F1 Grand Prix: 39th Race Promises to be a Nail-biter with an Unpredictable Outcome

Sunday’s 39th Hungarian Grand Prix is expected to be a thrilling race, with three-time world champion Max Verstappen the favorite on paper. However, the Dutch defending champion could be up against several rivals.

So far this season, the 26-year-old Verstappen has not enjoyed the huge dominance that saw him confidently claim his second and third career world titles in 2022 and last year.

Six different drivers have shared the top 12 race wins so far this year,

with Verstappen winning seven, while Charles Leclerc and Carlos Sainz Jr (both Ferrari), Lando Norris (McLaren), George Russell and seven-time world champion Lewis Hamilton (both Mercedes) could also take the highest place on the podium.

Verstappen has also struggled in qualifying in recent months, taking pole position in the first seven Grands Prix of the season, but has only started from pole position once in five races since. This could be significant, as overtaking is difficult at the Hungaroring and the drivers stress the importance of a good pole position every year.

The defending Dutch champion, however, has won from the tenth position in 2022, for example, but in the current situation his chances of a similar feat are slim.

Hamilton will certainly arrive at the Mogyoród track (near Budapest) in good spirits and in excellent form, having scored a great victory in front of his home crowd at Silverstone (British Grand Prix) two weeks ago. It was the 39-year-old star’s ninth win in England, the 104th of his career, and his ninth podium finish in more than two and a half years.

Hamilton is also a specialist at the Hungaroring, having won eight times at Mogyoród and claimed the pole position on nine occasions.

Mercedes has also become more competitive in recent months, therefore even if Hamilton does not win, he has a good chance of a podium finish.

However, among the youngsters, the McLaren duo are certainly noteworthy: the 24-year-old Lando Norris was second at the Hungaroring last year, scored his first career success in Miami this year. His teammate, 23-year-old Australian Oscar Piastri, is only in his second season in F1, but he already has four podium finishes in the main races. It is interesting to note that Norris, who smashed Verstappen’s victory trophy a year ago during the podium celebrations, will this time be wearing a helmet painted by Herendi porcelain manufacturer.

This weekend is race weekend in the Hungaroring and @LandoNorris is preparing in style with a helmet designed by the world-leading artisan luxury porcelain manufacturer, the #Hungarian ‘Herendi’.#Formula1 pic.twitter.com/8U1mZXhudJ

— Balázs Orbán (@BalazsOrban_HU) July 19, 2024

Ferrari, who have struggled with competitiveness, are unlikely to have an easy weekend at Mogyoród, but there have been many races in the history of the Hungarian Grand Prix where unexpected success has been achieved, hence Leclerc and Sainz have reason to be hopeful.

George Russell may also be a secret favorite. He won the Austrian Grand Prix at the end of June after Verstappen and Norris collided, but Russell could be capable of a, excellent result on his own with a good qualifying result.

The preparation period at the Hungaroring was not without difficulties, as heavy rain accompanied by ice flooded the Mogyoród track on Wednesday. Despite this, the heatwave continues in Hungary, with highs of around 35 degrees Celsius expected over the weekend of the Hungarian Formula 1 Grand Prix.

The pitlane in Hungary seems to be a bit flooded ☔pic.twitter.com/2BGuf3dI1T

— RBR Daily (@RBR_Daily) July 17, 2024

The Hungaroring, like the other F1 circuits, is commemorating the legendary Ayrton Senna, who died 30 years ago this year, and part of the track have been painted green and yellow in honor of the three-time world champion Brazilian driver.

The weekend’s events will be broadcast live on M4 Sport.

Qualifying for the Hungarian Grand Prix starts at 4 p.m. on Saturday, while the 72nd race starts at 3 p.m. on Sunday.

Via MTI; Featured image via Facebook/Hungaroring