Max Verstappen Survives to P2 After Key Lewis Hamilton Pass

Max Verstappen admitted he was simply trying to survive throughout the 2026 Hungarian Formula 1 Grand Prix before a decisive move on Lewis Hamilton helped him secure second place.

Verstappen had not expected to finish on the podium after Red Bull struggled throughout the Hungaroring weekend. However, a solid start, strategic decisions and his successful pass on Hamilton significantly changed the outcome of his race.

Hamilton initially gained the advantage during the first pit-stop sequence. Ferrari undercut Verstappen and returned the British driver to the circuit in the net third position.

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Verstappen responded immediately when the two drivers met at Turn 1. The Red Bull Racing driver braked late and successfully reclaimed the position from Hamilton.

“I did not expect to be on the podium today, but we worked hard for it,” Verstappen said.

“The start was decent through Turns 1 and 2. Then, after the first stop, I managed to get back ahead of Lewis under braking into Turn 1.”

The successful move became a crucial moment because it forced Hamilton onto a different strategic approach. Ferrari called Hamilton in early for his second stop, while Verstappen extended his stint to build a tyre offset.

Verstappen said his main focus was keeping the tyres alive and ensuring Red Bull made the correct strategic calls. He did not feel he possessed dominant pace, meaning every position had to be protected through race management.

“I was just trying to survive on the compounds and make the right calls with the strategy. So I am very happy to finish second here,” he said.

The Virtual Safety Car triggered by Oscar Piastri’s stopped McLaren created another opportunity during the closing phase. Verstappen remained on track, while Hamilton made an additional pit stop.

That decision promoted Verstappen to second behind Lando Norris. Hamilton was unable to challenge him again and eventually dropped to fifth after receiving a five-second penalty for speeding in the pit lane.

When discussing the move on Hamilton, Verstappen insisted Turn 1 represented his only realistic opportunity to reclaim the position directly.

“I saw the opportunity as my only one, so I just went for it. We are good on the brakes, and that helped. It was all under control,” Verstappen said.

Verstappen ultimately finished 15.080 seconds behind Norris and ahead of Kimi Antonelli. Second place exceeded Red Bull’s expectations after a difficult weekend in Hungary.