Hungarian GP Race Report: Annihilation in Budapest
In previous years, ‘silly season’ has tended to commence during the Hungarian Grand Prix at the very earliest. Hungary usually precedes the summer break, so transfer talk is natural as the puzzle pieces fall into place for the seasons to come. Unsurprisingly, this year it’s a bit different. Most teams have already filled their seats, or have at least rebuked the notion of new recruits.
Ferrari are one of the said teams, with Charles Leclerc and Carlos Sainz in their cars from 2021 onwards. This means that their current driver, Sebastian Vettel, who has a CV with levels of attraction similar to a supermodel, has no seat. This is old news. But the talk in the paddock that he could be on his way to Racing Point (next year Aston Martin) is becoming ever-louder.
Racing Point proved again, this weekend, that they have an excellent car for the 2020 and 2021 regulations. Sergio Perez has signed a contract for 2021 and his teammate Lance Stroll has not. Therefore, to the untrained eye, a Vettel-Perez line-up looks likely. And what a line up that would be. I have spoken previously of Perez’s brilliance behind the wheel. However, Lance Stroll has a joker - his Dad owns the team. Stroll seems pretty confident that he has a seat, and I am not surprised.
I would be saddened if Perez was forced out of Aston Martin or indeed Formula One. Stroll is not bad - and he proved it this weekend, qualifying third and finishing fourth. But Perez is supremely talented, experienced and has been with the team through highs and lows. They are his family.
That being said, Seb Vettel is too young to leave Formula One. You can’t help but feel that he was lured into the romance of Ferrari, and eventually, the pressure and politics led to mistakes arising. He is open about being inspired by Michael Schumacher and, like others, he didn’t achieve the results he dreamed off. A fresh start and project would do him good. He is not in Formula One to tread water either, which is great to see. I would be happy to see Sebastian win in an Aston Martin.
“Lewis appears as staggered as we are when he is made aware of another milestone.”
Vettel has also mentioned that one motivation of him winning at Ferrari was to take some championships off Lewis Hamilton’s tally, protecting Schumacher’s legacy as the greatest of all time. After this weekend, it seems as though nobody can stop Lewis Hamilton’s march through countless records. Lewis appears as staggered as we are when he is made aware of another milestone. This weekend saw his 90th pole position, a record-equalling eight wins at the same circuit and has now led move laps than the rest of the field combined around Hungary. Needless to say, Hamilton is in the championship lead with momentum on his side in his search for seven.
Some think Hamilton is driven by the numbers. However, his body language suggests that he is racing for the enjoyment and to win. Whatever his motivation, Lewis is at the top of his game. Then again, we all said that years ago, and he just keeps improving.
“Racism should not leave the conversation until it leaves this world.”
Off the track, Lewis Hamilton continues to be just as much of a champion. Once again, he leads the human rights battle against racism. Racism should not leave the conversation until it leaves this world. Hamilton sets an example for how to use one’s platform effectively, and hopefully, F1 can be as good as other global sports in demonstrating the unity we have on this matter.
“These sorts of races from Valtteri Bottas can erode his confidence against Hamilton.”
Lewis’ team, Mercedes, pushed aside the competition. Only Racing Point, whose car resembles the 2019 Mercedes, were within a second of the Silver Arrows that race in black. Mercedes have won all of the first three races and show no signs of slowing down. Team Boss, Toto Wolff, made the point that the Ferrari engine’s questionable competitiveness forced Mercedes into a gear higher than they would otherwise be in. The result - Lewis Hamilton’s lead was such that he had the luxury to stop for fresh tyres and record the fastest lap of the race for a bonus point. A strong statement.
What of Valtteri Bottas, the other Mercedes driver? The Fin produced an incredible lap. However, Lewis Hamilton is his teammate, so he started second. A mistake off the start line meant that Bottas fell down the field and had to fight his way through to third. His lack of decisiveness cost him time to Max Verstappen, who he would ultimately fail to catch. These sorts of races from Valtteri Bottas can erode his confidence against Hamilton. For the championship, he needs to use these next two weeks to resurge for race four.
“Alex is a fighter, and I hope Red Bull give him the chance to blossom into the great driver that he can be.”
Another driver whose confidence levels are critical is Alex Albon. Like Bottas, his teammate is arguably a once in a generation talent. Hamilton and Verstappen were in a league of there own in a way not dissimilar to Hungary 2019. Add to the mix that the Red Bull was a nightmare to drive, and Alex was really struggling during Saturday’s qualifying. A strong race saw him move from thirteenth to fifth with some bold moves - great to see. Confidence is so crucial in a high-pressure team like Red Bull. After all, that is why Pierre Gasly was swapped with young Albon. Alex is a fighter, and I hope Red Bull give him the chance to blossom into the great driver that he can be.
Max Verstappen received the driver of the day award from the fans’ vote. Instead, his award should read ‘team of the day’. When driving to the starting grid before the race, Max crashed in the wet conditions, damaging his front wing and suspension. Many, including Max, thought that it was game over. Remarkably, the Red Bull mechanics managed to do ninety minutes of repairs in just twenty - an engineering feet of which few are capable. From there, Max redeemed himself, starting well and then opting to stay out while others pitted for dry tyres. He used the clear air to gain second position after pitting, which he held onto for the remaining laps.
A great strategy, though illegal and later penalised, came from team Haas. While all competitors chose to start of intermediate rain tyres on a drying track, Kevin Magnussen and Romain Grosjean pitted at the end of the formation lap, sacrificing their starting positions for the faster, dry tyres. An inspired decision. Despite the penalty, K. Mag managed to steal a point - priceless in what is a tight lower end of the field.
The Hungarian Grand Prix, according to my good friend Dave, was an ‘annihilation’. It was an exemplary display of what is possible when the greatest in Formula One collaborate. As we take a breath for a couple of weeks, following the first triple-header of the year, a double shot of Silverstone beckons. I won’t miss it for the world, and I suggest that you don’t either.