Sebastian Vettel starts his farewell tour, Ferrari is under pressure and Mercedes wants its first victory before the summer break – the facts about the Hungarian Grand Prix.
Sebastian Vettel starts his farewell tour, Ferrari is under pressure and Mercedes wants its first victory before the summer break – the facts about the Hungarian Grand Prix.
Verstappen has rushed Leclerc
Before the 13th of 22 races of the season, the Dutchman Max Verstappen is in the lead red bull the overall ranking with 233 points. Second is Ferrari driver Chales Leclerc with 170 points, third is Verstappen’s teammate Sergio Pérez (163). The last Formula 1 race before the summer break is taking place in Hungary. Verstappen (seven wins of the season so far) and Leclerc (three) are favoured.
Many curves on the “kart track”
Due to the lack of long straights, the Hungaroring, almost 20 kilometers north-east of the Hungarian capital Budapest, is often compared to a kart track. Lots of corners in a row mean that the cars need an enormous amount of downforce. In the “Monaco without walls”, top speed hardly plays a role, even if the only good overtaking opportunity is at the end of the start and finish straight. In any case, the track is perfectly built for the spectators on site. The circuit is located in a natural hollow, and motorsport fans can see almost the entire circuit from the grandstands at the start. Lewis Hamilton is the record winner with eight wins. Michael Schumacher triumphed four times, Sebastian Vettel twice.
Vettel starts farewell tour
The focus in Hungary was not initially the sport, but the approaching farewell to Sebastian Vettel. The four-time world champion announced the end of his career at the end of the season, he will be on his expiring contract Aston-Martin not extend it and would like to concentrate on his family in the future. The race on Sunday (July 31, 2022) will be the start of his farewell tour through the premier class, including Hungary there are ten races to come.
Schumacher continued a piñata
Of course, everyone at Vettel will take a very close look. The Heppenheimer himself is confident in the race. “I think the layout suits the strengths of our car, I hope for a positive result”, he said. It is difficult to make a prognosis for Mick Schumacher. After two strong weekends in Silverstone and Spielberg, who each brought World Cup points, followed in France by a small setback.
Ferrari under pressure and pugnacious
Ferrari recently experienced a messed-up weekend in France. Leclerc got them pole position, fended off Verstappen’s attacks in the race – and then made a mistake and put his Ferrari in the barriers. That’s why he’s almost doomed to win in Hungary with a deficit of 63 points. Since 2007, the “Reds” have been waiting for the title that Mattia Binotto, team boss of the Scuderiabut has not yet written off. “There’s no reason why we can’t win ten races between now and the end”he claimed, emphatically demanding: “We don’t just want to win in Hungary, we want a one-two!”
Budapest specialist Hamilton hopes
Record world champion Lewis Hamilton and Mercedes are also aiming for the first victory. In France, the “Silver Arrows” scored a double podium with second place for Hamilton and third place for his British compatriot George Russell – and they now want to build on that in Hungary.
“I hope our car will be good and we can get closer to the others”said Hamilton: “I love the track, I hope the car feels good there.” Hamilton has now finished on the podium four times in a row, but as sixth in the drivers’ standings he is 106 points behind Verstappen. Russell is fifth – 90 points behind the leader.