With heavy hearts, the McLaren-Honda team heads to the Hungarian Grand Prix almost a week after the very sad news of Jules Bianchi’s passing. Having managed to get into the points last time out despite a collision between the two drivers on the opening lap, there must be at least some optimism in the team’s camp ahead of what will be a very tough Grand Prix emotionally for everybody in the paddock.
2015 Hungarian Grand Prix McLaren Preview
No. 14 Fernando Alonso
Form: R/R/R/R/10
2014: Grid: P5, Race: P2
Undeniably Fernando Alonso’s best race of the season in 2014 was his incredible drive to second place at the Hungarian Grand Prix, where he managed to beat Nico Rosberg’s Mercedes on merit in very tricky conditions to a superb second place, sandwiched between Daniel Ricciardo’s Red Bull and Lewis Hamilton’s Mercedes. Hungary is a happy hunting ground for Alonso, who won his very first Grand Prix back in 2003 and pulled out a Senna-esque first lap back in 2006. However he also has some bad memories here, including the controversial 2007 event where he held up Hamilton in qualifying, and the 2009 race, where after taking a shock pole position, his wheel fell off.
No. 22 Jenson Button
Form: 16/8/R/R/R
2014: Grid: P7, Race: P10
Jenson Button also won his very first Grand Prix back in 2006, inheriting the lead from – yes you guessed it, Fernando Alonso. He also won on his 200th Grand Prix here, after a race-long battle with Hamilton, so this venue is also a happy place for Button. Whilst the podium is definitely out of reach here, the second and third sectors of the tight and twisty Hungaroring circuit should suit the McLaren nicely, and they should look much better here than they did at the previous three events.
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