With Max Verstappen starting eighth and Charles Leclerc surprisingly on pole, the main question on Sunday is whether McLaren will ‘simply’ win again in the Grand Prix of Hungary. Verstappen is unlikely to do anything about it under normal circumstances, but Leclerc sees opportunities with his Ferrari.
First, it remains to be seen under what conditions the race will be run. There is a good chance of rain.
The chance of showers during the race is estimated at 40 percent. Before the start of the Grand Prix, that chance is much greater, so a scenario in which the race starts on a wet track is certainly possible.
This brings back memories of Belgium, a week ago. The race direction was very cautious there. Should there be similar conditions on Sunday, it is good to know that the speeds on the Hungaroring are lower than in Spa-Francorchamps and visibility-reducing spray is less of a problem.
Overtaking is a problem, as Verstappen, who is celebrating his anniversary, also knows. After his disappointing qualifying session, he has to come from eighth place in his two-hundredth Grand Prix for Red Bull. A quick advance is unlikely. “It really won’t be easy to pass other cars quickly.” Not that Verstappen is suddenly a favorite with that, but a (partly) wet race could help the Dutchman in Hungary.
‘I will do everything to keep the lead’
Polesitter Leclerc knows that he will have to make himself wide on the narrow and winding Hungaroring to keep the McLarens behind him. “The start and turn 1 will therefore be crucial. You can count on me doing everything to hold on to that first place. If that succeeds, we will make it easier for ourselves in the race.”
“There is some rain predicted for tomorrow,” the Ferrari driver also pointed out the predictions. “If that is the case, overtaking will be easier. But even then, it is always better to start at the front, especially on this track.”
Leclerc himself was surprised by his pole, but championship leader Oscar Piastri was less surprised that he was outdone by the fastest Ferrari. “Charles has been fast all weekend, and in the third free practice he was already closer than we expected. I didn’t expect to start behind a Ferrari this weekend, but he did well.”
Piastri expects a fun race. “And I am also confident that I can still win, although it will not be easy to regain the lead here,” said the Australian, making it clear how much he expected pole.
‘Charles is our biggest challenger’
Title competitor Norris wants to wait for the conditions first. “With rain it all becomes more interesting. But in the race our car is always at an advantage anyway.” Yet it did not surprise him that Leclerc is ahead for once. “In the last few races Charles has been our biggest challenger, so if anyone else was going to take pole it was him. And if anyone is going to make it difficult for us tomorrow it is Charles. Hopefully things will go our way tomorrow.”
In fourth place, George Russell is another outsider. The Mercedes driver is aiming for a podium finish. “We have seen today what role changing conditions can play, and that will probably be the case again tomorrow. I find the step we have taken this weekend encouraging. From the second row we should be able to fight for the podium.”
There are other names to watch out for. What can the Aston Martins, which have been remarkably strong this weekend, with Fernando Alonso and Lance Stroll on the third row? And will Sauber driver and rookie Gabriel Bortoleto score points for the third time in four races from seventh place? After his disastrous Saturday, Lewis Hamilton will be very keen to show that Ferrari really doesn’t need to replace him.
Two-stopper the fastest strategy
If it stays dry, a two-stopper is the fastest way to the finish. Mario Isola of Pirelli: “Then we are talking about a two-stopper with hard and medium tires. For drivers in the midfield, a one-stopper may be an option, especially now that it is getting a lot cooler on Sunday.”
Strategically, the pit stops can also be crucial, Isola expects. “We know that overtaking is certainly not easy here, but the undercut at the pit stops is very effective.” So expect the teams to be on their toes to prevent a competitor from diving into the pits earlier.
The Grand Prix of Hungary starts at 3:00 PM and lasts 70 laps.