Hungarian GP
IT’S RACE WEEK! Since it’s been a while, let me refresh you Hungarian GP (and my thoughts and opinions). Buckle Up.
But first, summary!
Race 13 Summary
July 31, 2022
George Russell started on pole for the first time in his career after a brilliant qualifying lap! Russell held on to P1 for the first 16 laps of the race until he pitted for fresher tires. The two Ferraris were in hot pursuit of Russell, and Charles Leclerc took over the lead after Russell’s pit stop. Lewis Hamilton had a DRS problem during qualifying, which meant he was only able to qualify 7th. The two Red Bulls were also out of position, with Verstappen starting P10 due to an issue in qualifying, and Perez didn’t make it out of Q2. Verstappen (no surprise here), got off to a blazing start, going from P10 to P8. Hamilton was also able to make up 2 positions, overtaking both Alpines on the outside. He had a good run on Lando Norris, but the young Brit pushed Hamilton off track (no penalty though, since it was the opening lap, but I still didn’t appreciate the line he took).
By lap 7, Verstappen was around both Alpine drivers, and now chasing down Hamilton. Hamilton made a nice move to overtake Norris, who just let Max Verstappen waltz through behind him.
The real drama though was with Ferrari and… their own pit strategy (and tire choice). Verstappen, Hamilton, and Russell were able to best the two Ferrari drivers by being on the better tire strategy. Obviously Verstappen’s pace during the race was impressive, but Hamilton was clocking fastest lap after fastest lap on his last stint (and finished with the extra point). So let’s talk rubber:
Russell started on softs and went to medium tires after his first pit stop. Max Verstappen also started on softs and went to mediums on the same lap as George. Charles Leclerc, Carlos Sainz, and Lewis Hamilton all started on mediums, and switched to mediums. All 3 drivers had to pit at least one more time to switch tire compounds (the compound must change at least once per race such as softs to mediums, mediums to hards, etc…). Hamilton went longer than both Ferrari drivers, making his second pit stop on lap 51. Charles Leclerc pitted on lap 39 and went onto the hard compound tire, which was HARDLY the right choice. After seeing how horrible that decision was, Carlos Sainz went as long as he could on his medium tires before pitting on lap 47 for soft tires. Leclerc had absolutely no pace on the hard tires and was struggling. He ultimately would pit a third time for another set of medium tires, just because the hard tires were so horrible. Verstappen and Russell were able to chase down Leclerc and overtake him while he had a hard time. Hamilton having pitted 4 laps after Sainz was able to chase him down, and continue his hunt for P2 and maybe even P1. Unfortunately the Red Bull pace was too much, so Hamilton had to settle for P2, with his teammate finishing in a very respectable P3. Sainz finished P4, Perez P5, and Leclerc P6.
Ferrari has defended their choices, because they didn’t have any softs available for Leclerc. Sainz had a set of softs, but wasn’t able to extend his 2nd stint as long as the G.O.A.T, Sir Lewis Hamilton. With both Red Bulls out of position, and the still better pace than the Mercedes, it was Ferrari’s race to lose, and they sure did. Let this be a reminder that while Sundays are where the points are awarded- the Grand Prix strategy happens all weekend. Use your rubbers wisely, my friends.
WINNERS AND LOSERS
Winners:
-Mercedes
-Red Bull
Mercedes- Pole sitter, heroic effort from Hamilton, and double podium for the team. Great momentum heading into the summer break
Red Bull- Max could probably walk a race, and still win this championship this year. Red Bull strategy didn’t let him down, and despite Perez under performing, and Max’s 360, the team went into the break with a win. Bleh…
Losers:
-Charles Leclerc
-Carlos Sainz
-Ferrari strategists
Ferrari- It’s been over 2 weeks since the race, and still all I can remember is that you blew it. Like I forgot all the Mercedes awesomeness, but remembered your failure… I know Ferrari doesn’t care as much about the Driver’s championship, but they’re still not winning the Constructor’s and will be lucky if they come in 2nd. You could have had it all…
>SILVER ARROW POINTS
> I don’t have much to say. I’m happy with the progress over the first part of the season. I’m hopeful for the second part of the season, and anxiously awaiting that first Merc (ahem… Hamilton) win of the season.
FAVE CREATORS
Quickstop F1: Hungarian GP Review LIVE. Quickstop F1 celebrated their 50th podcast episode by hosting a meet-up to watch the race, and recorded a live podcast! “After watching the Hungarian GP together, we broke down a crazy race which saw Ferrari and Binotto receive the metaphorical cane.. again. We also praised Lewis Hamilton, George Russell and took some questions from the crowd.” Congrats on 50, and hears to the next 50!
On the Chicane: Hungarian GP. “And just like that, we've reached the end of the first half of the 2022 season! Catch up on our Hungarian GP recap as we delve into why Ferrari have had such a downfall, and we discuss the slow ascendence of the Mercedes boys. Plus, we discuss the start of silly season. Vettel retires, Alonso joins Aston and... who takes his seat at Alpine?”
And that’s what you missed on the last GP.
Ready for Spa!