No. 4 – Hungary (Hungaroring), Round 13 (July 31)
Despite the events of the 2021 Hungarian Grand Prix, flipping the field on its head and being the catalyst to Esteban Ocon’s maiden Formula 1 victory, the Hungaroring is likely one of the circuits which inspired the new regulations for closer racing.
On paper, the circuit boasts multiple middle to high-speed corners as well as multiple intricate sections demanding on-point braking performance. The infamous “dirty air” of modern Formula 1 machinery though has deafened the excitement of the venue.
Now hopefully freed from such issues, “Monaco without the walls” can return to its former glory. In recent times, the only reasonable place for overtaking would be into turn one after a relatively short straight. Now the track breaks open with theoretical opportunities through the first sector’s double-DRS and into the intricate portions of the lap.
Having been corners reserved for falling in line and managing gaps, braking zones leading to the chicane of turns six and seven as well as turn 12 into the final section of track become potential opportunities for the boldest of drivers who can remain on the rear wing of their adversaries through the preceding corners.