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

Alpine double-podium in Brazil could deliver $30 million windfall

Alpine’s remarkable double podium at the São Paulo Grand Prix with Esteban Ocon and Pierre…

14 hours ago

F1i's Driver Ratings for the 2024 São Paulo GP

Alexander Albon, Williams (Did Not Start): 5.5/10 Alex Albon is definitely going through something of…

16 hours ago

Jos Verstappen rips British media after Brazilian Max fest

Jos Verstappen wasted no time after his son spectacular win at the São Paulo Grand…

17 hours ago

Leclerc left with ‘mixed feelings’ after disappointing Sao Paulo GP

Charles Leclerc's weekend in Sao Paulo was unfortunately a stark contrast to Ferrari's recent triumphs…

19 hours ago

Back when Kimi knew exactly what he was doing

Twelve years ago on this day, Kimi Raikkonen took a popular win at the 2012…

20 hours ago

Mercedes fined for starting grid tyre pressure infringement

The Mercedes team was hit with a fine by the FIA after Sunday’s Sao Paulo…

21 hours ago