MAX VERSTAPPEN performed the drive of the 2022 season after winning the Hungarian Grand Prix after starting tenth.
And there was double joy for Mercedes with Lewis Hamilton and George Russell both finishing on the podium.
Red Bull driver Verstappen has extended his Championship lead to 80 points with his nearest rival Charles Leclerc coming home in sixth.
It was a disappointing performance from the Ferrari man who had been leading the race.
His team-mate Carlos Sainz finished in fourth, with Red Bull’s Sergio Perez in fifth.
McLaren’s Lando Norris finished in seventh ahead of Alpine’s Fernando Alonso and Esteban Ocon, with Aston Martin’s Sebastian Vettel completing the top ten.
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Latest reaction as Verstappen WINS with Hamilton in SECOND in thriller
Speaking after the race, Verstappen said: “I was at first hoping that I could get close to a podium.
“But very tricky conditions out there but we had a really good strategy.
“We were really reactive and always pitting at the right time, I thought we had some good out laps, and at the end – even with the 360 – we won the race.”
“It was a crazy race and I’m of course very happy that we won it.”
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Hamilton failed to hide his delight after the GP after insisting are back on the right track following their poor start to the season.
He remarked: “I was definitely struggling at the beginning of the race and wasn’t sure if I was going to be able to catch the guys up but bit by bit, I was more comfortable with the balance and had a really good start as well.”
“I really want to acknowledge my team who have pushed and never given up in this tough year so far.
“To be on the podium, for both cars to be on the podium twice, it is pretty special for us and really unlucky for George today.
“The others guys still have a bit of an edge but we are clearly closing the gap and this is just an amazing way to go into the break knowing that we have this performance.
“Hopefully we can bring some more into the second part of the season and starting fighting with the guys up front.”