The 2023 F1 Hungarian Grand Prix comes at a crucial time, with significant changes in just one week, including Nyck de Vries’ departure from F1 and Daniel Ricciardo’s return to the sport. However, Red Bull, the championship leader and benchmark, continues its relentless march towards the title, already eyeing the 2024 F1 challenger.
Lewis Hamilton, the most successful F1 driver at the Hungaroring with eight wins, faces the dominant form of Max Verstappen in 2023, making it unlikely that he will add to his tally this weekend. Verstappen’s almost untouchable season, with six consecutive wins and eight overall, has solidified his position as favorite for the Hungarian GP.
Max Verstappen himself arrives in Hungary with the aim of winning his seventh consecutive race in Formula 1, hoping to repeat last year’s triumph at the Hungaroring. Meanwhile, a formidable group of chasers, including the impressive McLaren duo of Lando Norris and rookie Oscar Piastri, alongside Mercedes’ Lewis Hamilton and George Russell, are looking to challenge Red Bull’s dominance.
Although the narrow Hungaroring circuit is traditionally difficult for overtaking, Verstappen defied the odds in the previous edition, making an impressive comeback from tenth place to take victory. Due to his current form, Verstappen remains the absolute favorite for success this year.
Although the track is perfect for Verstappen, his previous years with Red Bull Racing have seen occasional setbacks that have prevented him from securing a perfect weekend in Hungary. With Verstappen’s potential to perform at his best and the rivalries between the chasers, the 2023 F1 Hungarian Grand Prix promises high drama and excitement.
Schedule
For Formula 1 fans in Brazil, the session times for the 2023 Hungarian Grand Prix, according to Brasilia Standard Time (BRT), are as follows: On Friday, July 21, 2023, the excitement begins with Free Practice 1, from 08:30 to 09:30 BRT, giving Brazilian fans the opportunity to witness the drivers’ first laps on the challenging Hungaroring circuit. At the end of the day, from 12:00 to 13:00 BRT, the teams prepare for Free Practice 2, using the session to adjust their strategies and settings.
On Saturday, July 22, 2023, the drivers will have another chance to test their skills during Free Practice 3, scheduled from 07:30 to 08:30 BRT, a few hours before the intense qualifying session. The qualifying session, which will determine the starting grid for the main race, will take place from 11:00 to 12:00 BRT on the same day.
Finally, on Sunday, July 23, 2023, the long-awaited race starts at 10:00 BRT. As the engines roar, Brazilian viewers will witness the thrilling spectacle of drivers competing for glory and fighting for victory on the iconic Hungaroring track.
Weather forecast
The forecast for the Hungarian Grand Prix weekend shows challenges on Friday, with cloudy skies and a slight chance of rain during the free practice sessions. Saturday showed an improvement with sunny and warm conditions during final practice and qualifying. Race day on Sunday should be stable, with clear skies and temperatures around 30 degrees Celsius. The storms initially forecast have subsided, and rain is unlikely. Overall, the teams may face varying weather conditions, but the race itself should take place under clear skies.
Driver to watch
Daniel Ricciardo has impressed on the track and in the simulator, but has yet to shine in a Grand Prix. The 2023 F1 Hungarian Grand Prix will be his first race since his return, and expectations are high. Returning to F1 with a challenging car is difficult, as Nyck de Vries experienced. Ricciardo’s performance will be under scrutiny as he aims to secure a top spot in a fast car once again.
Team to watch
Red Bull’s new updates worry their rivals as they strengthen their already dominant car. The impact of the remaining parts of McLaren’s upgrade on the performance of Lando Norris and Oscar Piastri is eagerly awaited. All eyes will be on the Woking-based team during the 2023 F1 Hungarian Grand Prix weekend.
Forecasts
Max Verstappen, with an updated Red Bull, is becoming a formidable force. His unwavering focus led to consistent performances. Although it will be intriguing to see if other cars can challenge him, he seems to be the clear favorite for the win at the 2023 F1 Hungarian Grand Prix.
Sergio Perez is 99 points behind his teammate Verstappen. Realizing that his chances of winning the world title are slim, he is now aiming to secure second place in the championship. The upcoming Hungarian Grand Prix is an excellent opportunity for him to demonstrate a turnaround in his performance and break the downward trend.
Aston Martin, led by Fernando Alonso, is seeking a place on the podium. The British Grand Prix didn’t allow the team to fully demonstrate the strengths of the green car, but they hope to improve their performance at the Hungaroring. A positive result is crucial to closing the gap with Mercedes in the constructors’ championship standings.