16 August in Ferrari history: Michael Schumacher’s Hungarian masterclass

On 16 August 1998, Michael Schumacher and Ferrari turned a difficult track-position battle into victory at the Hungarian Grand Prix. A three-stop strategy created the opportunity, and sustained speed made it work.

1998: Ferrari changes the contest at the Hungaroring

Michael Schumacher started behind the McLarens of Mika Häkkinen and David Coulthard. With overtaking difficult, following the same strategy offered little prospect of changing the order.

Ferrari committed to three stops instead of the expected two. That decision required Michael Schumacher to build enough of an advantage to absorb the additional pit visit, making his pace between stops crucial.

He completed the race ahead of David Coulthard and Jacques Villeneuve. The victory remains a clear example of a strategy succeeding because the driver could deliver the demanding lap times it required.

1970: Jacky Ickx leads an Austrian one-two

The same date also brought Ferrari success at the 1970 Austrian Grand Prix. Jacky Ickx won ahead of Clay Regazzoni, while Ignazio Giunti finished seventh.

Austria and Hungary therefore give 16 August two different winning stories: a Ferrari one-two in 1970 and a tactical victory against McLaren in 1998. The latter forms part of the record on our Michael Schumacher statistics page.

More Ferrari history from 16 August

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