The Grand Prix of Hungary 2025 started on 1 August with a dramatic turn for Max Verstappen and Red Bull Racing. During the second free practice at the Hungaroring, the four -time world champion called his RB21 “unsourable” and compared riding with “skating on ice”. This followed a remarkable incident in which Verstappen threw a towel out of his cockpit, which led to an investigation by the FIA. Although Red Bull received an official warning for releasing the car under unsafe circumstances, Verstappen originated a personal punishment, which evoked mixed reactions in the Formula 1 world.
The Hungaroring, known for its winding layout and high downforce requirements, turned out to be a nightmare for Red Bull. Verstappen struggled with balance problems, which resulted in a disappointing fourteenth time in the second free practice, while his teammate Yuki Tsunoda finished ninth. McLaren dominated the sessions, with Lando Norris and Oscar Piastri at the top of the times lists, a lead that puts Verstappens title chances under pressure. The Dutchman expressed his frustration over the on -board radio, criticizing the RB21 due to a lack of grip and control, especially on the soft tires. This is after a season in which McLaren has built up a considerable lead in both the driver and the constructors’ championship.
However, the towel incident stole the show. During the training, Verstappen discovered a towel in his cockpit, probably left by the team. He threw the object on the right piece out of the car, carefully remained on the right side of the job to minimize risks. The towel ended up on the circuit, which encouraged the FIA to start an investigation. According to the FIA report, the object was a potential danger, but because Verstappen tried to handle the situation safely, it remained a warning for Red Bull. On social media, such as X, some fans praised his rapid reaction, while others criticized the carelessness of the team. “You can’t charge this,” wrote a user, while another noticed that the towel did not cause any further problems.
Verstappens statements about the RB21 reflect wider care within Red Bull. Technical director Pierre Waché admitted that he was shocked by the performance of the car and supported Verstappen’s opinion about the balance problems. This follows speculations that, despite upgrades for Hungary, the RB21 is still struggling with design challenges that may be traced back to the dominant RB20 of 2024, who was reportedly limited by the FIA due to force majeure. Although these are rumors, they underline the pressure on Red Bull to compete with a supreme McLaren.
The Grand Prix of Hungary marks Verstappens 200th race for Red Bull, a milestone that he hoped to celebrate with a strong result. However, with a backlog at Norris and Piastri in the championship, his chance of a fifth title this year seems small. His frustration was already noticeable after the Grand Prix of Belgium, where he complained about the decisions of the competition management. In Hungary this further escalated, with Verstappen who openly criticized the FIA. Although he was not punished for the towel incident, the threat of penalty points lingers after earlier incidents this season, such as a collision with Andrea Kimi Antonelli in Austria.
For Red Bull this weekend is crucial. With the recent appointment of Laurent Mekies as a team boss after the resignation of Christian Horner, the team is under pressure to show stability. Helmut Marko, adviser to Red Bull, emphasized that the new parts introduced in Hungary do not yet have the desired effect. Fans in the Netherlands and beyond remain hopeful that Verstappen, known for his resilience, can force a change. On X, supporters express their confidence: “Max will show what he is worth, despite this chaos.”
While the qualification and race are approaching on 3 August, all eyes focus on Verstappen. Can he get the RB21 under control of a circuit that achieved successes in the past, such as his victory in 2023? Or will McLaren continue to expand his lead? This weekend promises to be a test of Verstappens determination and Red Bulls ability to recover from a turbulent start.
