FIA Formula One World Championship, Hungarian GP Preview; Round 14

After a topsy-turvy sprint race weekend at Spa-Francorchamps in Belgium, the FIA Formula One™ World Championship swiftly moves to Budapest for Round 14 at the Hungaroring, the final race before this year’s Summer Shutdown. Alpine fans will remember the circuit fondly from Esteban Ocon’s thrilling 2021 victory in a dramatic wet-to-dry race with ever-changing conditions.

Looking Back on Belgium

The team left Spa-Francorchamps with an additional point, further closing the gap to the teams ahead.

Pierre commented:

“I'm pleased to leave Spa with a points finish after we were able to take advantage of changeable conditions once again. The race was intense, particularly the opening laps, and we made good decisions as a team that allowed us to benefit well.”

Spa demonstrated that, in the right conditions, the A525 can effectively hold off rivals and gain valuable time. Since Spa-Francorchamps didn't particularly suit the A525, scoring points there was a fantastic achievement.

Track Highlights

Often compared to a go-kart circuit due to its lack of long straights and abundance of slow to medium-speed corners, the Hungaroring is a challenging track drivers truly relish. High downforce levels, similar to Monaco, are key to mastering the circuit’s flow, and drivers must quickly find their rhythm to excel over the weekend.

Track Stats

• First Grand Prix: 1986

• Circuit Length: 4.381 km

• Number of Laps: 70

• Race Distance: 306.630 km

• Lap Record: 1:17.103 – M. Verstappen (2019)
  
  

Gasly Heads into Hungary with Confidence:

Coming off consecutive top-10 finishes, Gasly feels optimistic heading into Hungary:

“That is now two races in a row in the top-10 so we head to Hungary with some confidence, and it would be great to continue that before we enter the summer break.”

The Hungaroring is a favorite of Gasly’s, and finding the right rhythm starting from FP1 will be crucial to maximizing opportunities on race day.

“The Hungaroring is a very different track to Spa, but similarly relentless. I find it one of the most enjoyable circuits on the calendar and it feels like a go-kart track with quick corners all following one another as well as short straights.”

Franco Looks to Bounce Back:

Franco had a tougher weekend at Spa, struggling to fully connect with the car and experiencing a disappointing Q1 exit by narrow margins.

“We had a tricky weekend in Spa-Francorchamps even if it felt like we made some steps forward. It feels like we are just on the wrong end of some very small details, which I am confident will come right soon.”

Having made progress over recent weeks, Franco aims to capitalize on these improvements and secure points at the Hungaroring:

“I have celebrated a few podiums at the Hungaroring in my junior career (...) so I'm looking forward to getting out on track. As the final race ahead of the summer break we will be hoping to bring in some positive results for the team before everyone takes some well-deserved time off.”

What to watch for at the Hungaroring:

How quick to get into a rhythm: With its fast flowing cornering and lack of long straights, the drivers who get into rhythm quickly will have a strong advantage come qualifying. 

Gasly continuing form: Can Gasly go three from three with points finishes before the Summer Shutdown?

Pure Racing: As a track with only a 45% of safety cars this year's Hungarian GP may see a full length of racing with no stoppages. 

Surprise Results: With a potential forecast of rain could we see another 2021 where Ocon's heroics sealed Alpine's first win?

Trak Racer x Alpine F1 Team

Trak Racer proudly supports the BWT Alpine F1 team's efforts throughout the Formula 1 season. The TRX cockpit combines Trak Racer’s sim-racing experience with the expertise of Alpine team engineers. As the only Formula 1 team-approved simulator cockpit, the TRX brings fans closer to the action than ever before.

Shop the TRX now and experience sim-racing the right way.