Pirelli Motorsport Director Mario Isola admits that the driver whose performance surprised him the most in the Hungarian Grand Prix was Max Verstappen. Verstappen started the race down in 10th after being hampered by technical issues during Saturday's qualifying, and stated beforehand that achieving a podium result could be tough. However, the Dutchman was able to charge through the field and pass title rival Charles Leclerc for the lead, though was forced to repeat the move after a spin at the exit of Turn 13 briefly put him back behind Leclerc. While Ferrari had a difficult day due to problems with pit-stops and tyre choices, Verstappen clinched his eighth victory of the season, and as such has now extended his lead at the top of the World Championship standings to 80 points.
Isola impressed by Verstappen's performance
Isola was left impressed by Verstappen's drive to the win at the Hungaroring. "I will say Verstappen [surprised me the most]," Isola told media, including RacingNews365.com . "Because of the pace, not the strategy, because [it was] the strategy that was indicated by us, so it was confirmed that it was a good strategy. "[I say Verstappen] in terms of strength in the performance, that he was able to win the race after spinning and starting from 10th position. "It doesn't happen every day."
How Verstappen's spin did not impact his chances
When asked if he would have expected Verstappen's tyres to have suffered more damage from his spin, Isola explained why this was not the case. "The spin was quite quick," he commented. "So I believe that [the] tyres were still in a sort of rotation, [rather than creating] a proper flat spot. "He was not complaining about vibrations on the radio, so it means that the tyres were [holding up] quite well."
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