Hamilton to leverage tire advantage as rain threat looms over Hungarian GP

Everything is set in Hungary for what promises to be a thrilling race with an unpredictable outcome, especially given the uncertain weather conditions and the looming threat of rain that could shake up the results at any moment.

If the race takes place in dry conditions, what strategies can we expect to see, and which one would be the fastest?

According to Pirelli, one of the possible strategies is a two-stop approach starting on medium tires, then pitting between laps 16 and 22 to switch to hards, followed by a second stop between laps 40 and 46.

Another good strategy could be a one-stop approach, also starting on medium tires, with a switch to hards scheduled between laps 25 and 31.

Starting on soft tires for a two-stop strategy is another potential one, with a switch to medium tires planned between laps 8 and 14, followed by either a move to mediums again between laps 32 and 38 or to hards between laps 38 and 44, always beginning the race on softs.

Regarding available tires, all the top drivers—including Hamilton and Verstappen, who will start further back—have one set of medium tires at their disposal.

However, Hamilton has an extra set of new soft tires compared to the front runners.

Regarding the hard tires, Hamilton, Verstappen, and Leclerc each have two new sets available, while Norris and Piastri have only one.