Race Preview and Forecast for the Hungarian Formula 1 Grand Prix
Weekend's Hungarian Grand Prix promises a thrilling showdown in the Formula 1 season. After scoring back-to-back victories, Mercedes' Lewis Hamilton is causing quite a stir.
The legendary seven-time champion claimed his record ninth British GP win, becoming the sixth different winner of 2024. Championship leader Max Verstappen appreciates the boost in competitiveness. He expressed to F1.com, "Every race is a battle these days, so it's great!"
Verstappen and his rivals lock horns at the Hungaroring in Budapest. Next weekend, the Belgian GP awaits for another back-to-back race encounter.
Known as 'Monaco without walls', the Hungaroring circuit offers a unique challenge. At 4.381km, it's tight, slow, and narrow, requiring full throttle for only 50% of the lap. Compared to the rapid Silverstone track, it's a challenging venue for overtaking, with just 17 passes in 2023.
This slow-paced racetrack emphasizes a well-sorted chassis due to its many slow and medium corners. Qualifying is vital as it's hard to overtake. The top contenders include Red Bull, Mercedes, and McLaren.
Triple world champion Verstappen stands as the odds-on favorite for the race win at 1.68. Lando Norris follows at 4.50, while the Mercedes drivers come in at 9.0.
Verstappen has clinched seven victories in the season, while Norris boasts six podium finishes in the last eight races. However, Mercedes has shown significant improvements recently, securing two pole positions and race wins.
Hamilton's emotional Silverstone win came at the right moment, but his team principal, Toto Wolff, acknowledges that the W15 still has shortcomings. "We don't yet have a car that can challenge for victories every weekend."
The fierce battle will likely be between Verstappen and Norris. The Briton understands the importance of this race as he aims to close the gap on his rival. "Qualifying is crucial here, but we'll be competitive. It's incredible to be in a position to lead a Grand Prix, but there is still some more work to do. We're ready!"
Keep an eye out for Haas' Nico Hulkenberg, who has scored two sixth-place finishes in a row. Both RB drivers could also make it into the top 10, while Ferrari might be the outsiders for a podium finish.
Predictions:- Winner: Lando Norris- Podium: Lando Norris, Max Verstappen, Lewis Hamilton- Top 4 and 5: George Russell and Oscar Piastri- Winning Margin: Under six seconds- Fastest lap: Max Verstappen- Pole position: Lando Norris- First to retire: Kevin Magnussen- First car to retire: Haas- Most Team Points: Mercedes- Both Cars Qualify for Q3 Shootout: McLaren- Practice 1/2/3 Winning Car: Russell / Mercedes- Safety Car: No- Top 6: Charles Leclerc, Carlos Sainz, Fernando Alonso- Top 10: Daniel Ricciardo, Lance Stroll, Yuki Tsunoda- Fastest pit stop: Red Bull
Sean Parker, a motorsport journalist and sports content creator at The South African, gives his expert insights throughout the season.
Sports analyst Sean Parker predicts a close race at the Hungarian Grand Prix, with Lando Norris claimed as the potential winner. The slow-paced Hungaroring circuit favors well-sorted chassis, making qualifying crucial, a challenge that Norris is expected to excel in. In addition to Norris, Max Verstappen and Lewis Hamilton are expected to secure podium finishes. Meanwhile, Mercedes' triple world champion Verstappen stands as the odds-on favorite for the race win, but has shown improvement from his rivals, particularly Mercedes, who recently secured two pole positions and race wins. The top contenders also include Red Bull and McLaren in the race for the top 4 and 5 positions. The race is expected to have a tight margin, under six seconds, with Max Verstappen predicted to record the fastest lap. While Mercedes may not challenge for victories every weekend, Hamilton's recent victory at the British GP has shown their potential. In the race for the fastest pit stop, Red Bull is predicted to top the charts. Meanwhile, Haas' Nico Hulkenberg is expected to score well, with RB drivers and Ferrari also having the potential to make it into the top 10.
