Hungaroring is a completely different track from Silverstone and Mercedes are convinced that Red Bull is still in the lead (they were also in Silverstone) ahead of the 2021 Hungarian Grand Prix, even more now that the next round of the 2021 season takes place on a track like the Hungarian one, which requires a lot more downforce.
Budapest is a winding track with a lot of downforce, often compared to Monaco; however, it comes close only for the aerodynamic set-up used (not the mechanical one) and for the agility required by the cars in some sections. All the teams will opt for maximum downforce packages even if with these modern Formula 1 cars many corners have become medium speed and in general the circuit is a bit more “power sensitive” than a few years ago.
In the first and third sectors, on the other hand, traction will count more, so much so that at Red Bull are more worried about Ferrari than Mercedes. The SF21 in fact manages to generate a lot of load on the tires at medium-low speeds, always important in corners such as 1 and 2 in the first sector, and the last three in the final part of the track.
The Italian team arrives with the ‘lights off’ and with the ‘simple’ goal of maximizing the points in the Constructors standings against McLaren. This at least publicly, however at Ferrari they believe they can do very well and also be able to enter the fight for the podium in a rather anticipated weekend in Maranello.
At the same time Red Bull, the favorite for this next event, is concerned about Max Verstappen’s Power Unit as a result of the heavy impact at Silverstone. After being sent to Japan, replacing some non-esential components, the engine was checked on the bench and given the go-ahead for its use already from the Friday practice; in case of negative result on some component there is already the plan B to use the PU 1 (for the battery and the control unit it will be necessary to use the second unit) in a GP that is not so stressful for the macro components of the drive unit and where the deficit of horsepower as compared to the first unit would affect less on track.
Meanwhile, on Thursday ahead of the Hungarian Grand Prix, the race marshals present at Silverstone (other than those of the Budapest weekend and for this reason the meeting will be held via videoconference) will again evaluate the collision between Max Verstappen and Lewis Hamilton. It became known on Tuesday, even though the Red Bull request for revision was received by the FIA last Friday.
To admit the claim, Red Bull will have to provide the stewards with important new evidence that was not available at Silverstone. However, even his admission would mean little or nothing: the chances of success would still remain very low.
