Formula 1 heads to Hungary for the final race before the summer break this weekend, and with championship protagonists Lewis Hamilton and Nico Rosberg separated by just 14 points at the top of the standings, there is everything to play for at the Hungaroring.
The race graced the F1 calendar back in 1986, and was the first to take place behind the iron curtain of communism. Bernie Ecclestone had wanted to take a round to the Soviet Union, but eventually settled for Hungary, which has remained a mainstay on the calendar ever since.
In more recent times, the race has been a stronghold for Lewis Hamilton. The Briton is the joint most successful driver at the track, having won it four times in seven attempts. Only Michael Schumacher has won as often at the Hungaroring.
As a result, he goes into this race weekend as the favorite despite losing out to Nico Rosberg at Hockenheim. The German driver will be well aware of his teammate’s penchant for this track, and may have to settle for only a seven point lead before the summer shutdown.
2014 Hungarian Grand Prix – Talking Points
Lewis chases a high-five
The hallmark of a legendary driver in Formula 1 is the ability to create a an association with a circuit by winning there, making it their own. For Lewis Hamilton, it is the Hungaroring. Four wins in seven years, and even when the McLaren was a pig of a car back in 2009, he dragged it to victory. Last year, he claimed his first win for Mercedes at the track, calling it a “miracle”; will he move clear of Schumacher and claim a fifth win in Hungary on Sunday?
A charge for the returning Red Bulls?
Red Bull’s recent form has been good, but not great. This weekend, the defending champion team could strike back at a circuit that should suit the RB10 better than most. Although a victory or even a second place finish is out of the question if Mercedes keeps things pointing in the right direction, a strong double-score could see the team move back ahead in the pecking order after three races on the back foot.
Don’t stop Bottas now, he’s having a good time
Valtteri Bottas is quickly becoming the break-out star of the 2014 Formula 1 season, securing three straight podium finishes since the Austrian Grand Prix. He was the only driver to enter battle with Lewis Hamilton at Hockenheim and win. The flying Finn now wants podium number four, and although the Hungaroring may not be as suited to the FW36, the team should still be fighting at the sharp end of the top ten in Hungary. Felipe Massa will also want to get back into the top ten after two first-lap incidents in the last two races.
Fernando’s choice?
Paddock chatter suggests that Ferrari’s drop to fourth in the constructors’ championship may not seem as innocuous as it actually is. Apparently, Fernando Alonso has a clause in his contract allowing him to leave if the team drops out of the top three in the standings, thus opening the door for him to walk away if he wants. With McLaren sniffing around the Spaniard, you can expect silly season to really get going this weekend.
Hungary for rain
We’re still yet to have a truly wet weather grand prix since Brazil 2012, where Sebastian Vettel edged out Fernando Alonso for the title at Interlagos. This weekend, the forecast suggests that heavy rain and thunderstorms could grace the Hungaroring, and it might just be what F1 needs ahead of the summer break: a crazy race to turn everything on its head and leave us a lot to mull over ahead of the final stretch. With eight races in fourteen weekends from Spa, the stage will be set for a straight fight between Lewis and Nico for the title.
Hungary – Facts and Figures
Track: Hungaroring
Laps: 70
Corners: 14
Lap Record: Michael Schumacher 1:19.071 (2004)
Tyre Compounds: Soft (Option); Medium (Prime)
2013 Winner: Lewis Hamilton (Mercedes)
2013 Pole Position: Lewis Hamilton (Mercedes) 1:19.388
2013 Fastest Lap: Mark Webber (Red Bull) 1:24.069
DRS Zone: Main Straight (T14 to T1); T1 to T3
