F1 Hungarian GP: Leclerc responds to Sainz and signs up for Free Practice 2

Sainz and Leclerc. Charles and Charles. The two Ferraris are the main favorites to take pole position and victory in the Hungarian GP. They are on paper and this Friday they confirmed it, with the Spaniard leading Free Practice 1 and the Monegasque taking Free Practice 2 where the Madrid native did not seem to be as comfortable as he was in the morning. But as we say, they are on paper. In Hungary nothing can be granted for granted, because if things can happen in any circuit, this is the Hungaroring. Without walking further, last year on this track he won Stephen Oconwith amazing Alonso’s “lion defense”. with his Alpine against the attacks of Hamilton Mercedes. The impossible has happened at this circuit, determined once again to add excitement to this event, this time with the rain expected for Saturday. A water classification that can change everything.

High chance of rain for sorting

If water joins the party this Saturday, ferrari, with a car that this year rain, nine or shine, it should continue to be the favorite, although in these conditions the possibility of surprise may increase, because the hands, confidence and courage gain strength compared to the mechanics and provides additional tenths of the key. well you know Russellwho in the rain at Spa took second last year with a Williams. like Fernando Alonsowho was recently 2nd in the qualifying session of Silverstone with his Alpine to changing conditions. Or Carlos Sainz, who took his first pole position in F1 at the same British GP, in the English rain.

Therefore, whether it rains or not is not to worry a Carlos which came launched after his exhibition of Paul Ricard, where he had a better overall pace throughout the weekend than Leclerc. The weekend started like this, with the Spaniard taking the lead at the start and being easily fast every time he went out on track in Free Practice 1. But in the afternoon, the Madrid native had to abort his lap in his first attempt on the new soft rubber and ended up staying 0″231 behind Leclerc.

Yes, it must be emphasized that if it rains heavily, there is a high probability that the classification will be on Sunday. And whatever happens, it is important to be clear about the importance of grid position on a track where overtaking is very difficult and where many small trains can form. At the Hungaroring, if Sainz wants to win, he will have to look harder than ever for pole. If he falls behind his teammate in the middle of a title match, team orders may come into play.

Leclerc is looking for revenge

Charlestwo weeks after hitting the wall of Paul Ricard and say goodbye to part of his title choices, he wanted revenge, but he didn’t have a calm first day either. It was a first, but he finished the session concerned about a strange sensation in the engine’s torque when he engaged fourth gear, something that ferrari must be studied.

Norris is the surprise

On the other hand, the big surprise is Lando Norris2nd with a McLaren which was presented with many novelties in Paul Ricardand after two weeks, the team seemed to be able to optimize more effectively after collecting the data France. This is how it shows Landaubut also the fifth position of Ricciardowhich is 0″427. However, it will be necessary to see the true potential of the McLaren when everyone gives their maximum to ‘deserve’.

fourth is Verstappento 0″283. to Max nothing can be denied. The leader of worldon a track that is theoretically favorable to ferrariwanted to surprise the Italians.

Alonzo, 6th

Fernando Alonso finished the first day of the Hungarian GP in sixth position. The Spaniard came to this track as optimistic because he believed that he had to adapt well to the characteristics of his car. It didn’t go well in Free Practice 1, where Alonso was 10th with a few set-up changes which continued into a more positive Free Practice 2, where Fernando moved up the positions after blowing out the candles on the cake given to him by the team between sessions on the day of his 41st anniversary. Fernando wants to celebrate his birthday with a good result this weekend. And if it rains this Saturday, the Asturian wants to make a change in his hands.