Preview | Can Leclerc make up for mistake in Hungary?

Formula 1 is preparing for the last Grand Prix before the summer break. In Hungary there is a lot at stake especially for Ferrari. The Italian team needs to win to prevent the gap with Max Verstappen from widening even further. You can read all about the upcoming GP in this preview from GPblog.

Hungarian Grand Prix

The race weekend was first scheduled in 1986. During the first three seasons, Nelson Piquet (twice) and Aryton Senna (once) each time a Brazilian managed to win. Senna was able to win twice more in 1991 and 1992.

The GP also remained on the programme during COVID, with no interruption since the mid-1980s. Lewis Hamilton won the most victories on the circuit. The Briton managed to finish the weekend victorious eight times.

Last season, Esteban Ocon surprisingly managed to take the victory. This was partly due to Valtteri Bottas causing a lot of damage after a personal error. Meaning Verstappen had to settle for no

nth with a broken car.

Hungaroring

Historically, overtaking has been difficult for drivers in Hungary as the track is twisty and bumpy, but over the years we have seen more memorable races on it. The track is over 4.3 kilometres long.

It is usually very hot in Hungary, which does not help track conditions. But for teams with lesser engines, it is often a place to score points just before the winter break.

Formula 1 in 2022

Charles Leclerc and Verstappen have been close for a long time this season in the world championship, but last weekend the Dutchman increased his lead considerably. Although the Monegasque had an excellent lead, the driver made a big mistake and crashed out of the race.

Verstappen then went on to win the race, increasing the gap to Leclerc to 63 points. It was a major blow for the Ferrari driver, who admittedly was disappointed with the result in the media.

Sergio Perez failed to reach the podium with his fourth place, but he was able to make up ground on Leclerc. With a gap of just seven points, he can still manage to secure second place before the summer break, although Leclerc will be looking to regain his lost ground.

Weather forecast

Temperatures will rise again in Hungary Weather.com temperatures will rise again in Hungary this weekend. Where it is expected to reach a maximum of 34 degrees Celsius on Friday, it will be 31 and 30 degrees Celsius on Saturday and Sunday respectively. The chance of precipitation is only Saturday considerable, namely more than 70 percent.

Forecast for the Grand Prix

It is difficult to predict how Ferrari and Red Bull Racing will fare in Hungary, partly due to this season's new cars. However, likely, both teams will once again have to battle it out to decide which team will win the race.

Verstappen has the mental advantage. Where Leclerc has the better car, it seems to be too short a time for him to get over the defeat of the race weekend in France. The driver will undoubtedly try to turn his disappointment into energy, but it remains to be seen whether he will succeed.

Meanwhile, Mercedes will be hoping for a mistake from one of the two teams. The German team has benefited from problems at Ferrari and Red Bull in recent weekends, racking up a host of world championship points. The Hungarian circuit also seems to be suitable for this.

Timetable of the 2022 Hungarian Grand Prix

Friday

First free practice: 14:00 - 15:00

Second free practice: 17:00 - 18:00 hours

Saturday

Third free practice: 13:00 - 14:00 hours

Qualification: 16:00 - 17:00 hours

Sunday

Race: 15:00 - 17:00 hours