Martin Brundle has delivered an insight into what Max Verstappen meant when he stated he was suffering from “car degradation” during the Hungarian Grand Prix.
Verstappen was heard over the team radio complaining about his car during the race, despite being able to run towards the front of the field.
The Dutchman crossed the line in second place to match his season-best result, having gained a spot late on when Lewis Hamilton made a late pit stop under the virtual safety car.
Earlier in the race, he was locked in battle with the Ferrari driver and made an eye-opening overtake into Turn 1.
At the time, Verstappen suggested Hamilton was not being fair in the braking zone, but Brundle shut down such concerns.
“Max Verstappen spent much of the race complaining about aerodynamic degradation, poor handling, and inconsistent gear shifting with his Red Bull, but would finish in a fine second place after some impressive overtakes on Hamilton’s Ferrari,” he wrote in his column for Sky F1.
“Max thought Lewis was a bit tough on him in the braking zone, but he wasn’t.”
After the race, Verstappen attracted attention for a comment he made about his car, stating it was degrading throughout the event.
Explaining what he meant by the remark, Brundle stated: “It was explained to me that if the Red Bull has any damage on the aero parts particularly underneath the car, on an aggressive kerb for example, this has a disproportionate effect on the overall downforce and so grip.
“Hence Max’s aero degradation comment.”