Mercedes head to the Hungarian Grand Prix in high spirits after winning the British Grand Prix, but it’s a race which has been a bit of an achilles heel for the Mercedes outfit recently, having not won at the circuit since the introduction of the V6 power units.
The nature of the circuit, which relies heavily on good aero and traction rather than outright power, therefore favours those with a strong chassis.
Mercedes chief Toto Wolff is therefore wary of the threat Red Bull in particular will pose around the Hungaroring.
“We face a very different challenge in Budapest,” commented Wolff. “This circuit has not been kind to us over the past two years and it plays to the strengths of our rivals.
“The Red Bull, for example, is a car that functions well where high drag isn’t penalised as much as at other types of circuit. So, in wet conditions and at low-speed circuits such as the Hungaroring, they are a major threat.
“We will need to be flawless to come out on top at this track.”
A record fifth win for Hamilton?
Lewis Hamilton is looking to become the most successful driver at the circuit this weekend with a fifth win – currently he’s tied with Michael Schumacher on four – and believes the momentum of Silverstone will help him do just that.
“It’s a wonderful feeling, winning in front of your home crowd,” he said. “I’m still buzzing from it now and looking forward to carrying those positive vibes into the next race weekend.
“I’m feeling fresh, feeling powerful and feeling confident heading to Hungary. It’s a track that for some reason has always suited my style and I have incredible support there, so I can’t wait to get to out on track.
“The past couple of years I haven’t had the smoothest weekends in Budapest, of course. But I know I’ve got the pace, so I’m gunning to turn that around this time.”