Alex and Logan preview the Hungarian Grand Prix

Formula 1 rolls into Budapest this weekend and we have a spring in our step after three positive races in succession.

We know that the Hungaroring will present a different challenge, plus there’s a new qualifying format to get to grips with as well.

As always, our driver duo and Head of Vehicle Performance have had their say ahead of the weekend and the final race of our 800 Grands Prix celebrations.

With two points finishes in the last three rounds, Alex is unsurprisingly looking forward to the weekend ahead, but is aware the Hungaroring will present a different challenge.

“Hungary is a great circuit and one that we all love to drive around, as it has a great flow to it,” he shared.

“We’ve just come off the back of three strong races, however I think going into this week, we need to manage expectations slightly, as it’s not necessarily a track that should suit us.

“Nevertheless, we’ll see how the upgrades perform around a high downforce track, which is something that hasn’t been the case in the previous three races.”

Logan comes into his maiden F1 outing at the Hungaroring with an impressive record at the circuit in F2 and F3, finishing outside of the top 10 just once in the nine races across those series.

“I'm super excited to get back to Budapest,” he commented.

“[It is] a tricky track with a different qualifying format this weekend. Hopefully, we can capitalise on that and have a good weekend.”

Our Head of Vehicle Performance Dave Robson is keen to discover how our FW45 updates, first introduced in Canada, fare around the high downforce layout this weekend.

“The Hungaroring is an interesting contrast to Silverstone and will be another good test of the car and drivers,” he commented.

“Most cars will run maximum downforce at this short twisty track, which will provide an interesting comparison across the field.

“With the earlier cancellation of the event in Imola, this weekend is the first ‘Alternative Tyre Allocation (ATA)’ event of the season.

“Each driver has fewer sets of tyres available than normal, and the use of specific tyre compounds is mandated in each of the three qualifying sessions.

“It will be interesting to see how each team chooses to use the limited supply of tyres, especially as Pirelli have provided their softest compounds for this weekend.

“As is often the case in Budapest in July, the weather is forecast to be hot with a risk of thunderstorms.

“We will keep an eye on this as we approach the sessions, but hopefully the rain will only fall in the evening.”