Formula 1 has generated some dramatic races in the last few rounds. Right from spectacular fires, extraordinary crashes, to strategy mishaps and some brilliant overtakes, the races have been very entertaining. However, reigning World Champion Max Verstappen has somehow managed to sidestep almost all of the drama happening around him, and has now generated a whopping 63-point lead over his closest rival Charles Leclerc, who crashed out of the last race due to an unforced error. There’s just 27 points separating second-placed Leclerc and fifth-placed George Russel, and one poor race for one driver and one great one for another can mean a significant shake up in the standings at the top. 

Without a doubt, the favourite driver going into the race weekend will be Max Verstappen. The Dutchman has shown impeccable form until now, and the Hungaroring’s ‘go-kart track-like’ layout will also suit the Red Bull car. It is rather hard to pass on the Hungaroring, and should Leclerc put himself on pole like he has done 9 times this season already, he may just be able to fend off any challenges from behind, so long as his strategy is not mishandled. Lewis Hamilton has been the most successful driver in the history of the Hungaroring, and with the improved W13 he may pose a serious challenge for the top step of the podium too. 

Mercedes has been continually struggling with outright top-speed advantage this season, and the Hungaroring’s lack of long straights may mask the W13’s performance defecit. Hamilton also led a double-podium finish for Mercedes the last weekend, and Hamilton will be doubly-determined to make this his first win of the season. Carlos Sainz and Sergio Perez also seek to improve on their form, as despite having won a race each and coming close to their teammates in terms of points prior in the season, both the drivers now find themselves a significant chunk of points behind their teammates, who hold the top 2 spots in the championship.

A shocking news broke ahead of the Hungarian Grand Prix weekend, as 4-time Formula 1 World Champion Sebastian Vettel announced that he will be retiring from Formula 1 at the end of the 2022 season. While this will leave a big hole in the sport in many aspects, his seat will be up for grabs too. It is likely that Aston Martin will bring the team’s reserve driver Nico Hulkenberg back into a full-time seat alongside Lance Stroll. The German has stepped into an F1 seat multiple times replacing sick or injured drivers over the last 2 years since he was left without a full-time race seat, and is nicely embedded into the Aston Martin F1 project. Other likely candidates also include 2021 Formula 2 champion Oscar Piastri, who is currently an Alpine F1 team reserve driver, and Felipe Drugowich, who is leading the 2022 Formula 2 championship by a big margin. However as is always the case with Formula 1, we may see someone else take the seat too, and we will have to wait for the final decision of the British team. In other news, further details of Porsche’s deal with Red Bull F1 team have also come out, and Porsche is set to acquire 50 per cent of Red Bull Technology Ltd. 

Formula 1 & Formula 2 Hungarian GP Weekend Schedule:

2022 Formula 1 World Driver's Championship Standings After Round 12, French GP

2022 Formula 1 World Constructor's Championship Standings After Round 12, French GP