The Hungarian Grand Prix
2015 HUNGARIAN GRAND PRIX FORCE INDIA REVIEW
Cautiously optimistic, the Silverstone-based squad came to Hungary with hopes of a solid points finish. Below par qualifying meant they had a battle on their hands for the race. However, both drivers made good starts from their grid spots, running in the points. The end result, though, was far from a fairy tale ending with a double retirement.
No. 27 Nico Hülkenberg
Form: 7/14/R/13/15/11/8/6/7/RET
Hulkenberg had been more or less in the top ten for every session leading up to Sunday’s race, ending up starting just out side the top ten in 11th after qualifying. He made a superb start, avoiding some of the first lap collisions and was running in a solid fifth place for the most part of the race. However, after his first pit stop and with a recovering Lewis Hamilton catching up with the German, his Force India car suddenly went straight on at the first corner, narrowly missing fourth-placed Bottas, while Kvyat behind received a face full of carbon fibre. Replays showed the Hulk’s front wing failing, causing him to travel straight on and into the tyre barrier. This brought out the safety car, which ultimately spiced up the race, but for Hulkenberg, it was race over.
No. 11 Sergio Pérez
Form: 10/13/11/8/13/7/11/9/9/RET
Like his team-mate, Perez made a good start from 13th on the grid and was settled into the lower half of the top ten. In fact, it was a rather quiet race for the Mexican until he came across Pastor Maldonado. The Venezuelan Lotus driver went down the inside of Perez into the first corner, and on exit, both drivers wheels touched, causing Perez to spin out. Perez was able to carry on to the pits and Maldonado received a penalty. However, the damage was done and Perez was now outside the top ten. As a result of his team-mate’s crash, the team decided to change Perez’s front wing for safety reasons during the safety car period, before eventually retiring him with considerable floor damage after his earlier clash.
It was a tough weekend for Force India whose new car is starting to decrease the team’s reliability rate, especially after starting the season so well with a modified 2014 car. They will bounce back in Spa for sure.
