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Formula One Team Power Rankings After Hungary

By Alex Herbst

BUDAPEST, HUNGARY - JULY 30: Max Verstappen of the Netherlands driving the (33) Red Bull Racing Red Bull-TAG Heuer RB13 TAG Heuer makes a pit stop for new tyres during the Formula One Grand Prix of Hungary at Hungaroring on July 30, 2017 in Budapest, Hungary. (Photo by Mark Thompson/Getty Images)
BUDAPEST, HUNGARY - JULY 30: Max Verstappen of the Netherlands driving the (33) Red Bull Racing Red Bull-TAG Heuer RB13 TAG Heuer makes a pit stop for new tyres during the Formula One Grand Prix of Hungary at Hungaroring on July 30, 2017 in Budapest, Hungary. (Photo by Mark Thompson/Getty Images) /
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Momentum is a huge benefit in racing. As Formula One heads into their summer break, what teams will carry the most momentum through August?

NOTE:  The “Last Week” category includes each team’s rankings in the previous edition of the Formula One team power rankings.

Sauber

Marcus Ericsson and Pascal Wehrlein, Ferrari

#10

Last Week: 9th (-1)

The resurgence of McLaren this weekend at Hungary is bad news for the Sauber F1 Team. The team now sits at the bottom of the constructors standings, with no hope in sight of them accruing a number of points the rest of the season. But with a new Ferrari engine coming in 2018, is that the change the backmarker needs?

McLaren

Fernando Alonso and Stoffel Vandoorne, Honda

#9

Last Week: 10th (+1)

Welcome back to the front, Honda and McLaren. Fernando Alonso drove like a contender on Sunday at the Hungaroring, finishing 6th for his best finish in the last year. His teammate Stoffel Vandoorne surprised too, earning points for the first time in 2017. Maybe things are looking up for the orange squad after all.

Renault Sport

Nico Hulkenberg and Jolyon Palmer, Renault

#8

Last Week: 7th (-1)

Much to everyone’s surprise, Jolyon Palmer was still driving for Renault Sport this weekend in Budapest. But after a battle with his teammate Nico Hulkenberg during the Grand Prix, perhaps a change is coming during the month off. Palmer continues to lag behind speed wise to Hulkenberg, even when his fastest teammate does not finish.

Haas F1

Romain Grosjean and Kevin Magnussen, Ferrari

#7

Last Week: 6th (-1)

Neither of the two Haas F1 drivers were in the hunt this weekend. The only memorable moment for either of the cars came in post-race, when Kevin Magnussen got into a verbal spat with Nico Hulkenberg. This might not be the right look for the youngest squad on the grid.

Williams Martini Racing

Lance Stroll and Paul di Resta, Mercedes

#6

Last Week: 5th (-1)

A surprise departure from Felipe Massa this weekend due to illness forced Paul di Resta into the car on short notice. His performance suffered for it, as well as the team overall. Perhaps without his more veteran teammate to lean on, Lance Stroll struggled at the Hungaroring.

Scuderia Toro Rosso

Carlos Sainz Jr. and Daniil Kvyat, Renault

#5

Last Week: 8th (+3)

A bounce-back weekend for the junior Red Bull team is just what the doctor ordered. Carlos Sainz Jr. finished comfortably within the points in seventh, while his teammate Daniil Kvyat was just a bit outside. Both appear to be driving for their futures in Formula One, whether with the Toro Rosso team or elsewhere.

FORCE INDIA

Sergio Perez and Esteban Ocon, Mercedes

#4

Last Week: 4th (NC)

Despite qualifying outside of the top ten for the Hungarian Grand Prix, both Sergio Perez and Esteban Ocon drove forward to gather a few points. The question becomes whether or not Vijay Mallya’s team can continue this strong performance after the summer break.

RED BULL RACING

Daniel Ricciardo and Max Verstappen, Tag Heuer

#3

Last Week: 3rd (NC)

Drama is brewing in the ranks at Red Bull Racing. Daniel Ricciardo was understandably peeved after Max Verstappen plowed into him on the opening lap, eliminating him in the third turn. Could the bosses at the energy drink company have to make the difficult choice soon between the two winning drivers?

Mercedes AMG Petronas

Lewis Hamilton and Valtteri Bottas, Mercedes

#2

Last Week: 1st (-1)

Mercedes knew they faced an uphill battle on Sunday after qualifying on row two, behind both of the red dragons from Ferrari. The decision to not use team orders to maximize Lewis Hamilton’s points haul proved interesting, as now he faces a deeper hole to dig out of starting in Belgium.

NEXT: RaceDay Rewind – 2006 Hungarian Grand Prix

Scuderia Ferrari

Sebastian Vettel and Kimi Raikkonen, Ferrari

#1

Last Week: 2nd (+1)

On the other side of the team orders front, Scuderia Ferrari made sure Vettel would win on Sunday by ordering Raikkonen not to pass his slower teammate. While that likely riled the normally stoic Finn, the team did what they needed to do to break the stranglehold Mercedes has had on the title hunt these last few seasons.

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