Champion Max Verstappen faces a shocking setback at the upcoming 2025 Hungarian GP, with predictions pointing to a half-second lag behind his rivals. Can Red Bull pull off a miraculous comeback and secure victory?
Data from Free Practice 2 reveals a concerning outlook for Verstappen, suggesting that he may struggle to keep up with the pace-setters. The defending champion’s average lap time puts him over 40 seconds adrift from the lead, a stark contrast to his dominant performance at the same track in 2023.
According to insights from @F1GuyDan on X.com, Lando Norris is anticipated to outperform Verstappen by 0.572 seconds per lap, positioning himself as the potential race winner ahead of Oscar Piastri. The projected gap between Verstappen and his championship rival Charles Leclerc is expected to widen by 19.3 seconds by the end of the race.
Despite Ferrari’s strong showing and Mercedes’ competitive edge, all eyes are on the Red Bull team to see if they can overcome the odds. Verstappen and his teammate Yuki Tsunoda have voiced concerns about their car’s performance but are hopeful for a turnaround come race day.
With uncertainties looming over qualifying and potential weather disruptions, the race outcome remains unpredictable. Red Bull’s history of last-minute improvements and strategic changes could play a crucial role in reshaping the Hungarian GP narrative.
As fans eagerly await the weekend’s developments, the stage is set for a thrilling showdown in Budapest. Will Verstappen defy the odds once again, or is this the beginning of a new chapter in the 2025 F1 season? Stay tuned for all the heart-pounding action at the Hungarian Grand Prix.
