Hungarian Grand Prix: Race Analysis

We predicted excitement and the tenth round of an exhilarating 2013 World Championship certainly delivered, with Lewis Hamilton claiming his first win for Mercedes and his fourth at the Hungaroring circuit. Following his surprise pole on Saturday, Hamilton suggested that to win would take a miracle yet for the Brit it was a textbook performance; Possibly the best of Hamilton's fruitful career so far. Kimi Raikkonen pulled off a stunning two stop strategy to claim P2, with pre-race favorite Sebastian Vettel being compromised by what seemed like endless issues, finishing only P3, despite mounting an attack on the vulnerable Finn during the final stages.
Lewis' maiden victory was a drive which featured everything a World Champion requires. Speed, controlled aggression and a little bit of luck. The race hinged on the three stop strategy which the majority were forced into completing. With Red Bull and Ferrari taking this option, Hamilton simply had to avoid the two stop traffic which would inevitably be a factor and the Brit executed the pivotal overtakes with ease. After the first stop, he managed to pass Jenson Button and extend his advantage over Sebastian Vettel to twelve seconds, while the German could not pass the immovable McLaren. This lead was crucial and was never relinquished by Hamilton.

Hungarian Grand Prix: Friday Analysis

The tenth round of the season got underway in scintillating style this morning, with teams embarking on packed schedules as they looked to examine the latest incarnations of Pirelli tyres. Consequently, teams and fans learnt a lot from both FP1 and FP2, with the most poignant discovery being the sheer dominance of the RB9. While the Hungaroring is a circuit which typically plays to Red Bull's strengths, both Vettel and Webber showed outstanding long and short run performance, sending out an ominous message to their rivals. Lotus appear to be the only team who can hold a candle to Red Bull this weekend. 

Hungarian Grand Prix: Weekend Preview

Three weeks without F1 is always a painful experience however, as the paddock arrives in Hungary anticipation for the latest installment of the 2013 season reaches a crescendo. Following the YDT at Silverstone, the Pirelli tyre concerns seem to have abated yet now attention turns to mastering and understanding the new compounds. In terms of the complex battles within both championships, can anyone catch Sebastian Vettel? Can McLaren overturn the deficit to Force India? Can Lotus maintain momentum following their impressive double podium in Germany?