Mercedes return to one of the three tracks that they didn’t achieve a victory on last year. In a drama-filled race, that had variable weather conditions, Lewis Hamilton took third place from Nico Rosberg, who finished just half a second behind. The Brit had to come through the field from 21st, as he failed to post a time in qualifying due to his car catching fire. Rosberg had the advantage on race day, as he started on pole position, but a safety car early on spoilt the German’s race. The major talking point after the race was Hamilton refusing to let Rosberg past, as they were on different strategies. The Brit didn’t want to lose any time on his championship rival. They battled for the final podium in the final laps, with Rosberg making a daring, but unsuccessful, move on the outside at turn two.
2015 Hungarian Grand Prix Mercedes Preview
No. 6 Nico Rosberg (DEU)
2015 Form: 2,1,2,1,1,3,2,3,2
2014 Hungarian Grand Prix: Grid P1, Race P4
Last year equalled Rosberg’s best result around there. He got fourth place in 2009, driving the Williams. This will be the German’s tenth outing here, and he will hope it doesn’t follow form, as he doesn’t have a good record. He suffered two retirements, in 2006 and 2010, and has only scored points in five of the nine meetings here. He did qualify on pole position here last year, and has only failed to qualify in the top ten in three outings.
No. 44 Lewis Hamilton (GBR)
2015 Form: 1,2,1,3,2,1,1,2,1
2014 Hungarian Grand Prix: Grid P21, Race P3
Hamilton has an incredible record here. He holds the record, with Michael Schumacher, for the number of wins. He achieved his first win in his rookie season of 2007. Three more wins came in 2009, 2012 and 2013, with the last one been his first win for Mercedes. He has also achieved four pole positions here. They came in 2007, 2008, 2012 and 2013. He has only suffered one retirement, in 2010 with gearbox issues, and has finished no lower than fifth place.
Last time out in Silverstone, Mercedes were given a race by Williams. A poor start from the Silver Arrows pair meant that Massa and Bottas leapfrogged them, and led the race until the first round of pit-stops. In the end, thanks to the rain, Hamilton and Rosberg were able to score a comfortable 1-2, but they will now know that there is a real threat from Williams. With a dry Sunday forecasted, then they may find themselves vulnerable again. The intra team battle will also be intriguing. With the momentum of a home win, and coming to a track he excels on, then the safe bet would be on Hamilton to extend his lead over his championship rival. However, as Rosberg has shown many times, he knows how to dig deep for the challenge, and to count him out this weekend would be foolish.
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