Max Verstappen’s path to a second Formula 1 drivers’ championship looks clear after Ferrari’s setbacks in France, with the Red Bull ace looking to extend his lead in Hungary.
Heading into the final race before F1’s summer break, Verstappen has a massive 63-point lead over Ferrari’s Charles Leclerc in the standings, while Red Bull lead their rivals by 82 points in the constructors’ championship .
Ferrari’s latest setback, which saw Leclerc retire from the lead for the third time this season, ended what had been a positive run for the Italian manufacturers, who had won back-to-back races before heading to the Circuit Paul Ricard
Although Leclerc has been Ferrari’s leader this season, his crash in France was the young driver’s latest mistake, and Carlos Sainz may now play the biggest role in chasing Red Bull.
After a difficult start to the season, the Spaniard found his rhythm in the car and charged through the field in France to secure fifth place, having started 19th on the grid and impressed in the classification
Sainz has two fastest laps in 2022, both of which have come in the last four races (in Canada and France), one more than he set in his previous 148 starts, and is now eyeing back-to-back fastest laps for the first time time in his F1. career
Ferrari’s record in Hungary is also encouraging, with only McLaren (11) having won more races at the venue than Ferrari (7), who last won at the Hungaroring in 2017. Meanwhile, Red Bull he has won twice, in 2010 and 2014.
Red Bull’s main strength this season has been straight-line speed, which may not fit the Hungaroring’s lack of straights: the track is comparable to Monaco, with several corners to chain together.
It is in these types of corners that Ferrari have been the best team, but even with a win, they would need some serious reliability issues or incidents from Red Bull to rejuvenate their title hopes.
Hamilton’s charge revives Mercedes
Mercedes’ problems this season have been well documented and are far from over, with the team extremely disappointed that their upgrade package did not have the desired effect for the French Grand Prix last time out.
However, Lewis Hamilton is at least back to his best after recording four consecutive podiums heading into Hungary, while George Russell’s appearance alongside his team-mate on the podium was the first time that Mercedes has had both drivers in the top three this season.
The Hungaroring is a track that Hamilton knows well, having taken eight wins at the venue, including all five for Mercedes.
Now 12 races without a win, Mercedes are on their longest winless run in F1 history, with Hamilton still hoping for the triumph that would see him break Michael Schumacher’s record for back-to-back seasons with at least one win, with both pilots currently with 15.
Ricciardo’s moment of truth
Daniel Ricciardo’s spell at McLaren has been disappointing for both driver and team, but both are committed to each other for the long term, with the Australian under contract until 2023.
Speculation of an early finish appears to have cooled, with Ricciardo taking to social media to quell those rumors before issuing a strong message ahead of France: telling Sky Sports he will win if McLaren can deliver a car
That’s something the Silverstone team hasn’t done yet. Ricciardo’s experience in France was another disappointing one as he finished ninth and once again finished behind teammate Lando Norris.
The young Briton is clearly the more comfortable driver, having scored 70 of McLaren’s 89 points this season, and Ricciardo must start to change the game.
A positive run in Hungary would provide a significant boost ahead of what is a crucial run for the Australian after the summer break.
