Hungarian Grand Prix: Podium Example

Everyone loves the Hungarian stage! And it’s not about the layout of the track or the special atmosphere, although the stands are always full there. Just after Hungary, Formula 1 goes on holiday. Ahead is the only intermission in the marathon, which started on February 23 during winter testing in Barcelona and will end on November 20 in Abu Dhabi.

Everyone is in a suitcase mood. Mid summer. Nice weather. Tickets and hotels have been booked for a long time. A few days after the race, the team bases will close for a mandatory two weeks and employees will be able to relax with their families.

Many have worked hard for seven long months, with no breaks except short days off, traveling the world with the Circus Maximus, during which time they spent winter testing and thirteen Grand Prix (including the upcoming Hungarian one). In a month there are three stages in a row – Belgium, the Netherlands, Italy and then a series of six away games – everyone needs to gain strength.

Before its appearance in the national stage calendar, the Hungarian Grand Prix was very popular with Russian fans. By plane, by bus, by car – many people went to the Hungaroring. The internet appeared, everyone wrote off, called – and forwarded. A new form of tourism has even emerged. Formula 1 united everyone – students, managers, businessmen. Fun, funny, romantic. An indispensable breakthrough to the podium at the Hungaroring, the flag on a long pole – and the pride of those who held the flag higher.

Many of those later associated with Formula 1 in Russia met on such tours. Traveling together with strangers for any other reason usually doesn’t connect in any way, and a common trip to Hungary for the Formula 1 round involved many years of friendship. Absolutely unique stage!

Events in the 2022 season are developing at lightning speed. It’s hard to believe that Leclerc was the championship leader in April, 46 points ahead of Verstappen and three months later Max beat Charles by 63 points – and there is a sense that the fate of the championship title has been decided. Another Ferrari mistake – and Red Bull can order winning jerseys for a solemn ceremony, which probably won’t have to wait until Abu Dhabi.

Yes, most of these changes relate to meetings. At the start of the season, Max did not earn points in two races, after which Charles retired twice and made a mistake in France. But it’s not just about reliability. Mercedes has the most reliable car this year, the longest distance in the past twelve Grand Prix was driven by Lewis Hamilton, who now occupies only sixth line in the individual standings.

The most important factor is the effective work of the team, which makes it possible to achieve the highest possible result in every Grand Prix. If there is no way to win, it should still be the highest possible places. And this is Red Bull’s main advantage over Ferrari.

Last year Ferrari just finished the season and focused on building a competitive car for 2022. And the F1-75 is really efficient and fast on any type of track, only the team is still working at the relaxed level of last year. year.

Three Leclerc retirements cost the team just 75 points, but in those races where both Ferrari cars reached the finish line, the Scuderia maxed out only in Bahrain, where their rivals retired. During this time, Red Bull won three victorious doubles.

In 2021 the Scuderia for Hungary were 141 points behind Red Bull in the Constructors’ Championship, now they are 82 points behind. On the one hand, the progress is clear. On the other hand, being 82 points behind ten stages before the end of the season shows the difference in the work of the two teams, whose cars are almost equal in speed.

I really want the intrigue to return after the break and compensate us for the past summer…