A well-balanced car is a drivers' prime asset when it comes to being quick around 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.
Haas’ Kevin Magnussen topped Saturday’s speed trap readings with a Vmax of 315.5 kph down the main straight.
But looking at the numbers, the most relevant piece of information is Max Verstappen’s top speed of 313.9 kph that outpaces by a comfortable margin the velocity of his McLaren rivals, with whom the Dutchman is expected to battle once again this afternoon.
McLaren’s traction and mechanical grid around the circuit clearly has an edge over Red Bull. According to Formula Data Analysis, Norris and Piastri were unmatched in the twisty sectors 2 and 3.
However, Verstappen retains an advantage in the medium and high-speed corners over a single lap thanks to the RB20’s aero efficiency.
On paper, McLaren appears well positioned to enjoy a straightforward win in the Hungarian Grand Prix, if it executes flawlessly, which hasn’t been the case in recent races.
Weather forecasts are calling for a very hot Sunday, with track temps expected to exceed the 50 °C mark by a considerable margin, which won’t be to Mercedes’ liking.
“In terms of tyre strategy, a classic two-stop is the clear favourite. On paper, the quickest option is to start on the Medium before then bringing in the Hard. But high degradation and overheating are factors that will crucially need to be kept under control.
“Clearly, the number of available sets of these two harder compounds will determine the teams’ decisions,” commented Pirelli F1 boss Mario Isola after qualifying.
“On that topic, there are three teams – Red Bull, McLaren and Ferrari – whose drivers only have one set of new Hard and two of new Medium available.”
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