Predictions for the 2022 Hungarian Grand Prix – By Joe Murphy
As Wheel2Wheel Reports corresponds from the Spanish Island of Mallorca on our summer break, the F1 calendar still has one more installation before a small hiatus, prior to the season heading into it’s final stages. F1 heads to Budapest for another crucial week for all the teams and drivers, so what can we expect?
Charles in a make or break situation…
Another win for Max Verstappen, coupled with a further failure for Charles Leclerc will bring an end to any remaining World Championship hopes the man from Monaco may have. Simply put, Leclerc has to win and hope the Max does worse than second. As we will get to in a later entry, this may mean that shoulders will in fact need to be out for either of these men. It is also imperative for all parties that Carlos Sainz plays his part too. With no penalties this weekend, he needs to be ahead of Sergio Perez in the other Red Bull in order to help his teammate out. If Ferrari are to retain any hope of a first Constructor’s Title in nearly two decades, a double podium is surely the minimum they need from this Grand Prix.
Pressure on Checo too…
As important this raceweek is for Charles Leclerc, it is also crucial for Sergio Perez. The Mexican had something of an off week in France last time out and needs to make some sort of statement at this track this weekend. Whilst the gap to his teammate is rather large, and Red Bull do lead the standings in part to Checo’s results, the veteran driver will not want to get lost in the shuffle and play a part of a ‘second driver’, as much as he may except this might be the case. After all, he is still regarded by many as a genuine candidate for the championship. You would be surprised, however, if Red Bull’s focus leans towards their Dutch driver.
George back ahead of Lewis on one of Hamilton’s strongest circuits?
Lewis Hamilton has several circuits of which he has been successful at. Silverstone is a notable example, as is Canada and Spa. However, Hungary is a different level of success. Last year’s horror start may have meant he only came third, but don’t forget that Hamilton has won eight times at the Hungaroring. However, this could be the return of George Russell being ahead of his more experienced, Mercedes counterpart. There could be several reasons for this, and it isn’t as if any of these men are under any sort of pressure. In fact, Toto Wolff has assured the future of both of these drivers in the week preceeding this event. George’s technique in his Silver Arrow could suit this venue, so don’t be surprised if he makes himself a contender during Sunday’s race
Goodbye to Vettel begins this weekend…
Wheel2Wheel covered the impending retirement of four-time World Champion Sebastian Vettel in an article yesterday (available at: https://wheel2wheelreports.com/2022/07/28/why-is-sebastian-vettel-retiring-and-who-is-set-to-replace-him/). That being said, it is sure to be a major part of the race this weekend, with the news and announcement seemingly coming out of nowhere. The Aston Martin man stood on the podium at this event around a year ago and whilst nobody is expecting a repeat of this result, anything can indeed happen in the world of Formula 1. A points finish would be a good result for both the German and his team, with Aston desperate to close the gap of the teams just ahead of them in the standings. Whilst all eyes may be on the winner and podium sitters when this race ends, there will be those keeping an eye on Vettel, wherever he finishes. At least the Hungarian fans have the chance to say goodbye to an icon of the sport.
Hungry for more contact (in Hungary)…
Last year, we were spoilt really. The 2021 Hungarian Grand Prix was arguably the race of the season. A huge crash to start, multiple retirements, a restart with only Lewis Hamilton on the grid and a surprise winner in Estaban Ocon gave fans a spectacle to indulge in. To ask for the same again, would be too much. However, that doesn’t mean that there will be no surprises over the duration of this race. With Leclerc needing to win, and Verstappen sure to be competitive, some sort of contact between the two is bound to happen at some point. It could be as soon as this weekend. Or perhaps Carlos and Checo will collide? We will have to wait and see. Just expect some of the cars to be Wheel2Wheel at various points over Sundays Grand Prix.
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