Max Verstappen, the reigning Formula 1 world champion, encountered an unexpectedly challenging start to the Hungarian Grand Prix weekend, signaling potential issues for Red Bull Racing as he struggled significantly during Friday’s practice sessions.

The Dutch driver’s performance was notably subdued, culminating in a lowly 14th position during the afternoon’s FP2 session. He finished a substantial 1.1 seconds behind pacesetter Lando Norris, a rare sight for the dominant Max Verstappen this Formula 1 season.

Verstappen’s post-session comments highlighted severe handling problems with his Red Bull Racing machine, describing it as “undriveable” and akin to “driving on ice.” This pointed to a fundamental lack of balance on the RB21, raising concerns about the team’s initial car setup at the Hungaroring.

Following the frustrating Practice Session, Verstappen swiftly engaged in a lengthy debrief with key Red Bull personnel, including team boss Laurent Mekies and his teammate Yuki Tsunoda. This urgent meeting underscored the gravity of the issues faced and the immediate need for solutions.

Verstappen acknowledged the immense task facing the Red Bull Racing trackside and factory support staff. Despite the team’s reputation for rapid turnarounds, he indicated a lack of clear understanding regarding the underlying problems, stating, “Nothing really works,” necessitating an extensive overnight investigation for the F1 Hungarian GP.

Adding to the team’s woes, Red Bull received a warning from the stewards for an unsafe release, where a towel could have interfered with Verstappen’s pedal operation, further illustrating a less-than-ideal start to the weekend.

In contrast, teammate Yuki Tsunoda, while also experiencing grip issues, had a relatively better Practice Session, finishing ninth and providing a different perspective on the car’s behavior. His feedback suggested that the balance itself wasn’t the primary concern for his specific setup.

Both drivers expressed optimism that by combining data and insights from both cars, Red Bull could identify and address the core limitations. This collaborative approach is crucial for the team to regain its competitive edge before qualifying for the F1 Hungarian GP.