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2023 Hungarian Grand Prix preview | Who can stop Verstappen?
Overtaking is almost impossible on the narrow Hungaroring circuit, it was said for years. At the previous edition of the Hungarian Grand Prix, this assumption was belied. Indeed, it was Max Verstappen who came from the tenth starting position and nevertheless won the race near Budapest. Given the Red Bull Racing driver's current form, he is the absolute favourite for victory again this year.
Ever since his entrance at Red Bull Racing, the Hungaroring has been known as a track that suits Verstappen perfectly. Yet in all those years in Austrian service, he has never managed to put down a (near) perfect weekend. So the Dutchman won in '22 and takes his very first pole there in 2019. He did not manage to convert that into a win then, while in other weekends in Hungary too, there was always a setback somewhere; either it was a failed qualifying session or damage in the Grand Prix. Consider the race in 2020, for example, when Verstappen was thrown off the track by Valtteri Bottas on the first lap.
What will the weather do in Hungary?
At first glance and with the qualities of the Red Bull, on paper it should be a win for Verstappen in '23. But also in Hungary - as more often in recent weeks - there is a factor that could start to have a big influence: the weather. During qualifying this Saturday, it might just rain, and then the new qualifying format goes back into the cupboard for a while. In case of rain, the unpredictability increases, although Verstappen is of course the rain master par excellence.
George Russell was the surprise pole sitter a year ago, and Mercedes hopes to surprise again this season. The Germans assume their updates will suit the characteristics of the twisty track in Mogyoród. Moreover, Lewis Hamilton knows what it is like to win in Hungary. The Briton has already done so eight times. Whether his car is good enough this time to make a serious claim to victory remains to be seen. In any case, Mercedes is undoubtedly hoping for a podium finish, to follow up the performance at Silverstone.
Alonso and Perez want revenge
Aston Martin with Fernando Alonso is also hoping for that podium. The British GP was not at a circuit where the green car's qualities could be fully exploited, at the Hungaroring it should be better. Aston Martin needs a good result if the team is not to see the gap with Mercedes in the constructors' championship grow further.
Speaking of trailing: Sergio Perez, meanwhile, has 99 points less than his teammate Verstappen. The Mexican is now also aware that he is not going to take the world title, and is targeting second place in the championship. The Hungarian Grand Prix will then be a prime opportunity to show that he has brought the downward spiral to a halt.
All eyes on Ricciardo
Finally, from Hungary, Daniel Ricciardo is no longer in the wings (to possibly take over Perez's spot), the Australian is actually back on the grid. The pressure on Perez's shoulder has undoubtedly increased, although Red Bull Racing has already indicated it would not consider Ricciardo for the '24 team. Still, the F1 world is very keen to see what Ricciardo can do with the AlphaTauri this weekend.