Just like that we’re halfway through the season and the summer break is upon us. That usually means one thing, the the turn of the city of Budapest, Hungary to host the Hungarian Grand Prix.
Following, what can only be described as a crazy German Grand Prix race, the Hungarian Grand Prix could come close. With Ferrari on their way to getting over their issues and with Red Bull on an excellent run of form, it’s all building up to be another exciting weekend. Variable weather conditions on Saturday could mix things up for qualifying which could lead to an exciting race.
Mercedes Fight Back
Mercedes had a torrid race at the German Grand Prix. Bottas crashed out and Hamilton finished outside of the points, but was then promoted to 9th after both Alfa Romeo’s were penalised post-race. But this is what makes Mercedes dangerous. Their ability to bounce back is ruthless. They have the ability, as a team, to look forward and not let previous mistakes affect their performances. Hamilton in particular will want to bounce back after his performance in Germany. Bottas has somewhat more to prove this weekend after crashing out. Questions about his future continue to circulate and a good performance by the Finn going into the summer break might just be enough to keep him at the Silver Arrows for 2020.
Ferrari on the Right track
Recent races have seen Ferrari bringing quite a few upgrades to their car and by and large they seem to be working. Both Charles Leclerc and Sebastian Vettel had good pace all weekend in Germany in both the wet and the dry. Vettel’s pace at the end of race on the dry tyres got him a 2nd place finish and with a few more laps could’ve taken the victory. Leclerc, some say, could’ve won the race had he not crashed out. We will never know but he’s expected to come out fighting this weekend. Despite their troubles throughout the season with their car less suited to twisty tracks, the team seem quietly confident of this weekend’s Hungarian Grand Prix and a victory going into the summer break would do the team a world of good.
Mid Field Battle
Toro Rosso have been catapulted into 5th place with 42 points in the Constructors Championship thanks to Daniil Kvyat’s 3rd place finish and Alexander Albon’s 6th place finish at the German Grand Prix. McLaren are somewhat out of reach after a string of points finished by Carlos Sainz and Lando Norris and are sitting comfortably in 4th place with 70 points.
There is not much between Toro Rosso, Renault, Racing Point, Haas and Alfa Romeo with each sitting on 42, 39, 31, 26, and 26 points respectively. Alfa has dropped down the order after both drivers were handed penalties in Germany which dropped them out of the points.
Going into the weekend, Renault have something to prove after yet another double DNF this season. It does not look good for them as they are being beaten by a customer team at the moment. Mclaren should be happy with their current position, but will be rueing their calamities earlier this season as they could’ve been closer to Red Bull without them.
The summer break is upon us and teams will be looking forward to the break to recharge and regroup for the final stretch. Past seasons show that Hamilton comes back from the summer break and obliterates the field. He is already well on course to take his 5th drivers title. Question is by which race will that happen? This writer thinks that he should have it wrapped up by Mexico.
