Max Verstappen faced a challenging qualifying session at the 2026 Hungarian Grand Prix, struggling with car balance issues that affected his overall performance. Despite showing promising pace in practice, the Red Bull Racing driver found it difficult to maintain consistency during qualifying, ultimately securing sixth place on the grid.
Verstappen reported that his car’s balance worsened lap after lap, particularly suffering from oversteer that made the car increasingly difficult to control. His final qualifying run ended with a spin, which he described as a sign that the RB22 was “completely broken.” The Dutch driver also mentioned that the problems with the car were ongoing and evolving, making it hard to find a reliable setup for the session.
Earlier in the weekend, Verstappen had demonstrated competitive speed, finishing second and fourth in the two practice sessions on Friday. However, the difficulties encountered during qualifying contrasted with this earlier pace, highlighting the challenge Red Bull Racing faced in adapting the car to the Hungaroring’s demands.
Verstappen’s teammate, Isack Hadjar, also struggled with car balance throughout the weekend. Hadjar qualified eighth but described the experience as “very annoying” due to the difficulty in driving the car effectively. He had expected a stronger performance at this circuit but found the weekend to be one of their most challenging so far in the season.
The issues faced by both Red Bull Racing drivers underline the complexities of car setup and balance on a track like the Hungaroring, where precision and stability are crucial. Verstappen’s comments reflect the ongoing challenge of adapting the car to changing conditions and extracting maximum performance under pressure.
While the qualifying session was difficult, Verstappen’s feedback provides insight into the team’s current situation and the areas that require attention. The session highlighted how sensitive the car’s balance can be and how it directly impacts lap times and driver confidence.
Overall, the qualifying results at the Hungarian Grand Prix revealed the struggles Red Bull Racing encountered with their car balance, affecting both Verstappen and Hadjar. The feedback from the drivers offers a clear picture of the challenges faced during this phase of the weekend.
