Hungarian Grand Prix: The Editor’s Tops/Flops

The TOPS

McLaren, performance-wise

The British team simply dominated this 2024 edition of the Hungarian Grand Prix. Whether in qualifying or in the race, the orange cars were ahead of the competition and nothing could prevent them from achieving a double victory that had escaped them since the 2021 Italian Grand Prix. This is McLaren’s second win of the season after Lando Norris’ victory in Miami. With at least two wins in a season for the team based in Woking, this had not happened since 2012. Oscar Piastri takes advantage of this to open his account while offering McLaren its 185th victory in Formula 1.

The return of the Hamilton-Verstappen rivalry.

Wink of history, the last time the Dutchman’s Red Bull took off after contact with the Briton’s Mercedes was also during a McLaren double, at Monza during this crazy 2021 season. Already at Silverstone, the two multiple world champions had finished very close to each other at the finish. This time, their battle went much further with wheel-to-wheel moves until their collision at the end of the start/finish straight. This renewed rivalry is mainly due to the return to form of the Silver Arrows who have secured five podiums, including two wins, in the last five races.

The return to form of Ferrari

Even if no Ferrari is found on the podium of the Hungarian Grand Prix, it is worth noting that the Italian single-seaters have found their pace on the Hungaroring. Fourth and sixth in qualifying, Carlos Sainz and Charles Leclerc finished in the same positions in the race but in reverse order. The Monegasque driver managed to keep up with Lewis Hamilton and Max Verstappen in the fight for third place. He then took advantage of the collision between the two world champions to finish just off the podium. Progress to be confirmed next week in Spa.

The FLOPS

McLaren, strategy-wise

What happened on the wall of the McLaren stands during this Hungarian Grand Prix? Why bring Lando Norris into the pits to give him a chance to overtake Oscar Piastri, who was leading? Why then ask the Englishman to give back the position to the Australian when the decision had been made to give him the victory? Zak Brown’s troops stumbled and a shadow will forever hang over this McLaren one-two. If Norris finishes the season less than seven points behind the championship leader, many will criticize the British team for this strategy. Let’s hope for the native of Glastonbury that the situation does not occur.

Red Bull continues to limp on one leg

This expression, attributed to Christian Horner after the qualifications in Budapest, reflects the state of mind prevailing within the Austrian team. In addition to having a car whose developments do not produce the expected effect, Red Bull must deal with a driver who cannot raise his level of performance and makes mistakes. Sergio Perez is struggling and it’s not just limited to the Hungarian weekend. With only seventeen points scored in the last six Grand Prix races, the Mexican is not contributing, or very little, to the constructors’ championship for his team. Paddock rumors suggest Perez could lose his seat during the season. At this rate, it may soon no longer be just rumors.

Alpine, it’s still not there.

How far away Esteban Ocon’s victory in Budapest three years ago seems. As the Norman driver said after the race, there is only the start to place in the « positive points column » after this Hungarian Grand Prix. Like two weeks ago in Silverstone, everything went wrong at Alpine in Hungary. From the back of the grid, the two French cars never managed to find a rhythm in the race and spent their time at the bottom of the standings. Ocon crossed the line in 18th place while Pierre Gasly was forced to retire due to a hydraulic issue. The French can’t wait for the break.