As we approach this weekend’s Hungarian Grand Prix, anticipation is building for another electrifying chapter at the Hungaroring. This year’s race promises to be a thrilling spectacle, with several factors adding to the excitement.
During last year’s race weekend, it was announced that the Hungaroring will remain on the Formula 1 calendar through at least 2032, with assurances of improvements to the circuit’s facilities. Significant construction has been underway around the track since the previous race, and fans and teams can expect enhanced trackside amenities in 2024.
This weekend’s race also promises excitement on the track, with four teams appearing to be in contention for victory. As a unique circuit often likened to ‘Monaco without the walls,’ the Hungaroring might disrupt the usual competitive hierarchy.
In last year’s event, Lewis Hamilton claimed pole position on Saturday, his first in nearly two years. However, it was Max Verstappen who triumphed on Sunday, securing a record-breaking 12th consecutive win for the Red Bull team.
With the tight and technical nature of the Hungaroring, qualifying will be crucial, and the race could have significant implications for the title chase.
While to no surprise, Max Verstappen still dominantly leads the championship with 84 points ahead of the second place, Norris, Leclerc, Sainz and Pisatri are all very close in contention for a possibility at challenging the Dutchman.
The Hungarian Grand Prix is notorious for its unpredictable weather. While typically hot and dry, sudden rain showers have been known to disrupt proceedings. For this weekend, meteorologists predict a slight chance of rain during qualifying on Saturday, however, the race is expected to start during dry conditions on Sunday. These dry conditions might cause issues for the teams.
In the past two weeks Hungarians have been experiencing an unexpected and gruelling heatwave, with temperatures rising to over 41 degrees Celsius during this week. This heat combined with relatively high humidity in the air will cause a challenge for the drivers during this weekend. Of course, the heat will not only affect the racers but also their machinery, and the strategy of their team. Drivers will have to pay attention to their car making sure that they avoid overheating their engine, tyres and their brakes, as all of these components are very delicate with a set temperature range for optimal operation. As for the teams, they need to build their strategy around the track temperatures. If the track is hot, tyres degrade significantly faster, meaning that they might need to account for more pit-stops than planned before.
Guessing a winner before the race is nigh impossible. McLaren racers Norris and Piastri are driving arguably the fastest cars on the grid, while Mercedes and Ferrari are also making strides toward the top competitors once again, as Lewis Hamilton was able to win his last home Grand Prix with Mercedes just two weeks ago in Silverstone. However, the
title defender Max Verstappen received new aerodynamic upgrades to his Red Bull car for this weekend.
While it is impossible to predict how much pace this will give him, experts say that he might have an edge with a revised car. Given the difficulty of overtaking on this circuit, pit stop strategy will be key. Teams will need to balance tyre wear and track position to maximize their chances. Expect to see a variety of strategies in play, with potential for undercuts and overcuts to shake up the order.
The Hungarian Grand Prix always enjoys strong local support, with passionate fans flocking to the circuit to cheer on their favourite drivers. The atmosphere in the grandstands is expected to be electric, providing an extra boost to the competitors.
Fans and drivers generally say that they like travelling to the Hungarian Grand Prix. As most of them stay in hotels in Budapest, they have a chance to experience the vastness of Hungarian culture in the capital. The culture impacts the drivers as well, Lando Norris and the Herend Porcelain Manufactory unveiled their special, hand-painted protective gear on Wednesday.
Norris’s unique connection with the Herend Porcelain Manufactory dates back to last year’s race, when he accidentally damaged the trophy of the then-winner Max Verstappen. The Dutch world champion had placed the trophy at his feet on the podium, which toppled over when Norris opened a champagne bottle using the podium for support.
For this race he will sport a unique, hand-painted helmet that resembles the broken trophy.
Not only Norris, but Esteban Ocon will also don a Herend-inspired helmet during this race weekend. The French driver achieved his maiden Formula 1 victory in 2021 at the Hungaroring, and to honour this achievement, he will drive in a helmet inspired by the trophy he received for the win.
The Hungaroring is more than just a circuit; it is a piece of Formula 1 history that continues to challenge and inspire. This weekend’s Hungarian Grand Prix promises to deliver all the drama, excitement, and unpredictability that fans have come to expect from this iconic venue. Whether it’s the championship contenders battling for supremacy or the midfield teams fighting for crucial points, the 2024 Hungarian Grand Prix is set to be a thrilling spectacle that will keep fans on the edge of their seats.
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