HUNGAR GAINS FOR MAX RIVALS

Veratappen turns in off the pace practice performance

- FRANK HAYNES

MAX VERSTAPPEN handed his rivals the slimmest of hopes that he could be beaten at Sunday's Hungarian Grand Prix after he finished only 11th in practice.

The dominant Dutchman, who has won eight of the 10 rounds so far and six in succession to establish a 99-point lead in the standings, has won in all conditions this season.

But Verstappen unusually ended the sole dry running here six tenths back from Ferrari's Charles Leclerc, with McLaren's Lando Norris - fresh from his impressive second place at the British Grand Prix 0.015 seconds adrift of the scarlet car.

Lewis Hamilton was 16th with Merc team-mate George Russell 20th on a topsy-turvy day at the Hungaroring.

Despite Verstappen being off the pace, times in practice must be treated with a degree of caution as different set-up and fuel loads are trialled.