Max Verstappen has been handed a significant boost ahead of the Hungarian Grand Prix after a rival team’s disqualification dramatically reshuffled the final starting order, adding yet another twist to an already chaotic Formula 1 weekend at the Hungaroring. The Dutchman, who qualified inside the top five, now moves up the order following the FIA’s latest post-session ruling.
The Hungarian Grand Prix has already produced several major talking points. Lando Norris secured a sensational pole position for McLaren, ending Mercedes’ remarkable streak of qualifying dominance. However, the celebrations were soon overshadowed by a series of investigations and penalties that transformed the grid before Sunday’s race.
Lewis Hamilton was one of the first drivers to be penalized after stewards ruled that the Ferrari driver unnecessarily impeded Oscar Piastri during the closing stages of qualifying. The seven-time world champion received a three-place grid penalty, dropping him from the front row and promoting several rivals further up the order. Championship leader Kimi Antonelli was also handed a three-place penalty for failing to slow sufficiently under yellow flag conditions, further shaking up the starting grid.
The situation became even more dramatic when the FIA confirmed the disqualification of a rival team following post-session technical checks. As a result, Verstappen gained another position on the grid, strengthening Red Bull’s chances of challenging McLaren and Ferrari at a circuit where overtaking has traditionally been extremely difficult. While Red Bull has not enjoyed the outright pace shown by McLaren throughout the weekend, every position gained could prove crucial over the 70-lap race.
Verstappen had admitted before qualifying that it was difficult to judge Red Bull’s competitiveness around the Hungaroring, describing the team’s prospects as uncertain after a mixed run of recent performances. Nevertheless, the latest changes have placed the reigning world champion in a stronger position to fight for another podium—or even victory—should strategy and race circumstances fall in his favour.
McLaren still enters the race as the favourite, with Norris leading the field and Oscar Piastri also starting near the front after benefiting from the revised grid. Ferrari, meanwhile, will be hoping Charles Leclerc can capitalize on his improved position despite Hamilton’s setback. Mercedes faces a tougher afternoon after Antonelli’s penalty reduced the team’s advantage heading into the summer break.
With penalties, investigations, and now a disqualification altering the competitive picture, the Hungarian Grand Prix promises to be one of the most unpredictable races of the 2026 Formula 1 season. All eyes will now be on Verstappen to see whether his unexpected promotion can be converted into a result that boosts Red Bull’s championship ambitions.
