The Hungarian Grand Prix 2024 Recap: Controversies, Triumphs, and Team Orders

The Hungarian Grand Prix of this last weekend will be remembered as a race filled with excitement, controversies, and dramatic moments.

Oscar Piastri’s Maiden Win Amidst Controversy

The spotlight of the Hungarian Grand Prix was undoubtedly on Oscar Piastri, who secured his maiden Formula 1 victory. The young McLaren driver demonstrated exceptional skill and composure, but his win did not come without controversy. Team orders played a crucial role in the outcome. It’s my opinion that McLaren had predetermined the race winner based on who was leading at the first corner. Piastri, starting behind his teammate Lando Norris, took the lead early on. After some interesting strategic calls Norris gained the lead, but was then instructed to let Piastri pass.

In the post-race interviews, Norris expressed his frustration but was gracious (as usual!). Despite the internal tension, McLaren celebrated a 1–2 finish, marking a significant achievement for the team.

Team Orders at Aston Martin

McLaren wasn’t the only team embroiled in controversy over team orders. At Aston Martin, Lance Stroll blatantly refused to let Fernando Alonso pass despite direct orders from the team. This incident highlighted the difficulties teams face in managing their drivers’ ambitions and the complexities of race strategy.

Verstappen-Hamilton Collision

One of the most dramatic moments of the race was the collision between Max Verstappen and Lewis Hamilton. As Verstappen attempted an overtaking maneuver, he collided with Hamilton, sending his car briefly airborne before dropping to fifth place. Hamilton, on the other hand, managed to continue and secured a third-place finish. The incident, which was subject to a post-race investigation (no further action was taken), showcased the high stakes and fierce competition between F1 drivers on track.

Sergio Perez’s Remarkable Recovery

Sergio Perez showcased his resilience and driving prowess by moving up from 16th on the grid to finish seventh. His performance was commendable, especially given his tough qualifying session and starting position. Perez’s ability to navigate through the field and secure valuable points demonstrated his skill and determination, even under challenging circumstances. But is it enough for him to retain his seat after the summer break?

Ferrari’s Struggles Continue

The race proved a little bit less challenging for both Ferrari drivers this week. Charles Leclerc managed to finish fourth, but it was a tough battle throughout the race. Carlos Sainz, after losing positions at the start, finished sixth. The Scuderia continues to face strategic and performance issues, struggling to compete consistently at the front.

Yuki Tsunoda’s Strong Form

Yuki Tsunoda continued to impress with a solid ninth-place finish, outpacing his teammate Daniel Ricciardo, who finished 12th. With speculation around Sergio Perez’s seat at Red Bull, both Tsunoda and Ricciardo are under pressure to deliver strong performances. Tsunoda’s consistent form is certainly making a strong case for his potential future with a top team in my opinion.

Alpine’s Abysmal Weekend

For Alpine, the Hungarian Grand Prix was yet another race to forget. Pierre Gasly was forced to retire on lap 33 due to a suspected hydraulic leak, while Esteban Ocon finished a disappointing 18th. The team’s struggles continue, highlighting the need for significant improvements and strategic changes.

Verstappen’s Attitude Under Scrutiny

Beyond the on-track drama, Max Verstappen’s attitude over the weekend drew criticism. His rudeness and use of bad language during interviews and team communications was deemed unacceptable by many, leaving a poor impression. Verstappen’s conduct contrasted sharply with the sportsmanship expected in Formula 1, drawing the ire of many fans.

Standings Shake-Up

The Hungarian Grand Prix had significant implications for the championship standings. Lando Norris has closed the gap to Max Verstappen in the drivers’ standings, while Sergio Perez has dropped to seventh. In the constructors’ standings, McLaren has overtaken Ferrari and now sits in second place. Meanwhile, Kick Sauber is still struggling to score any points this season.

Conclusion

The 2024 Hungarian Grand Prix was a race filled with high drama, strategic controversies, and impressive performances. Oscar Piastri’s maiden victory, marred by team orders, will be a topic of discussion for weeks to come. Ferrari’s ongoing struggles, coupled with impressive midfield battles, provided plenty of excitement for fans.

As the season progresses, the dynamics in both the drivers’ and constructors’ championships continue to evolve, promising more thrilling races ahead. The Hungarian Grand Prix has set the stage for an exciting Belgian Grand Prix this coming weekend, with teams and drivers pushing harder than ever to achieve their goals.

Stay tuned for more updates and analysis as we head into the next race weekend, and don’t forget to follow Full Throttle Femme for all the latest in motorsport news and insights.