Pirelli: 'The best strategy is not always the obvious in Hungary'

The last Grand Prix before the summer break will be held at the Hungaroring this weekend. With a minimal gap between the leaders in the world championship, it will be exciting again between Max Verstappen in the Red Bull and Lewis Hamilton in the Mercedes.

No big surprises

Hungaroring has been a constant factor on the Formula 1 calendar for years. "In terms of tyres, we don't expect any big surprises from the Hungaroring," Pirelli chief Mario Isola said in a press release. For the past three years, the race has been won by Hamilton and although the circuit is often labelled as a typical Red Bull circuit, the team last managed to win there in 2014 with Daniel Ricciardo.

"Typical of the circuit are all the tight corners in quick succession, with no long straights to cool the tyres, and the hot weather," Isola continued. "As a result, the Hungaroring is more demanding on the tyres than it initially appears, so a certain amount of management will probably be required, especially on the soft compound."

Best strategy is not always the obvious

Racing at the Hungaroring is often decided on tactics. In 2019, Hamilton managed to trounce Verstappen with a two-stop effort that only did one pitstop. With four laps to go Hamilton took over the lead from the Dutchman. Isola agrees on the tactical possibilities in Hungary.

"The best strategy is not always the obvious - different approaches often produce a similar overall race time, depending on individual circumstances. That's why we've often seen tactically intriguing races at the Hungaroring, where the final result was in doubt right to the end and which have provided an interesting challenge for the engineers."