Verstappen details 'crucial moment' for Red Bull in F1 title fight

Max Verstappen has highlighted the Hungarian Grand Prix weekend is crucial moment for how the remainder of its season will unfold.

Following a strong start to the season, Red Bull has faced an increased challenge from rival teams of late.

McLaren has consistently pushed the reigning world champions since Miami, while Mercedes has recently upped its pace, prevailing at the last two grands prix.

Red Bull will fit fresh upgrades to its RB20 car this weekend at the Hungaroring, which Verstappen hopes will provide a boost in pace.

“We brought stuff [earlier this year] but they were not particularly big, I would say,” Verstappen told media including RacingNews365. “So this one is a bit bigger than what we have brought already. 

“So I think for everyone, this is an important, important weekend.” 

When asked if it is a crucial moment for the team regarding the championship fight this year, Verstappen stated: “You could say that. I think so, if this is not giving us some good lap time...

“I don't know how the rest of the season is going to evolve but at the same time, I also don't know what's coming from the other teams. 

“So we just focus on ourselves. We are bringing quite some things to the car and of course, I hope that it will give us a bit of lap time.”

Red Bull 'not the quickest car'

Verstappen still maintains a strong 84-point lead in the drivers' championship, while Red Bull's constructors' standings lead over Ferrari is 71 points.

Rival teams have closed in on Red Bull of late with Verstappen's team-mate Sergio Perez struggling for performance.

The Dutchman was quizzed over how close he expects the usual challengers to be this weekend - however Verstappen believes he is part of the chasing group.

“I think you turn it around, [it's] 'how close can we be to the competition?'” he said. 

“I think the last few races, we have not been the quickest car so I don't expect that to suddenly be any different. 

“Of course, we will bring upgrades so hopefully that will give us a good boost. But at the moment I just want to try and see how that will work this weekend.”