F1 WORLD CHAMPIONSHIP ROUND 13 19-21 July 2024 Hungaroring
THE MAIN EVENT
The Hungaroring’s proximity to Budapest, a culturally fascinating European capital city with an intriguing history and buzzing nightlife, makes the Hungarian Grand Prix a great event around which to plan a mini-break. It’s got excellent travel connections too (if direct flights are booked out or on the expensive side, it’s easy to fly to Vienna and drive).
This was the first grand prix to take place behind the iron curtain when that was a thing. While the world has changed a lot since then, the track has evolved but gradually, with a few tweaks here and there. Curiously, car and tyre performance in the recent era – combined with unpredictable weather at this time of year – makes for more exciting racing than in the old days when this was a processional venue.
2023 RACE RECAP
In a surprising turn of events Lewis Hamilton claimed pole for Mercedes. But Max Verstappen made short work of him at the start to snatch the lead and claim Red Bull’s 12th consecutive race win, a new record in F1. Carambolage ensued at Turn 1 when Zhou Guanyu, flustered as an electronics glitch spoiled his start from a career-best fifth on the grid, missed his braking point and rear-ended the returning Daniel Ricciardo.
Lando Norris emphasised McLaren’s comeback by finishing second – but provoked a diplomatic incident when his signature ‘bottle slam’ on the podium caused the handmade ceramic winner’s trophy to topple over and break.
KEY CORNER: T
