Hungarian Grand Prix: Presentation and Predictions from the editorial staff

While in the public, the paddock, or the press room, the only topic that drives this period between two races is the accident between Max Verstappen and Lewis Hamilton. This weekend, the last Grand Prix before the summer break is taking place. The stakes are high, and the race is likely to take place under high tension!

An exhausting turnstile

The drivers can hardly catch their breath. The Hungarian track is a series of technical corners. Very winding, it requires a lot of attention to not miss any trajectory, risking losing a lot of time on the timed lap exercise. In a race, a misjudgment immediately gives the opportunity to the follower to attempt an overtaking maneuver.

This race takes place on the circuit named Hungaroring located in the suburbs of Budapest, the capital of the country. In the middle of August, the world of F1 often has to deal with high summer temperatures. This reinforces the energy-consuming nature of this rather atypical race. Both for men and machines.

Proposed to the Formula 1 World Championship since 1986, the race has not experienced any interruptions. Fans come in large numbers, usually to support the Finnish gladiators. Ever since the arrival of the Dutch prodigy, a Dutch audience also travels there in convoy.

This does not stop Lewis Hamilton’s enthusiasm. He is indeed the record holder for victories in Hungarian lands, with eight wins since his arrival in F1 in 2007.

Key figures of the Hungarian Grand Prix

Max Verstappen wants his revenge

While he had managed to build up a comfortable cushion of points ahead of the British Grand Prix, the first lap accident has almost wiped out all his efforts.

Despite everything, its single-seater is the best on the grid. Whether in terms of chassis or engine power, Red Bull manages to better exploit its car than the star brand. On this winding circuit, the Austrian team should be able to play its cards right.

He will try to keep his damaged engine from Great Britain to avoid future penalties.

Pirelli, an intermediate range

The track is winding and abrasive but many corners are taken at lower speeds than at Silverstone. Tire degradation is therefore moderate.

Since Silverstone, Pirelli has validated with the teams its new tire concept which is reinforced on the rear axle. There were no punctures during the previous race. So there seems to be a significant improvement from this point of view.

Thus the teams will have the choice between the C2, C3, and C4 compounds of this new range.

The final #Fit4F1 battle of the first half of the 2021 season is here! 🇭🇺
Discover the #HungarianGP: https://t.co/YhdiDSctnJ pic.twitter.com/SNRaBjxcGp

— Pirelli Motorsport (@pirellisport) July 26, 2021

Editor’s predictions.

There is no doubt that, barring a major incident, the victory will be between Mercedes and Red Bull, and more specifically between Max Verstappen and Lewis Hamilton.

We believe that drivers are aware that a new crash would greatly harm their image. The accident at Silverstone is still fresh in everyone’s mind. The watchword for everyone is to bring back big points in preparation for the final battle.

Verstappen comes out as the fastest driver on a timed lap. He should therefore get the pole position.

In the race, the trend is the same with Verstappen ahead of Hamilton.

It is for the podium that the bets are more uncertain. But overall, it should come down to Charles Leclerc and Lando Norris. Outside the battle for the title, they are the most combative among the outsiders.

It is still worth noting Bastien’s impressive performance, with a Ferrari double seeing Charles Leclerc at the front ahead of Sainz and Hamilton!

And to not miss anything of this beautiful upcoming weekend, find the TV schedule of this race.