VERSTAPPEN WINS STRATEGIC HUNGARIAN GRAND PRIX
Formula One was in Budapest for the Hungarian Grand Prix. Which after qualifying was built up to be a 'box office', 'classic 2021' with Hamilton and Verstappen on the front row... sadly we weren't treated to that and probably never would have been - with Verstappen leading into turn one and never looking back and I think the pace difference between the Red Bull and Mercedes now compared to two years ago is far bigger than many had dreamed. Lando Norris takes second place and the first consecutive podiums in his F1 career with Perez taking third - which will be a massive boost in confidence for the second Red Bull driver.
Once more it was the Red Bull of Max Verstappen who lead into turn one with Oscar Piastri in the McLaren who makes a great move round the outside of turn one and puts himself into second with teammate Lando Norris up to third and Lewis Hamilton drops down to fourth despite starting on pole.
The first corner in Hungary is always good drama and it delivered this year as Guanyu Zhou brakes late and hits into the back of the returning Daniel Ricciardo who then hits the back of the Alpine of Esteban Ocon who then goes over the rear wheel of his teammate Pierre Gasly which causes Alpines second consecutive double DNF.
On the second lap Gasly has to pit with no rear left tyre and is retired from the race. and on the very next lap Esteban Ocon is retired from the race.
When it came to the pitstops McLaren decided to pit Norris first despite being the second driver on the track however it seemed to work out for Norris as he sets the fastest lap on the very next lap. Sadly they couldn't get both drivers on the podium but still an excellent points haul for McLaren who couldn't get near the top ten let alone a podium at the start of the season.
On the seventieth and last lap the Williams of Logan Sargeant is retired.
George Russell had an excellent race coming back from 18th to finish sixth. The returning Daniel Ricciardo (Alpha Tauri) managed 13th a decent result for the Australian driver.
The next race is the Belgian Grand Prix.
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