Preview GP Hungary 2021 | Red Bull hits back at Mercedes?

The track: Hungaroring

The eleventh Grand Prix of 2021 will take place at the Hungaroring near Mogyoród in Hungary. Since 1986 Formula 1 visits this circuit and for many drivers, it is a familiar stop in the championship. Unlike the Red Bull Ring, this circuit is not a high-speed track as it is more twisty. This is where Red Bull Racing's downforce comes in very handy, which is why the team is cautiously seen as a favourite.

With a length of 4.381 kilometres, the circuit is slightly longer than for example the Red Bull Ring. The circuit has a total of fourteen corners and is somewhat narrow at certain sections, but it is certainly not impossible to overtake. 

Hungarian Grand Prix 2020

It was Lewis Hamilton who prevailed in rainy conditions. Verstappen put his RB16 into the wall on his lap to the grid and was lucky that Red Bull's engineers managed to repair the car in time. It gave him a great second place. Hamilton was well out of reach, but Bottas was able to keep pace with him. It could be that the rain will return this weekend in Hungary, despite the high temperatures.

Prediction Grand Prix of Hungary

Mercedes have taken a bit of the momentum from Red Bull by taking victory in Britain with Lewis Hamilton. Prior to that, it was the Milton Keynes-based formation that ran away with victory five times in a row.

The Hungaroring often suits the characteristics of Red Bull's cars, but on the last three occasions, it has been Hamilton who has come out on top. Max Verstappen will have to put a stop to that this season and it should be possible given the performance of the RB16B. On paper Red Bull Racing is in a better mechanical position and it is very possible that Verstappen will take pole position again. It's relatively difficult to overtake in Hungary, so it would be an important first step towards victory.

McLaren will be at the start of the race with new updates. The duel for third place among the constructors is very exciting. Ferrari seems to have the upper hand on the Saturdays, while McLaren is a bit better in terms of race pace. The AlphaTauris of Pierre Gasly and Yuki Tsunoda are the main contenders for points this weekend.

Times

The Hungaroring will be driven on the usual European times. This means that the first free practice will start at 10:30 UK time on Friday morning, followed by the second free practice at 14:00 in the afternoon. Both Friday practices will last sixty minutes. On Saturday, the third free practice will take place at 11:00, after which qualifying will start at 14:00. On Sunday, August 31st at 14:00hrs the lights will go out and the Grand Prix will start.

Friday

First free practice: 10:30 - 11:30

Second free practice: 14:00 - 15:00

Saturday

Third free practice: 11:00 - 12:00

Qualification: 14:00 - 15:00

Sunday

Race: 14:00 - 16:00