Racing resumes this weekend for Round 11, after a chaotic run at the British Grand Prix last time out.
There has been plenty of conversation over the outcome of R10’s collision between Lewis Hamilton and Max Verstappen – from repair costs to both sides of the blame game.
However, both teams will return to the competition for on the all-important weekend that could see the gap between Hamilton and Verstappen close to nail-biting margins.
The Dutch Red Bull driver currently sits atop the Driver’s Standings with 185 points, and in weeks gone by he had been stretching his lead on Mercedes’ Hamilton until the crash saw him out of the race for points at Silverstone.
After a late overtake on the Ferrari of Charles Leclerc, Hamilton now sits at an even closer second in the standings with 177 – and there’s no doubt that both teams will arrive at the Hungaroring angry and ready to race.
So, here’s everything you need to know ahead of this weekend’s race:
The Circuit
The Hungaroring Circuit first hosted an F1 race back in 1986 and will be the next location to see the 2021 contenders battle it out on a track that features 14 corners and two DRS zones.
Sunday’s battle will see drivers race over 70 laps of the 4.381km track where Lewis Hamilton holds the record for the fastest lap of 1:16.627s from 2020.
It will run across 306.630 km from lights out to chequered flag, with top speeds of 315 km/hr expected.
McLaren currently holds the record as the most successful constructor at this track, having been victorious 11 times, while Lewis Hamilton remains the most successful driver, with 8 wins under his belt.
There is one other past Hungarian Grand Prix winner on the grid this weekend in Sebastian Vettel, who landed the victory at the Hungaroring in 2015 and 2017.
The Weather
Current forecasts for the weekend at the Hungaroring show a mix of overhead conditions with some days dry and some seeing a significant amount of rain.
Rain is expected early on Friday morning, but it will likely pass by the time F1 cars hit the track.
Again on Saturday there is a chance of rain at dawn, but come afternoon, the sun is due to be shining.
The current forecast indicates Sunday 1st – race day – will have the most rainfall, with an accumulation of around 11.0mm.
On the whole, winds are likely to be moderate throughout the weekend.
When/ Where to Watch
Free practice 1 will take place on Friday at the Hungaroring on July 30 at 10:30 Irish time, with FP2 taking place hours later at 14:00.
FP3 begins on Saturday, July 31, at 11:00 and will be followed by Qualifying at 14:00.
For the big day on Sunday, August 1, coverage will be on Sky and NOW with lights out at 14:00.
You can catch live coverage of the entire 2021 season, every weekend on Sky Sports F1, or grab a NOW sports package.
Championship Standings
