Max Verstappen was left downbeat after seeing his Hungarian Grand Prix end after just a handful of laps after a technical issue on board his RB14 whilst running fifth.
The Aston Martin Red Bull Racing driver had jumped from seventh on the grid to fifth on the first lap and was keeping tabs with the quartet ahead of him when the car failed on him heading towards turn two on lap six, and he ground to a halt a little way further around the lap for his fourth retirement of the season.
“Today didn’t go the way we planned,” said Verstappen on Sunday. “I felt good with the car and had a strong start but the race was then over within six laps.
“It is really frustrating after putting all the effort in and being in a promising position, but then having to stop due to reliability. As I was happy with the car I think we could have had a good battle with the front group, it’s a shame to have missed out on that and some valuable points.
“It’s such a shame for not just myself and the team but also the fans that travel all the way here supporting me. It’s not fun to watch me complete a few laps and then retire.”
Verstappen does not know whether the problem in Hungary will lead to more pain in the Belgian Grand Prix with potential engine penalties, but the retirement was not the way he wanted to head into the summer break, with the Dutchman not scheduled to drive on either day of the post-race test this week.
“I’m not sure if this will mean engine penalties for Spa, we will look into it as a team and discuss the best way to come back strong after the summer break,” said Verstappen.
“I don’t really feel like going away on holiday now as this isn’t the way I wanted to finish the first part of the season. I would like to get back in the car to race again and finish on a strong result, unfortunately I can’t.”
