4 days after one in every of his most consummate and memorable triumphs, Lewis Hamilton returns to one in every of his favorite circuits this weekend with greater than one other Components One document in his sights. As he prepares for the Hungarian Grand Prix on the tight and twisty Hungaroring circuit, 25 kilometres north of Budapest, the six-time world champion will draw on his expertise and his momentum as he pursues twin objectives of a seventh drivers’ title and making lasting progress within the international anti-racism marketing campaign for equality, variety and justice.
Hamilton has loved seven earlier victories in Hungary and on Sunday can draw stage with Michael Schumacher’s landmark of claiming eight on the similar Grand Prix.
Schumacher reeled off eight triumphs on the French Grand Prix, at Magny Cours, between 1994 and 2006, a feat that Hamilton hopes to emulate.
“Each time I’m reminded of the data that Michael had, it is simply nonetheless mind-blowing to me,” stated Hamilton when he regarded forward to the Budapest weekend following his victory on the Styrian Grand Prix final Sunday.
“I’ve at all times cherished it, Hungary.
“Budapest and Montreal you’d most likely say have been my strongest so I am excited to return — it’s a monitor the place the Pink Bulls often do effectively so it is not going to be straightforward.”
Pink Bull’s Max Verstappen seeks to finish Mercedes’ successful begin to the COVID-19 delayed season and forestall the champion workforce finishing a season-opening hat-trick.
The Dutchman got here residence third behind Hamilton and his Mercedes team-mate Valtteri Bottas, who received the season-opener on the Pink Bull Ring, on Sunday and admitted he didn’t have the outright pace to match them.
His workforce boss Christian Horner, nevertheless, believes Pink Bull can shut that hole on the slower Hungaroring, however Verstappen is much less sure.
“I do not know,” he stated. “However, for certain, I hope it should be higher.”
Ferrari beneath hearth
Behind Pink Bull’s anticipated bid to catch Mercedes, there might be a closely-fought scrap as under-performing and under-pressure Ferrari looking for some solace after a bruising weekend final day trip.
The Italian workforce’s involvement lasted solely three corners on the Pink Bull Ring earlier than their drivers collided, leaving them as red-faced as their vehicles.
4-time world champion Sebastian Vettel, linked with a change to Aston Martin-Racing Level subsequent season after being informed that is his final 12 months at Ferrari, retained his dignity as Charles Leclerc accepted the blame and apologised instantly.
“At the least I haven’t got to attend lengthy to be again within the automotive so let’s hope Hungary is best for us,” stated Vettel, humbled by occasions which have left workforce chief Mattia Binotto beneath fierce criticism in Italy.
Binotto stated Ferrari have been shedding a second a lap to Mercedes in Austria, an admission that exasperated the workforce’s followers and the Italian media.
Former Ferrari boss Ross Brawn, who oversaw Schumacher’s 5 titles with Ferrari, noticed: “They don’t seem to be going to show it round in a single day and there is a lengthy street forward. They should discover out if there’s a elementary downside with the automotive — and they should discover out quick — as a result of clearly they’re a way off the tempo.”
As on the earlier two weekends, the race will likely be run behind closed doorways and beneath very strict protocols with the Hungarian authorities insisting all concerned, however notably these from exterior the European Union, should keep of their accommodations besides when going to the circuit or the airport.
“These restrictions apply from the second you enter Hungary,” stated Mercedes boss Toto Wolff.
Promoted
“We’re going to enter late as no person needs to be caught in a resort room from Monday to Thursday earlier than we go to the monitor — and so we’ll preserve our bubble in Austria.
“And we’re making no variations for nationalities. We are attempting to be on the forefront in Components One’s combat for equality and no discrimination, so the very last thing we’d do is give anybody privileges.”
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