New F1 Qualifying format

🤯New qualifying format debuts in Hungary!

Formula 1 is always reinventing itself to bring in new excitement and attract the fans. And in 2023, we’ve seen quite a few changes. Pirelli tires have been given a makeover, the sprint format has been tweaked, and the teams have really stepped up their game.

Now, it’s time for qualifying to shake things up. At the Hungaroring, they’re testing out a brand-new format that aims to level the playing field and give us a show to remember.

So, what’s the deal with this format? Well, each driver will only get one type of tire for each part of the session. In Q1, they’ll be rocking the hard tire, in Q2 it’s all about the medium compound, and in Q3, they’ll be pushing it with the soft tire.

They’re also trying out this format at Monza. But it’s not just about fairness between teams; it’s also about making Formula 1 more sustainable. They’re cutting down the number of tire sets used each weekend from 13 to 11.

So, let’s see how this new format plays out. Will it bring the excitement we’re hoping for? What do you think about it? – Read More

💨Red Bull is expected to be two-tenths faster in Hungary with new Waterslide Sidepods

This season has been all about team upgrades, with Ferrari, Williams, McLaren, and Mercedes going full throttle to catch up with the speed demons at Red Bull.

Up until now, Red Bull has been introducing incremental improvements to its RB19. However, the buzz in Hungary suggests that they are about to unleash the most substantial package of upgrades to date, featuring new sidepods and redesigned bodywork.

What adds a touch of surprise to the mix is that Red Bull, typically the team that others seek to imitate, is rumored to have taken inspiration from Aston Martin’s sidepods for these new upgrades. Who would’ve expected that twist?

The Austrian team expects to find 0.2 seconds per lap time with these new Waterslide Sidepods, thus further paving the way for Max Verstappen, to the disappointment of the rest of the grid and the fans. Will it work? – Read More

🎉F1 Unleashes Madness in Madrid: Relive Checo Pérez’s Spectacular “Showrun”

Madrid is gunning for a Formula 1 Grand Prix, and they’re pulling out all the stops! The Spanish capital drew a massive crowd of 85,000 fans right into the heart of the city center. What was the buzz all about? An spectacular showrun by Checo Pérez!

The Mexican driver hopped into the legendary RB7, the car that dominated the championship back in 2011.

He revved up that V8 engine with which Sebastian Vettel won his second title and tore through some of the Spanish capital’s most iconic landmarks, much to the delight of the fans.

The showrun was a total hit, and it wasn’t just Checo stealing the spotlight. The Red Bull crew brought in some other drivers like Elias Hountondji and Cristina Gutiérrez to add to the thrill.

It has been a dream to be in Madrid for an exhibition like this, with so many Mexicans, Latinos and Spaniards, I feel at home. It has been a very special day. It is a special moment and one that I have enjoyed very much. I have tried to burn a lot of rubber for the fans.

I would love a race in Madrid. I think street circuits are special, it would be good to add more to the calendar. It’s a very special atmosphere when we go, especially like you can get in cities like Madrid.

Checo Perez

Source: @fosgoodwood

Meanwhile, Zak Brown ain’t holding back. He’s been singing Stella’s praises, acknowledging the incredible job he’s done leading the team’s restructuring. The future looks promising, and we can’t wait to see how far this McLaren train will go! – Read More (ES)

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Brief History of the Hungarian GP

The Hungarian Grand Prix has always found its home at the illustrious Hungaroring, located in the city of Mogyoród, just 18 kilometers away from Hungary’s vibrant capital, Budapest.

Construction of the track began on October 1, 1985, and in just nine months, it was primed for its inaugural Formula 1 race.

Thus, the 1986 Hungarian Grand Prix marked a significant milestone as the inaugural Formula 1 race held in communist territory, given that Hungary was a satellite country of the Soviet Union. This event effectively shattered the iron curtain, symbolizing a breakthrough.

During the Grand Prix, there was definitely some tension going on due to all those KGB spies lurking around. Everyone was on edge, worried that there might be a massive escape attempt by comrades trying to make a dash for the other side of the curtain.

Despite all that worry, the race turned out to be a total success in the end.

Source

However, Hungary’s love affair with motor racing dates back even further. In 1936, the Hungarian GP took place at the Népliget circuit, which now resides as a picturesque park at the heart of Budapest.

Initially, the plan in the 1980s was to revive this historical circuit. Yet, a different path was chosen, resulting in the creation of a brand-new circuit. Ever since its debut in 1986, the Hungaroring Grand Prix has stood as a revered classic on the racing calendar, hosting races continuously.

Not only does the Hungaroring play host to Formula 1, but it also welcomes a plethora of competitions each year, solidifying its status as one of the most frequently utilized circuits worldwide.

Over the years, it has undergone only two notable transformations: one to refine a few corners and another to extend the main straight.

Situated at the heart of Europe, the Hungaroring draws visitors from across the continent, generating a fantastic atmosphere brimming with people from various countries. It truly becomes an international celebration, crafting an unforgettable experience for all who attend.

Source

⚡️ The Hungaroring: A Unique Layout

Hungaroring is a very particular track in the current calendar. With its narrow, twisty nature, remarkably flat surface, and bumpy terrain, this track poses a formidable challenge.

Spanning a total of 4.381 km and 14 corners, overtaking becomes an intense battle that tests the mettle of every driver.

Despite its frequent use, one surprising characteristic of the Hungaroring is its tendency to accumulate dust easily.

This adds an extra layer of difficulty for the drivers, keeping them on their toes throughout the race. The track itself is fast, technical, and demanding, where drivers have to be on constant alert.

Often likened to street circuits like Monaco, the Hungaroring calls for high downforce, exceptional traction, and nimble agility.

As a result, we often witness divergent performances from teams compared to the rest of the season, leading to unexpected winners and captivating races.

Now, let’s take a virtual spin around the Hungaroring with Michael Schumacher in 2004. Prepare yourself for a sensory delight as you listen to the awe-inspiring roar of the V10 engine. Enjoy the ride!

🤯 Hungaroring: Amazing Facts

• Fernando Alonso secured his career’s maiden victory exactly 20 years ago at the 2003 Hungarian Grand Prix! It’s remarkable that he is the sole driver from that era who continues to race on the grid even today.
• Since the first Hungarian Formula 1 Grand Prix in 1986, it has rained only twice: in 2006 and in 2021.
• Lewis Hamilton is the most successful driver at the Hungaroring with 8 wins. He is followed by Michael Schumacher with 4 and Ayrton Senna with 3.
• McLaren is the most successful team at the Hungarian Grand Prix, with 11 wins, followed by Williams and Ferrari with 7 each.
• 44% of the lap at the Hungaroring is at full throttle.
• Nigel Mansell in 1992 and Michael Schumacher in 2001 became world champions at the Hungaroring.
• Less than half of the races at the Hungaroring have been won from pole position, despite the difficulty of overtaking.
• Having hosted races uninterruptedly since 1986, the Hungaroring has one of the longest strings of races in the history of the F1 calendar, second only to Monza, which has hosted consecutive races since 1981.
• Jenson Button accomplished the most remarkable comeback in Hungaroring’s history back in 2006. Against all odds, he emerged victorious despite starting from the 14th position, skillfully capitalizing on the unpredictable weather conditions.

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Fast Lane News

💸F1 cost cap cheats should get sporting sanctions, says Domenicali. – Read More

⚔️Russell expects McLaren’s upgrade will keep them in the fight at the front. – Read More

🔵Albon has “what it takes” to push Williams forward as Vowles hails his leadership qualities. – Read More

🔫Verstappen disqualified from Sim Race for taking brutal revenge on a rival. – Read More

💨Mercedes expecting bigger impact from new front wing, says technical director James Allison. – Read More

🌧️Lewis Hamilton advised to avoid “chaos” of potential Ferrari move. – Read More

📉Max Verstappen has set a new F1 standard after Lewis Hamilton’s ups and downs. – Read More

😵‍💫De Vries was in “difficult situation” as Horner reveals when it was decided to replace him with Ricciardo. – Read More

👨🏻‍🔧 TECH TUESDAY: Breaking down the AlphaTauri upgrades that Ricciardo will race in Hungary – Read More

💡Vettel “has some ideas” about a future in F1. – Read More

👊Piastri helped Norris hit new F1 performance peaks, says McLaren. – Read More

✅ The FIA is expected to approve Andretti and Hitech’s F1 application. – Read more(DE)

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THE HUNGARIAN GP

🇭🇺 Scheduled July 21th – July 23th

Hungaroing in Hungary

TLDR;

1️⃣ Circuit length: 4.381km
2️⃣ Number of laps: 70
3️⃣ Lap record: 1:16.627 Lewis Hamilton (2020)
4️⃣ Corners & DRS: 14 with 1 DRS zone

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