Max Verstappen does not intend to take a tactical penalty on Sunday after his failed qualifying for the Hungarian Grand Prix. The Dutchman finished tenth in Budapest due to an engine problem.
“I suddenly ran out of power when I drove out of the pits in my last run,” said Verstappen in the paddock of the Hungaroring. “We tried to fix it, but nothing worked at all.”
Verstappen did not know what the problem was shortly after qualifying. “But it’s probably something small,” he continued. “We probably don’t have to take a penalty either. And for a tactical penalty I would think it would be a shame to run it here, because overtaking is difficult and you don’t want to start all the way at the back.”
Despite his disappointing qualifying, Verstappen will still start for teammate Sergio Pérez at the Hungarian Grand Prix. The Mexican stranded in Q2 and finished in eleventh position.
‘George helped me a lot’
George Russell surprisingly took pole position at the Hungaroring in his Mercedes. It was his first pole position of his career for the 24-year-old Briton, who will make his debut at Mercedes this season. It was also the first pole of the season for Mercedes.
Verstappen was secretly happy that Russell kept Verstappen’s title competitor Charles Leclerc (third) behind him. “He has helped me a lot in that regard,” said the World Cup leader with a wink. “But of course it is even more important that he helps me tomorrow.”
Behind Russell, Ferrari driver Carlos Sainz finished in second place. The Hungarian Grand Prix, the last race before the summer break, starts at 3 p.m. on Sunday.