Hungarian GP Thread - Contains spoilers of all sessions.

[Fernando]

As the enforced mid-summer shutdown approaches, the Hungarian Grand Prix weekend is likely to be just as tough as Russia was last year for drivers, teams and fans, in the wake of Jules Bianchi’s sad passing last week.

"Saying goodbye to Jules was incredibly hard for everyone,” says Mercedes’ Lewis Hamilton, who was one of several drivers to have attended the Frenchman’s funeral in Nice on Tuesday. “I will be carrying Jules with me in my prayers and thoughts, not only this race but for the rest of my driving days. I know he'd want us to race hard as he did, and so I will."

"My thoughts in these days are with his family and close friends,” echoes Hamilton’s team mate Nico Rosberg. “Everyone will be sharing the same feelings in the paddock this week – but we must race on and race hard for Jules as he would have wanted to be doing himself.”

Neither Hamilton nor Rosberg won in Budapest last year, but one of them should have done. Rosberg took pole and an early lead, but then had his race ruined by the first of two safety cars and eventually finished fourth after Hamilton controversially refused to comply with team orders intended to help the German’s strategy. Hamilton himself fought through for a dramatic third place behind eventual winner Daniel Ricciardo and Fernando Alonso, having started 21st after his car developed a fuel leak in Q1.

The Silver Arrows, who are as quick, if not quicker this season, will be hoping for better luck this year, though rivals Ferrari, Red Bull and McLaren all travel to Budapest full of hope of an uplift in their own fortunes, as Toro Rosso and Force India fancy their chances and Williams hope they’ve made improvements to their car’s behaviour for a track that could be a bit of an Achilles heel for them.

So let’s deal with the characteristics of the Hungaroring first. Unchanged from last year and featuring two DRS zones (the first on the pit straight and the second between Turns 1 and 2), the 4.381-kilometre circuit makes equal demands of traction, braking and lateral energy demands on each car, and every team runs maximum downforce in search of maximum aero grip. While it isn’t particularly demanding on tyres, the non-stop series of corners doesn’t allow them much time to cool down, so wear management is important. It’s also tough on the drivers physically.

But as previously indicated, you’d be unwise to bet against runaway championship leaders Mercedes, given their current form.

“We approach Hungary determined to get a good result and to head into the summer break on a positive note,” says Paddy Lowe, executive director (technical). “The Hungaroring is an interesting circuit - predominantly low- and medium-speed with a short straight, plenty of challenging corners and a lot of elevation changes. It can be tricky to find the right compromise on suspension and it's also tough on brakes. Mostly though, it's about cornering ability, with teams running maximum downforce. Overtaking is tough but not impossible, so when passing manoeuvres do occur they're usually pretty special - there have been some bold, race-defining moves at the Hungaroring across the years.”

Nevertheless, Ferrari expect to go better here, and a really strong result is overdue. Based on their form in Monaco, another maximum-downforce track, they should have a better chance of that, and they were also strong in Bahrain on the medium and soft compound Pirelli tyres which are this weekend’s mandated choice.

"We've seen at other circuits it depends a lot on the layout of the circuit and what tyres we run," Kimi Raikkonen says. "I expect it to be a different story here. Silverstone was not ideal for us - the layout, conditions and tyres - but we have to improve and we have to try to get better whatever circuit it is. Hungary, I'm sure, will be better.”

Last year’s winners, Red Bull, also expect to be stronger. A great drive by Ricciardo, allied to a combative strategy, secured that success, but a repeat is unlikely. Again, though, the Australian and team mate Daniil Kvyat ran well at Monaco, which is a good sign.

This is another critical weekend for McLaren. First of all they’ll be hoping to avoid the first-lap incidents that hurt their campaign in Austria and Silverstone; secondly, to build on Jenson Button’s 12th place in qualifying in Monaco, in an MP4-30 which has been improved significantly since; and thirdly to exploit the consistency of its downforce and an improved delivery of power via its Honda ERS systems.

“It’s been a source of great frustration to see new components and upgrades destroyed before they’ve had the chance to be race-proven, through a series of first-lap accidents,” racing director Eric Boullier admits. “However, the unshakeable belief and optimism of Fernando and Jenson has set the example for the whole team: they are remarkable assets, and their commitment during these times is incredibly valuable.

“I hope that our performance in Hungary will scratch the surface on the performance and potential that lies within our organisation - it would be great to go into the break feeling re-energised.”

Toro Rosso have been very strong pretty much all season, while Force India took a big step forward with their update package at Silverstone, so both are expecting a lot. That’s another reason why Williams hope they’ve solved their problems from Monaco, where they slumped dramatically on the similarly twisty circuit.

"In Austria, we had the upgrades arrive in the car but it was not working the right way,” Felipe Massa says. “But we understood where to make it work at Silverstone and everything we tried to change from the last race to this race it worked and the car was quicker.”

“The circuit is very different from the last few because it’s much tighter with more medium- and slow-speed corners,” Valtteri Bottas adds, “but our development has been focused on tracks like this and generating higher downforce. We should be looking to have a strong weekend and to build on the good momentum we’ve built.”

With the weather expected to be dry and warm all weekend, tyres will again play a significant role. “We go from Silverstone - one of the fastest and most flowing circuits on the F1 calendar - to the Hungaroring, which is among the slower circuits with a seemingly non-stop series of technical corners,” says Pirelli’s motorsport director Paul Hembery. “It’s a real challenge for the driver, car, and tyres as they are always working hard: apart from the pit straight, there is no real point on the circuit where there is any respite.

“One of the biggest challenges is the weather: it can be extremely hot in Budapest in July, and obviously this has a significant effect on thermal degradation. In order to find the right balance between performance and durability, we’ve selected the medium and soft tyres, which is the same nomination as last year. This selection is soft enough to provide the mechanical grip needed to negotiate all the corners, yet hard enough to withstand the punishing weather conditions and track layout of the Hungaroring. This is not always the easiest circuit to overtake on, so tyre strategy can make a real difference.”

However you slice it, this is an important race in the season, effectively ending the first half and giving a big psychological boost to the man and team who can go into the August break on top.

Sunday’s race will run over 70 laps or 306.63 kilometres (190.531 miles), and will start at 1400 hours local time (1300 BST). At 1245 hours local time on race day there will be a minute’s silence in honour of Jules Bianchi.

[AlciG]

The Silver Arrows, who are as quick, if not quicker this season, will be hoping for better luck this year, though rivals Ferrari, Red Bull and McLaren all travel to Budapest full of hope of an uplift in their own fortunes, as Toro Rosso and Force India fancy their chances and Williams hope they’ve made improvements to their car’s behaviour for a track that could be a bit of an Achilles heel for them.

[Fernando]

I think the F1 site probably wrote this some time ago

Lotus were nearly without tyres but agreed a deal 1 hour before practice started.

[Guest]

Big crash for Perez, rolled it but he's ok.

[dyrewolfe]

Well, no major surprises whatsoever in qualifying. Disappointing how much of a gap Hamilton had on Rosberg- around 0.5sec quicker.

Unless Nico can do something at the start, it looks like being another pretty predictable race.

Saddest sight of the season (excluding Bianchi's crash) has to be Alonso determinedly pushing his McLaren back to the pits after his car conked out yet again in Q2. Loved the way he even had the presence of mind to wave at the fans cheering him on his way. Real class.

Think I may just catch the evening highlights tomorrow, as I can't see this being remotely entertaining.

[CaledonianCraig]

It is sad to see how things have become. At lunchtime on BBC2 they had a rewind show and they were looking at races in the 80s. Ah grida made up with five different manufacturers in the first five slots and whats more there was overtaking in the race as well.

[GSC]

Struggling to muster the motivation to watch this tomorrow to be honest

[Guest]

Don't then

Nico's setup issue is similar to Lewis' issues in Austria. Lewis, if reliable should control this, but you never know how good the starts will be, respectively. Vettel will gobble us any opportunity, that's for sure. I also heard some thunderstorms were forecast for tomorrow, so really anything could happen still.

Lewis now 9-1 over Nico in qualifying. What a difference a year makes.

[sportform]

Probably one of the best starts to a grand prix all season. The race is now on.

[Guest]

Since Mercedes changed the clutches before Spain, they've had absolute shockers in every race start. Kimi won't challenge Vettel & Rosberg is already in a winning position really, won't need to take risks.

[Guest]

Damage limitation for Hamilton now

[CaledonianCraig]

Since Mercedes changed the clutches before Spain, they've had absolute shockers in every race start. Kimi won't challenge Vettel & Rosberg is already in a winning position really, won't need to take risks.

Sorry I totally disagree. Rosberg's eyes should be out on stalks and reeling in the Ferrari's. He has the machinery and he needs much more than a few points more scored over Hamilton to show he is still right in there. Finishing third here would be lame lame lame.

[Guest]

He is right about the clutches. LiamB meant that when Rosberg was third & Lewis was 9th, that was the winning position for Nico. Things have changed though, Nico has no pace & Lewis is now less than 10 seconds behind in fourth. Vettel has won this though, but the fight for third should be interesting

[Jermaine2015]

Since Mercedes changed the clutches before Spain, they've had absolute shockers in every race start. Kimi won't challenge Vettel & Rosberg is already in a winning position really, won't need to take risks.

Sorry I totally disagree. Rosberg's eyes should be out on stalks and reeling in the Ferrari's. He has the machinery and he needs much more than a few points more scored over Hamilton to show he is still right in there. Finishing third here would be lame lame lame.

I'm afraid I disagree with you Craig. Historically Rosberg hasn't been very good at this circuit. I'm not 100% certain but I'd be inclined to suggest Rosberg has never been on podium at this circuit. The best possible result, after the Ferrari's jumped him, was P3. Nothing more.

[CaledonianCraig]

Well not if you look at the bigger picture. If he sees himself as world champion pedigree then I expect more than sitting in the better car and settling for third.

[Guest]

Struggling to muster the motivation to watch this tomorrow to be honest

Been a good watch actually, safety car now out after hulkenberg's wing exploded. Vettel leads, Kimi with an issue second, followed by Nico 3rd & Hamilton fourth. This could get tasty

[Fernando]

Bottas has a puncture, Think Hamilton has broken his front wing on by locking up into Ricciardo's car.

[Fernando]

Hamilton pits to fix the front wing.

Hamilton under investigation - Same thing Pastor got a drive through for....

[Guest]

Rosberg's xmas' have come at once it looks

[Jermaine2015]

Hamilton collapses under pressure yet again...

[Fernando]

Hamilton gets a drive through for hitting Ricciardo.

Rosberg set to lead the championship into the summer break if stays on track,Don't break down.

[Guest]

Maldonado is truly shocking

[Fernando]

Hamilton up to 10th. Kvyat closing in on the bunch..

[Fernando]

Hamilton & Kvyat being investigated for exceeding track limits

Ricciardo punctures Rosbergs tyres

[Guest]

Hahah puncture

[GSC]

Ricciardo

[Fernando]

Kvyat gets a 10 second time pen

[Guest]

What an outcome. Ricciardo is hamilton's new best friend

[Good Golly I'm Olly]

Very poor driving that by Ricciardo

[Jermaine2015]

Both Mercedes drivers are shocking

[Fernando]

It wasn't Ricciardo's fault. Rosberg tried to squeeze him and he didn't move.

Vettel,Kvyat,Ricciardo,Vestappen & Alonso top 5

[Fernando]

Ricciardo cleared by the Stewards.

[Jermaine2015]

Supreme drive from quadruple world champion Sebastian Vettel. Drive of a champion. 41st win and first at Hungary

[Fernando]

Vettel,Kvyat & Ricciardo top 3. Max 4th,Alonso 5th, Hamilton 6th, Grosjean 7th Rosberg 8th,Button 9th & Ericcson 10th

[Jermaine2015]

One day they'll call Daniel Ricciardo the best...

[CaledonianCraig]

Cracking race that. Well done to Seb - great drive. Very pleased for Fernando getting fifth - nice pick-me-up that for McLaren with Button also picking up points. A nightmare afternoon for Mercedes and Rosberg still drops points on Hamilton. Also good to see Red Bull have a much better day.

[GSC]

First podium for Kvyat, nice response to the internal criticism

[erictheblueuk]

I think the immaturity of both Hamilton and Rosberg was shown up in this race.

[CaledonianCraig]

I think the immaturity of both Hamilton and Rosberg was shown up in this race.

If we are calling collisions immaturity then every driver in F1 has it. EVERY driver.

[Guest]

Stupid post, this is F1 & the ups & downs you experience through a tough sporting calendar. You can never be perfect, it was Vettel's day & not Mercedes', to suddenly call them immature is ridiculous.

[CaledonianCraig]

Stupid post, this is F1 & the ups & downs you experience through a tough sporting calendar. You can never be perfect, it was Vettel's day & not Mercedes', to suddenly call them immature is ridiculous.

Correct Liam.

[dyrewolfe]

Well holy crap...what the hell happened there!?!?!

Had a last-minute change of heart and decided to watch anyway...and boy am I glad I did. Best race I've seen for quite a few years. Action and incident-packed pretty much from lights to flag. A fitting tribute to Jules Bianchi...and it has somewhat restored by faith in and love of F1 after so many seasons of pretty sterile races.

Congrats to Ferrari on a thoroughly deserved win. Blistering starts by both drivers. Sad that Kimi was yet again thwarted by engine problems, but Vettel maintained his lead brilliantly, even when he had Rosberg and Ricciardo on his tail after the restart. Lovely tributes to Jules on the radio and the podium. I salute you Seb!

Fantastic race for Red Bull. Great result for Kvyat after a poor start and having to make way for Ricciardo. Characteristically gutsy drive by Ricciardo...got involved in a number of scrapes. Unlucky that Rosberg closed the door on him so hard and smashed up his front wing. Don't think he would have caught Vettel but it would have been interesting watching him try.

Weird race for Mercedes. Rosberg actually got a marginally better start than Hamilton and looked on course for 2nd place after Kimi developed engine problems. Only real mistake of the race was trying too hard to keep Ricciardo behind him...cost him quite a few points. Would have been better to let him go and settle for 3rd, instead of risking that puncture that put him down in 9th or 10th.

Some uncharacteristic mistakes from Hamilton pretty much ended his hopes of a win early on, but a great recovery drive to end up ahead of Rosberg and thus stretch his championship lead a little more.

Also a big shout out to young Verstappen. Fantastic drive to bag 4th place.

And last but not least a big congrats to Alonso...just how the hell did he end up 5th? Amazing result for McLaren. Even Button managed a points finish. By far their best race of the season. I really hope they can push on from here...but I'm not holding my breath.

Commisserations to Hulkenberg who was running well (5th I think) when his front wing decided to let go, sending him into a tyre wall. Also a really poor showing by Williams, highlighting the fact that straight line speed is really their main weapon.

All in all a riveting couple of hours. If only more races could be like this...

[dyrewolfe]

@ CaledonianCraig & Liam: I would advise you to ignore erictheblue. He's a well-known troll. Best not to feed him

[erictheblueuk]

@ CaledonianCraig & Liam: I would advise you to ignore erictheblue. He's a well-known troll. Best not to feed him

Please !

Hamiltion got a penalty for his immature driving and you could hear him appologising for it.


Nico was easily in front of Hamiltion and all set to gain points on him, then his immaturity showed up when Ricardo was overtaking him. There was no need to go and squeeze him on the track like that. He could have easily let him go and still finished well ahead of Hamiltion.

[Guest]

Today, we saw, in my opinion, the effect of a long, difficult & emotional week for the drivers & it resulted in a whole host of errors, incidents & penalties. You can't underestimate the effect of the pre race tribute & how that could of played a part in the mental state & concentration of the drivers, as Massa proved on the starting grid. So give the guys a break, especially the pair who are deeply involved in fighting for a world championship & the extra pressure that brings.

It was just one of those days for the Mercedes' pair, in particular Hamilton. He will bounce back, because that's what Champions do. As for Rosberg, he had the opportunity to close the gap significantly, yet in the end, even when Hamilton had a bad day, Lewis still out-pointed him. Talk about a psychological blow.

Shame there is now a significant break until Spa, because the last two races have been very entertaining, something I hope can continue as we enter the second half of the season. Be interesting to see how the new starting procedures work for the next race, especially for Mercedes.

[Guest]

Think that's a good point, definitely an unusual amount of errors & penalties, pointing towards some kind of concentration issues, possibly as a result of the emotional week or drivers just over-driving or being too aggressive, in the case of Ricciardo, who admitted he left everything out there, to honour Bianchi.

As for the manual race starts, doubt it will change too much, they just have to select the clutch bite point & can't change it before leaving the garage. Short run down to turn 1 at Spa, although pole isn't the place to be as you almost certainly get slip streamed going up the hill & down the long straight.

[dyrewolfe]

@ CaledonianCraig & Liam: I would advise you to ignore erictheblue. He's a well-known troll. Best not to feed him

Please !

Hamiltion got a penalty for his immature driving and you could hear him appologising for it.


Nico was easily in front of Hamiltion and all set to gain points on him, then his immaturity showed up when Ricardo was overtaking him. There was no need to go and squeeze him on the track like that. He could have easily let him go and still finished well ahead of Hamiltion.

Right.

How many drivers made mistakes today?

Yet you choose to single out the Mercedes pair. Any particular grievance you have against them? Maldonado was picking up penalties like he was getting bonuses for them.

Also if you'd read my initial post, you'd have seen I made exactly the same point about Rosberg and mentioned Hamilton's mistakes.

[CaledonianCraig]

Well if eric lists Rosberg and Hamilton as immature for their driving yesterday then on his pathetic scaled Maldonado does well as an amoeba to drive a racing car at all.

Like I said yesterday then ALL drivers are immature then. As all drivers make mistakes - yes even the very best so let it drop eric eh as it makes you look pretty immature yourself.

[GSC]

Sometimes its better to be lucky than good. Yesterday was one of those days for Hamilton.

Not sure there's a better driver at controlling a race from the front than Vettel. Measured it perfectly yesterday.

Rosberg squeezed Ricciardo, but it was an entirely amateur divebomb from Ricciardo.

Good showing from McLaren on a track not overly reliant on power. They have a chassis roughly on par with Ferrari or RB but a massive power deficit.

[CaledonianCraig]

Sometimes its better to be lucky than good. Yesterday was one of those days for Hamilton.

Not sure there's a better driver at controlling a race from the front than Vettel. Measured it perfectly yesterday.

Rosberg squeezed Ricciardo, but it was an entirely amateur divebomb from Ricciardo.

Good showing from McLaren on a track not overly reliant on power. They have a chassis roughly on par with Ferrari or RB but a massive power deficit.

Sure it was a great drive from Vettel but I'd say he had his fair share of luck as well. Raikkonen acted as rear gunner and then when he fell away, Rosberg looked like mounting a challenge then got his puncture. Besides yesterday it was a bonus to be out in the lead as there were collisions galore in the main field of cars. Still a great drive by Seb but lets not overdo it with the praise as Hamilton and Rosberg have shown they can control from the front and others as well.

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