After Max Verstappen and Red Bull extended their championship lead in France, it’s time for Formula 1’s annual visit to the Hungaroring for the Hungarian Grand Prix.
For a short period of time, the French Grand Prix appeared that it would go to Charles Leclerc. But as the young Monegasque crashed out on lap 18, Max Verstappen took advantage for his seventh victory of 2022, followed by the Mercedes pair of Lewis Hamilton and George Russell. But for all teams, a quick turnaround is due, as they will head to Budapest for the Hungarian Grand Prix.
With Verstappen extending his championship lead to 60 points over his rival Leclerc, it becomes that much more crucial for Ferrari to respond this weekend. With Hungary being the final race before the month-long summer break, both drivers are looking to go into the break with the momentum of a Grand Prix victory.
Last year, the Hungarian Grand Prix delivered many surprises, as multiple contenders for the race win were taken out at the first turn of the race, including Valterri Bottas, Sergio Perez, and Verstappen. This resulted in a red flag, where mixed tire conditions resulted in a bizarre scenario in which Lewis Hamilton was the only car on the grid after the red flag restart. The ensuing chaos eventually resulted in Alpine’s Esteban Ocon snagging his first, and to date, only career win.
Last year's Hungaroring race was a modern classic 🍿
And there was drama from the off! 💥😱#HungarianGP #F1 pic.twitter.com/0sQW9trsaM
— Formula 1 (@F1) July 27, 2022
The Circuit
The Hungaroring, stretching to just under 4.4 kilometers long, is located in the Budapest suburb of Mogyoród and has hosted a Formula 1 Grand Prix every year since 1986. The circuit has become known as “Monaco without the buildings” due to its narrow racing surface and the notable difficulty of overtaking around the circuit.
Sector 1 begins with the 0.8-kilometer-long pit straight, which serves as the circuit’s first DRS zone. Turn 1 is a slow, tight turn, which has seen many first-lap incidents, including in last year’s race. Following Turn 1 is the circuit’s second and final DRS zone, which feeds into Turn 2, a slow, reverse-banked left-hander. Drivers then flick the car to the right into an uphill straight, another prime overtaking opportunity.
Sector 2 starts with Turn 4, a fast left-hander, and turn 5, a long right turn sending drivers back west. Turns 6 and 7 are a tight chicane, which has caught many drivers out in the past. Turns 8, 9, 10, and 11 are a set of winding corners that send drivers left and right, before sending drivers back towards the pit straight.
Drivers then take a 90-degree right for Turn 12, before taking two looping identical turns that send drivers back out to the main straight, completing a lap of the twisty Hungaroring.
Credit: F1.com
Championship Standings
With Charles Leclerc finding himself in the wall in France, Max Verstappen hangs on to a rather comfortable lead.
- Max Verstappen, Red Bull Racing – 233 points
- Charles Leclerc, Ferrari – 170 points
- Sergio Perez, Red Bull Racing – 163 points
- Carlos Sainz, Ferrari – 144 points
- George Russell, Mercedes – 143 points
Race Predictions – Hungarian Grand Prix
The Hungaroring can produce thrilling moments and it seems a safe bet that we will see some of those again. Ferrari and Charles Leclerc will be back at the top on Sunday, using the Ferrari’s cornering advantage to take the victory. Behind Leclerc will be Verstappen, whose Red Bull team will struggle throughout the weekend. In third will be George Russell, who will feature on the podium in his first appearance at the Hungaroring as a Mercedes driver.
- Charles Leclerc, Ferrari
- Max Verstappen, Red Bull Racing
- George Russell, Mercedes
How to Watch: United States (All Times in EST)
- Free Practice 1: Friday, 7/29 – 7:55 A.M. on ESPNU
- Free Practice 2: Friday, 7/29 – 10:55 A.M. on ESPN2
- Free Practice 3: Saturday, 7/30 – 6:55 A.M. on ESPN2
- Qualifying: Saturday, 7/30 – 9:55 A.M. on ESPN2
- Aramco Hungarian Grand Prix: Sunday, 7/31 – 8:55 A.M. on ESPN
How to Watch: International
For a full list of Formula 1 broadcasters by country, click here.
Fans can follow along with live timing on the official F1 app, available for free on the App Store and other stores.
Read On: W Series: Hungary Preview, Predictions and How To Watch
