Hungarian Grand Prix: a beloved staple that links F1 with history and drama
The Hungarian Grand Prix is on this week’s racing calendar, shaping a weekend full of options and surprises. Max Verstappen, driving for Red Bull, holds a comfortable lead in the World Championship standings. Ferrari faces a pressing need to respond, while Spaniards Carlos Sainz and Fernando Alonso, driving for Alpine, are forecasting rain that could shake up the schedule.
It remains one of the sport’s most memorable events, a chapter in Formula 1’s long, dramatic saga. Last season’s title race hinged on the final laps in Abu Dhabi, leaving Verstappen with a strong but not insurmountable grip on the championship. As he arrives in Hungary, he sits with a tally around 233 points, with Charles Leclerc close behind, testing whether the European swing can tilt the season toward a decisive finish before the holiday break.
In the most recent round in France, Leclerc again challenged the credibility of Ferrari amid Verstappen’s victory, a result that kept the pressure on the Dutch driver as he pursues a formidable run of wins. The Hungarian event could serve as a final push for Verstappen before the mid-season pause, amplifying the tension and heightening expectations for the teams and fans alike.
Ferrari finds its margins thinning after a recent setback, with the Hungaroring offering a tight layout that rewards precise lines and strong tire management. The track’s intricate corners and occasional surface irregularities could magnify the impact of weather, especially given forecasts of rain starting Saturday and potentially reshaping qualifying and the race strategy.
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The event also inspires Fernando Alonso, who turns 41 this week and is chasing a landmark first victory since his rookie season. Alpine enjoyed a breakthrough moment last year when Esteban Ocon earned their first win at the Hungaroring, a result that still resonates with the team. The sport’s narrative continues to weave together recent triumphs and career milestones as the calendar advances toward the holiday pause.
Carlos Sainz, fresh from a dramatic engine change just before the last weekend, remains firmly in contention for a strong finish. The Madrid-born driver sits in a close chase for the title, with points gaps that could narrow quickly if results swing his way. Sainz’s drive from the mid-pack to potential podiums mirrors the resilience shown by teammates and rivals alike during a season rich with drama and late-stage momentum.
After a sensational comeback at Silverstone, Sainz aims to keep the momentum rolling into the Hungaroring, a venue with a storied history that often delivers memorable moments beyond the checkered flag. The year 2021 stands as a reminder: a race marked by controversy, perseverance, and a turning point for several drivers as the season wore on and the championship picture shifted once more.
F1 Hungarian GP 2022 schedules:
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Friday 29: Free practice 1 – 14:00 – 15:00 and free practice 2: 17:00 – 18:00
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Saturday 30: Free practice 3 from 13:00 to 14:00; Classification: 16:00 – 17:00
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31 Sunday: Race: 15.00 (70 laps)