[bsa_pro_ad_space id=14]
A run of two dramatic races in both Austria and France will come to a conclusion this weekend with the almost always unpredictable Hungarian Grand Prix at the Hungaroring.
It’s the final race of the first half of this year’s season and the weekend began on an unexpected note, courtesy of four-time’s world champion Sebastian Vettel.
Hungarian Grand Prix Grand Prix F1
What to expect ahead of the race
The 36th Hungarian Grand Prix is unlikely to disappoint as the teams head into the European summer break.
Having thrown a certain victory into the barriers in France, Ferrari’s Charles Leclerc will look to make amends by edging out not only championship leader Max Versappen, but also a resurgent Hamilton.
Meanwhile, Hamilton’s record at the Hungaroring includes eight victories currently unmatched by anyone.
Qualifying and race schedule
Free Practice sessions will be screened on SuperSport Channel 215 and will take place at the following South African times:
Qualifying: 16:00 to 17:00 on Saturday 30 July
Race: 15:00 to 17:00 on Sunday 31 July
The Qualifying can be viewed on F1 TV or SuperSport.
Watch: Lando Norris in Practice 2:
Vettel’s retirement announcement
On Wednesday, Vettel announced his retirement at the end of this year after two seasons with Aston Martin.
Vettel’s final race around the 4.3 km circuit, which saw him triumph with Ferrari in 2015, is likely to be anything but a forgone conclusion, based not only on the happenings last week in France, but also last year.
In an event characterised by both Red Bulls being wiped-out at the start, Lewis Hamilton started alone on the grid after a Mercedes strategy blunder, and Alpine’s Esteban Ocon scored his maiden victory.
What happened at the French Grand Prix
Reigning champion, Max Verstappen, recorded his seventh victory of the season after an incident filled French Grand Prix at Paul Ricard that saw pole-sitter, Charles Leclerc, crash out while leading.
Starting from the second, the Dutchman initially got off to a good start, but not as rapid as the Monegasque, who managed to build-up a one-and-a-half second lead after the first lap.
Seemingly in control as the first round of pit-stops approached, matters then took a turn for the worst for Leclerc as the lost the rear of the Ferrari going into the turn 11 Beausset corner on lap 18.
NOW WATCH: Leclerc error hands French Grand Prix win to Verstappen
Compiled by Cheryl Kahla and Charl Bosch.
[bsa_pro_ad_space id=15]