1 drivers

Former Formula 1 driver David Coulthard has voiced his dismay at FIA president Mohammed Ben…

11 hours ago

The rapid rise and fall of Super Aguri in F1

Super Aguri's application to join Formula 1 became a reality on this day in 2005,…

13 hours ago

Ferrari's 2024 Season: Marked improvement and a fight to the finish

Ferrari roared back into contention in 2024 to deliver their strongest season in years, thanks…

13 hours ago