Komatsu: Downforce in Hungary is the same as in Monaco

The next phase of the season takes place in Hungary, which traditionally hosts Formula 1 before the championship’s summer break. The Hungaroring circuit is narrow and twisty, requiring the car’s chassis to provide good mechanical grip on the asphalt and a high level of downforce.

There are few straights and they are relatively short, which makes overtaking difficult – so a lot depends on the starting position. In addition, Hungary is characterized by high temperatures at this time of year, which always increases the stress on the tires.

Haas F1 hopes to earn points at the Hungaroring again, just like in the two previous stages. After twelve races of the season, the American team is in seventh place in the constructors’ championship with 27 points.

The first Friday training will again be provided by Oliver Berman, who will drive Nico Hulkenberg’s car.

Ayo KomatsuTeam Manager: “The Hungarian circuit with its short straights requires a lot of downforce. In general, the pressure level is close to what is needed in Monaco, so we set up the aerodynamic bodywork in a similar way, but in combination with the technical innovations presented at Silverstone.

I know we were fast on the straights in Monaco, while of course the new products allowed us to increase the efficiency of the aerodynamics, and I’m curious to see what we can achieve in Hungary.

The circuit is very different from Silverstone, and a lot depends on qualifying. Overtaking at the Hungaroring is very difficult, so we will mainly try to focus on speed in one fast lap.

We didn’t manage to earn anything in Monaco, and I want us to do everything now, and the next stage will be like a second Monaco for us. Of course, in Hungary, difficulties of a completely different kind await us, but we are ready.”

Nico Hulkenberg: “We have some interesting challenges ahead of us at the Hungaroring and I like the circuit. The focus has to be on Saturday’s qualifying, as the Hungarian circuit is notoriously difficult to overtake.

After two rounds in a row, in which the team has scored a lot of points, we feel that we have been able to improve the performance of the car, helped by the latest technical innovations, and I am ready to test it in Hungary.”

Kevin Magnussen: “If we remember all the previous stages of the season, we were competitive on most circuits, so we can hope that we can perform well in Hungary.

The Hungaroring is a fun track that requires a lot of downforce and is somewhat reminiscent of a kart track. The Hungarian weekend is always accompanied by a good atmosphere and you see a lot of Danish fans in the grandstands of the circuit.

We are waiting for two stages in a row, which will take place on two very different circuits: the Hungaroring requires high downforce, almost like Monaco, and Spa requires relatively little downforce, so our VF-24 car will have to undergo a good test.”