Status: 08/01/2021 7:30 p.m.
Sebastian Vettel seized the opportunity at the Hungarian Grand Prix in second place, world champion Lewis Hamilton said goodbye to the summer break with the renewed World Championship leadership in his luggage: In a wild race on Hungaroring, Vettel benefited from the sensational victory of Frenchman Esteban Ocon from the initial rain chaos including mass crash.
Hamilton crossed the finish line in third place on Sunday (August 1st, 2021) after a thrilling race to catch up in the Mercedes. “I tried, tried, tried,” radioed Vettel to the Aston Martin box after crossing the finish line. Tried, but not made: Ocon in the Alpine-Renault defended his lead with the very last effort to the finish. “Of course I’m a little disappointed,” said Vettel, “but Esteban didn’t make a single mistake.”
Change in leadership in the World Championship standings
Hamilton missed his 100th Formula 1 victory in Hungary, but as a consolation the Englishman surpassed Max Verstappen in the Red Bull. The 23-year-old from the Netherlands experienced the next disappointment with tenth place and is now seven points in the World Cup behind Hamilton.
Haas driver Mick Schumacher, who celebrated his first Formula 2 victory two years ago in Hungary, achieved his best result in the premier class with 13th place. The rookie had hoped for a “crazy race” beforehand.
Braking from Bottas leads to the interruption of the race
Schumacher’s wish came true, before the race a thunderstorm with rain showers changed all omens. After a bad start, Mercedes driver Valtteri Bottas braked himself on the wet road in front of the first corner and caused a mass collision. The Finn crashed into Lando Norris’ McLaren from behind, which in turn slid into the side of Verstappen’s Red Bull.
The race was then interrupted, Norris, Sergio Perez in the Red Bull and also Charles Leclerc in the Ferrari, shot down by Lance Stroll, could no longer drive. Norris, who had previously finished in the points 15 races in a row, was annoyed. “I’m a little annoyed. I don’t know why something like this has to happen and why such a risk is taken,” said the 21-year-old: “These are stupid things.”
Embarrassing mistake from Mercedes
Bottas apologized after the incident: “I told you it was my mistake. Sure, I should have braked earlier, but it’s not easy to assess.”
Meanwhile, the Red Bull mechanics tried to keep the damage to the bolide of Verstappen, which had fallen far behind, within limits with duct tape. Shortly before the restart, Mercedes made a major faux pas. All competitors returned to the pits to switch to slicks because of the drying track. Only Hamilton was completely alone in the regular starting position – and then started his race to catch up from last place after his late tire change.
Verstappen is stuck in traffic
The World Cup rivals rolled up the field from behind, before the Mercedes box Hamilton overtook the Dutchman again with an earlier pit stop, much to the displeasure of the many “Oranje” fans in the main stand. After the crash at Silverstone two weeks ago, the two exceptional riders didn’t get in each other’s way this time.
While Verstappen got stuck in traffic on the Hungaroring, which was difficult for overtaking, with his car damaged at the start, Hamilton made up space after space. Vettel, who wore a rainbow-colored helmet as a sign of tolerance, fought for victory with Ocon.
Great resistance from Alonso
At the end of the race, Hamilton was aiming for a podium position with fresh tires and, shortly before the end, after a great duel that lasted for several laps, overtook Fernando Alonso (Alpine) and then Carlos Sainz (Ferrari) without any effort.
Source: sportschau.de