F1 News, Reports and Race Results

Hungaroring Speed Trap: Who is the fastest of them all?

A well-balanced car is a drivers' prime asset when it comes to the Hungaroring's tight and twisty high downforce layout, but strong velocity down the venue's main straight also comes in handy.

Top speed will help set up an overtaking opportunity at Budapest's Turn 1, the only corner on the 15-turn, 4.381km track where a driver stands a reasonable chance of passing a rival.

But with so much more time to gain overall around the track's twisty section, especially in qualifying as grid position is paramount, aero configuration and set-up work is focused first and foremost on maximum downforce and balance.

Williams' drivers get bragging rights for breezing past the speed trap with a comfortable advantage, but the pair is unlikely to be a force to be reckoned with in race trim.

But the same can't be said of Saturday's shock poleman George Russell whose Mercedes was the fastest car on the straight along F1's front-runners, which should allow the Briton to protect his leading position in the early part of the race, and perhaps beyond, if he manages a clean launch off the grid.

Russell said after his qualifying exploit that he doubted he would be able to uphold his one-lap pace in race trim. But Mercedes team boss Toto Wolff is convinced that with flawless execution "We can win this!"

But then again, one can't discount the "Max factor"…

Keep up to date with all the F1 news via Facebook and Twitter

Michael Delaney

Recent Posts

Alonso rejects exit talk, fully backs Newey-led Aston project

Fernando Alonso has suggested that he has no intention of walking away from Aston Martin’s…

14 minutes ago

Steiner triggers intrigue with Russell-to-Audi prediction

The Formula 1 driver market is enjoying its summer lull, but Guenther Steiner has just…

2 hours ago

Mercedes: ‘The hard part’ now begins, but team vows to remain 'calm'

As Formula 1 slips into its summer break, Mercedes find themselves in the position every…

4 hours ago

F1 insider explains why Aston Martin is Verstappen’s dream move

Speculation over Max Verstappen’s future in Formula 1 continues to simmer, but as paddock whispers…

5 hours ago

Russell’s tough admission: ‘I definitely feel like I need’ an F1 break

George Russell has admitted that Formula 1’s summer shutdown could not have arrived at a…

20 hours ago

Norris ‘driving better than last year’ despite points deficit

Lando Norris may not be leading the Formula 1 world championship, but the reigning champion…

22 hours ago