What we learned from Hungary

Well the 2025 Hungarian GP is over and the teams are now on a well deserved summer break. For some of the teams and drivers they head off to relax and regenrate for the remaining 10 races, and for others there are some questions to be asked about their cars, strategy, and drivers.

McLaren were clearly the big winners from this weekend. Zak Brown, CEO McLaren Racing, acknowledged that it was an almost perfect round. The team ran two different strategies, which resulted in the teams 4th consecutive 1-2 finish. Zak and Andrea Stella, Team Principal, have the team humming. From car setup, pit-stops, and race strategy, McLaren racing is now showing that though good leadership and patience success against Red Bull is possible. This team hasn't experienced a championship hangover, rather it has continued to build upon its break out 2024 season.

So what did we learn about the 2025 Hungarian GP:

1. Gabirel Bortoleto - This rookie's star is on the rise. His early season results weren't promising, but since the Canadian GP it seems somthing has clicked. Less his unfotunate result at the Great Britain GP, he has scored points, with Hungary earing him his best result of the year. Kick Sauber seem to be making good progress and now sit 7th in the Team championship. This bodes well for the entry of Audi into the competition in 2025.

   
   

2. Aston Martin - The year started promising with points in Australia. The arrival of Adrian Newey to the team made everyone believe that this was the year for Aston Martin. However, it has not proven out this way, with inconsistent results over the first 8 rounds. However, this weekend showed some positive signs that Newey is starting to have some influence. Since Spain, Aston Martin has been more consistent and had good race pace. It's qualifying is still not where Lawrence Stroll would want his team, but with the team now sitting 6th in the constructor's championship there are still enough races remaining for the team to elevate itself into the 5th position above Williams. I'm sure Lawrence would prefer to be higher and competing with the top team, but the gap is too big.

   
   

3. Fernando Alonso - Fernando is proving age is just a number. At 44-years old, he is proving that this sport isn't just for the young and fearless. Eventhough he doesn't have the car to compete with the top teams he has been proving he is still one of the best drivers in the field. Since Spain, he has accumulated 26-points propelling him into 11th position in the Driver's Championship; now equal with his co-driver. With 10 races remaining, and if the car stays competitive, he will definitely move into the top 10 and potentially challenge Lewis Hamilton. With a commitment to go again next year, if Newey and Aston Martin can put Fernando in a competitive car, will he keep going into 2027/28. Here's hoping he can keep going.

   
   

4. Ferrari - The weekend started on a high with the announcement that Frédéric Vasseur will stay on as Team Principal under a multi-year deal. This was good news all round, as Fred is a very popular figure in F1 and it would've been a great loss for the sport for him to move on. Also, it provides stability for the Scuderia team as they move into 2026 and the new regulations. Additionally, Charles Leclerc's qualifying gave the team hope for a podium finish, if not a much needed and wanted race win. However, this wasn't to be the case. Leclerc's wasn't able to hold on to the lead, and after the 2nd pit-stop the 'wheels fell off' his race. The car seemed to lack the pace and Leclerc was relegated from 1st to 4th. Add this to a disappointing 12th position for Lewis, one has to say Ferrari has some work to do over the Summer break to find pace in both its car and drivers.

   
   

5. Lewis Hamilton - "I'm Useless!" It's a shame to hear such an incredible driver be so critical of himself. The negative self-talk is not what we want nor expect from Sir Lewis Hamilton, 7-times World Champion. What is does prove is, he is human. It is clear Lewis is struggling emotionally to find his form in both qualifiying and races. Hungary was the first time he failed to score points, which for other drivers would be a situation they would love to be in. However, for someone of Lewis' calibre it is not enough to score points, he has to be at the front of the field competing for wins. We an only hope he uses the Summer break to clear his head and relax. You don't get to be a 7-times World Champion without talent, and he still has plenty. All he needs is one good result and he will be back.

   
   

6. Alpine - Who? This is the problem Alpine have at the moment. They are not doing anything well. Changing. Doohan out of the 2nd drivers seat in preference for Collapinto was supposed to bring positive change, but this hasn't eventuated. Collapinto is yet to score any points from his 8-races and hasn't finished higher than 13th, equal with Doohan's best. His form is up and down suggesting his is struggling to come to terms with the step up from F2. Gasly has faried better with points, but still his results haven't been consistent. He is oftern heard on team radio complaining about the car's pace. Clearly, there is a disconnect in the team which unless addressed quickly will see Alpine remain at the bottom of the Constructor's Championship.

   
   

7. Haas - A team that displays much promise almost every race weekend, but doesn't have the results to show. Bearman and Ocon are good drivers with much potential, however, they are just not getting the results. Understood, there has been some mechanical issues with the Haas as experienced by Bearman this weekend, but he has had 7-races since his last DNF without any points. Ocon too, has struggled to build any consistency with his race results, and finished out of the points this weekend. Currently, Haas sits 9th in the constructor's and seems to be in a race to the bottom with Alpine. I don't think there will be much rest for the Haas team over the summer break.

Hungary provided a great race. It showed the strength of having a good strategy and what can be achieved if you are prepared to take a chance. Had Ferrari adopted a 1-stop strategy would that have resulted in it's first win? Hard to know. What is known is, McLaren are on top in all aspects from the factory to the track. Ferrari are still scrathing their heads and have to move quickly to support Lewis. Red Bull are still dealing with only having one competitive car on the track. Aston Martin are well positioned for the rest of the season and 2026. Haas and Alpine are stuggling and need to re-group over the break. The biggest story though, is Kick Sauber and the rapid improvement in both car and drivers. They have been the good new story for the past few races and I am looking forward to watching them continue the form into the remainder of the season.

Enjoy the summer break.