Ferrari acknowledged being taken by surprise by Red Bull’s audacious strategy in the Hungarian Grand Prix, which saw Max Verstappen secure a remarkable second-place finish despite a challenging weekend for the team. The unconventional tire choice by Red Bull caught Ferrari off guard, leading to a strategic battle that ultimately favored the Dutch driver.

Verstappen’s Unexpected Second Place

Max Verstappen secured a strong second position at the Hungaroring, a result that exceeded expectations given Red Bull’s struggles throughout the weekend. His performance was largely attributed to a daring strategic call involving a lengthy stint on soft tires, a gamble that paid off handsomely.

Ferrari drivers Charles Leclerc and Lewis Hamilton, despite the inherent pace of their SF-26 car, were unable to maintain podium positions. They ultimately finished behind the