The penultimate race before the summer break in Formula 1 will take place at the Hungaroring this weekend, as the Hungarian Grand Prix takes centre stage. It should be a thrilling race in prospect, as Red Bull and Max Verstappen search for answers after Mercedes has recorded back-to-back victories in the last two races.
But, could another new race winner this season throw the race for the Drivers’ Championship wide open?
Hungarian Grand Prix Odds
Despite having gone two races without a victory, Max Verstappen remains the preferred driver in the betting with BetXchange to claim victory this weekend at 3/4. Lando Norris is the second choice at present at 9/2, with George Russell and Lewis Hamilton both priced up at 8/1. Oscar Piastri and Charles Leclerc are both available at 16/1, with Carlos Sainz the next best at 18/1.
Hungarian Grand Prix Information
The Hungarian Grand Prix has been staged annually since 1986, with the Hungaroring playing host to one of the most exciting races on the F1 schedule. This weekend’s race will cover a total distance of 306.630 km, with one lap of the circuit seeing 4.381 km covered.
A total of 70 laps will be completed to make up the race distance, with drivers having to navigate 14 corners. There is also one DRS detection zone on the track to assist with overtaking.
Mercedes In Excellent Form
The last two race weekends have brought huge success for Mercedes, with George Russell landing victory at the Austrian Grand Prix, before Lewis Hamilton made history in an emotional success at the British Grand Prix.
This is certainly the high point of their season, and two wins this term is already more than they would have expected before the start of the season, as the team continues to struggle for race pace. However, the reliability of the Mercedes is its greatest strength, and that ensures both drivers are hard to completely dismiss this weekend.
Verstappen Hoping For A Return to Winning Ways
Max Verstappen hasn’t enjoyed the same period of dominance in 2024 as he did in 2023, and that has been evident in recent months, as the Dutchman has won just twice in the last five races.
He narrowly missed out on the win at Silverstone, as he got within striking distance of Hamilton when the chequered flag arrived. Despite the winless run, Verstappen remains clear at the top of the standings after achieving better results than Lando Norris in the last four races.
Ferrari Need A Change In Luck
Charles Leclerc has finished in the top five on just one occasion since his home success in the Monaco Grand Prix, and he has endured miserable weekends in the last two, which included a 14th place finish in the British Grand Prix.
Carlos Sainz is driving reliably, finishing sixth, third, and fifth in the last three races. However, Ferrari will need a positive weekend in Hungary if they are to maintain their advantage over McLaren in the Constructors’ Championship.
Hungarian Grand Prix Prediction
The fact that McLaren had a potential win in their own hands at Silverstone can’t be overlooked, as tactical errors enabled Verstappen to overtake Norris in the closing stages for second. We expect them to get their season back on track this weekend, and the preference is for the Brit to win the Hungarian Grand Prix.
