Next weekend, Formula 1 drivers are preparing to face extreme conditions during the Hungarian Grand Prix. With very hot weather predicted, teams will have to adapt to the technical challenge imposed by the temperatures.
Consequences on Formula 1
The Hungarian Grand Prix is the thirteenth race of the season out of a total of 24 races. It will take place at the Hungaroring and promises to be a significant challenge this year. Since this weekend, the Hungarian people have been facing a severe heatwave. With daytime temperatures exceeding 30°C, this weekend temperatures could reach around 34°C.
These high temperatures could have many consequences on the championship. This season, McLaren and Mercedes have shown a progression in line with expectations. With rather performing cars, the heat could change their results.
Some cars, such as those of the McLaren and Mercedes teams, are more efficient in cooler weather. The Mercedes W15 for example performed very well at Silverstone, thanks to a suitable circuit and good car settings that allowed to maintain aerodynamic downforce. The team had managed to find a good mechanical balance to maximize their traction in slow corners.
The cold weather often helps teams better manage engine and tire temperatures, as we saw this year in Canada. At Silverstone, Lewis Hamilton also pointed out after Saturday’s qualifying sessions that the car had performed well thanks to an optimal tire temperature management.
However, a new challenge awaits the drivers at the Hungarian Grand Prix. With temperatures exceeding 30 degrees, the circuit could also be hit by rain. Particularly on this race Sunday with precipitation estimated at 20%. A problem for choosing the right tires. This heat can put significant pressure on the tires, accelerating their wear and making the cars harder to control on the track. For this event, Pirelli has confirmed the use of the C3, C4, and C5 tires for this Grand Prix, the softest in their range, due to the numerous tight corners of the circuit, as well as an uneven track.
A physical challenge
In the cockpits, the heat will be even stronger, testing the physical and mental conditions of the pilots. During last year’s Qatar Grand Prix, a similar situation had occurred. The Grand Prix, held at night due to the temperatures, had reached 36°C during the race. Such temperatures reach an equivalent of 50°C inside the cockpit. A situation that quickly escalated with some drivers having to abandon the race due to their condition and others falling victim to dizziness.
This year in Hungary, drivers and teams will not only have to focus on their performances, but also on managing difficult weather conditions to succeed in this Grand Prix and avoid a situation similar to last year.
