F1 icon impressed with one specific trait of Verstappen in Hungary

Gian Carlo Minardi praised Max Verstappen’s maturity in his statements over the weekend and after the Hungarian Grand Prix, despite the Dutchman finishing only ninth, even behind Liam Lawson’s Racing Bulls.

For Max Verstappen and Red Bull, the Hungarian Grand Prix marked their worst result of the season, excluding the retirement in Austria due to the collision with Kimi Antonelli and the penalty in Spain that dropped the Dutchman to tenth place.

The four-time world champion, however, presented himself to the media after the race with a constructive attitude, emphasizing his intention to “stay neutral so I don’t become overly optimistic or pessimistic,” and expressing hope that he “can still win some races here and there.''

"This weekend we simply did not have a fast car. That's the problem,'' he then added.

Max Verstappen in Hungary

Minardi praises Verstappen's attitude in Hungary

An attitude that was particularly appreciated by Gian Carlo Minardi, who, speaking to motorsport.com, praised the Dutchman’s maturity over the weekend.

''I believe he has changed the way he thinks, or at least the way he expresses himself, because it’s clear that he’s paying attention to what Red Bull has likely lost over the past month,'' the Italian manager said.

''As a result, today he needs to roll up his sleeves and try to address the issues the team has faced, despite having won the championship in 2024 with some difficulty.''

''I have to say, this is yet another sign of his maturity — choosing not to throw fuel on the fire, but instead getting to work.''

''There’s no doubt that finishing ninth, over a minute down and even a lap behind the leader, was a bitter pill for him to swallow.''

Finally, Minardi added: ''I see a constructive approach, and for me, it’s very important that the team environment remains calm and collaborative. His demeanor sends a signal of cooperation, not pessimism.''

With ten Grands Prix still to go after the summer break, Verstappen remains in third place, but now faces a much more threatening George Russell behind him, who, thanks to his podium in Hungary, is just 15 points away.

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