In the final race before the summer break, Max Verstappen and Lewis Hamilton arrive in Hungary looking to grab a vital win in their quest for the title.
Last time out at Silverstone saw the defining moment of 2021 so far when the two main protagonists collided on the first lap, sending Verstappen into the barriers.
Hamilton was given a ten-second time penalty for his involvement in the incident but it made no difference as he drove masterfully to win in front of his home crowd
The fallout is still raging on, with Red Bull feeling aggrieved at the perceived leniency shown towards Hamilton, with rivalries between the two teams intensifying.
It sets up what should be a fascinating Grand Prix in Hungary.
Verstappen and Red Bull to Suit Hungary Challenge
Mercedes enjoyed their strongest weekend for some time at Silverstone and that was in part due to the nature of the circuit.
With plenty of fast corners and long straights, the Mercedes’ power unit really shone, as Hamilton qualified on pole (in the regular qualifying session) for the first time since the Spanish Grand Prix.
The Hungaroring is a completely different challenge, however – it is a very technical, twisty circuit, with not many overtaking spots.
Mercedes boss Toto Wolff described it as being like a “large version of a go-kart track” as the circuit contains many complex corners and few straights.
It relies heavily on downforce, and Red Bull have had the better of that so far in 2021.
As a result, Verstappen is the favourite to win the race and can be backed at 10/11 to take the chequered flag – which would extend his lead at the top of the driver’s standings after it was cut to just eight points.
Imperious Hamilton Won’t Be Too Far Adrift
The British Grand Prix was another display, if one was needed, of how good a driver Lewis Hamilton is.
Even when the stewards slapped him with a penalty, he responded and drove a magnificent race.
Of course, having a strong car always helps but Hamilton’s racecraft and innate sense of grip is the reason why he has been so successful.
Even though Red Bull are expected to outperform Mercedes in Hungary, it won’t be made easy by Hamilton and the Silver Arrows team.
Hamilton also has a chance to break another record in the sport by securing his tenth podium in Budapest.
No driver in the history of the sport has ever finished on the podium on ten occasions at the same Grand Prix.
He can be backed at 1/4 to at least finish in the top three.
Norris To Shine Once More
Away from the top two, McLaren’s resurgence has been one of the stories of the season.
The British team have been in the wilderness for too long but Lando Norris is helping them to get back where they feel they belong.
He currently sits third in the championship after a fantastically consistent season which has included three podiums.
Only once this season has he finished outside the top five and that run doesn’t look like stopping.
Qualifying has been a strong point for Norris in 2021 and given how difficult it is to overtake in Hungary, a strong Saturday could set him up for another terrific weekend.
He is 5/2 to grab yet another podium.
*All odds correct at time of writing
