The final race before the summer break in Formula 1 takes place this weekend, as the Hungaroring hosts the Hungarian Grand Prix. It has already been a big week for the sport, as four-time world champion Sebastian Vettel announced his retirement from F1 at the end of the season. However, all attention turns back to the track this weekend, as Ferrari needs to respond after a disappointing outing last time out in France.
Hungarian Grand Prix Odds
Reigning world champion, and current leader in the Drivers’ Championship, Max Verstappen, heads the betting for the Hungarian Grand Prix this weekend. The Red Bull star is currently 1/1 with BetXchange to win the race. Meanwhile, Charles Leclerc, who is in desperate need of victory this weekend, is a 15/10 chance. His Ferrari teammate is priced up at 17/2, while Lewis Hamilton is fourth choice in the betting at 12/1 ahead of Sergio Perez and George Russell.
Details & Previous Winners
The Hungarian Grand Prix has been a part of the F1 calendar since 1986, while the first edition of the race was held back in 1936. Hungaroring has hosted the event since 2003, and Lewis Hamilton is the most successful driver in the history of the race with eight victories. McLaren is the leading constructor with eleven victories, while there was a shock winner of the race in 2021, as Esteban Ocon won his first ever race in a dramatic contest.
Fourteen corners make up the circuit this weekend, with one DRS zone between corners 13 and 14. The long straight leading up to corner one will be the perfect time for overtaking, as drivers set on their way to completing the 306.630 km distance that makes up the Hungarian Grand Prix.
Leading Contenders
The French Grand Prix last weekend could prove crucial in the race for the World Championship this season, as victory for Max Verstappen enabled him to open up a healthy advantage over Charles Leclerc. It was a weekend to forget for the Ferrari driver, as he had the victory in his hands before crashing out. The driver later admitted that it was his error that led to the crash. Teammate Carlos Sainz, powered by a new engine unit, started from the back of the grid.
However, an excellent drive saw him finish fifth, but the Spaniard could have achieved a better finish had it not been for a questionable call by the team when riding third to pit for a third time. Lewis Hamilton eventually managed to finish second, as Mercedes get ever closer to a first victory this season. George Russell ensured a first double podium finish for Mercedes this season after an overtake on Sergio Perez towards the end of the race, as the Mexican struggled to contend with the race pace boasted by the two Mercedes.
Hungarian Grand Prix Prediction
All the attention may be on Leclerc this weekend, but the other Ferrari driver could be the main threat. Sainz looked extremely quick last weekend in France, and given that this track is likely to favour the Ferrari, it could be worth taking a chance on the consistent Sainz, who has finished on the podium in three of the last four races that he has completed.
