The Hungarian GP is just around the corner, but before the drivers get into their cars and race across the track – there is one more crucial aspect that needs to be clarified.
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It’s the drivers press conference where drivers face the media as they prepare for the upcoming race. This doesn’t give the opportunity to hear from their side, but rather allows fans to get to know their favorite’s mindset at the start of the weekend.
So let’s get in and see how the driver cuts for the Thursday press for Hungary.
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The driver pairing for the Hungarian GP
Aston Martin’s Lance Stroll, who will sit next to Ferrari’s Charles Leclerc, will kick off on Thursday. Frenchman Esteban Ocon will play alongside Carlos Sainz, while Pierre Gasly will have rookie driver Nikita Mazepin by his side.
The experienced driver Kimi Raikkonen will appear alongside McLaren’s Daniel Ricciardo. Next to Fernando Alonso sits one of his fiercest rivals – Sebastian Vettel.
Antonio Giovinazzi from Alfa Romeo will sit next to Mick Schumacher from Haas. AlphaTauri’s Japanese rookie Yuki Tsunoda will have George Russell from Willams by his side.
Sergio Perez will have the company of Nicholas Latifi during the presses. The former’s teammate, Max Verstappen, will have Lando Norris to keep him company at the media session.
The press conference will be rounded off by Mercedes drivers Lewis Hamilton and Valtteri Bottas.
View history: Mad Max: Verstappen’s furthest rants on Team Radio
Has the tension between Max & Lewis calmed down?
There is no doubt that the Silverstone race two weeks ago marked the turning point in the Hamilton-Verstappen rivalry. The Dutchman was taken out of the race by the Mercedes driver for the lead.
What followed were many heated moments between the two and their respected teams; Christian Horner of the Milton Keynes team called Hamilton a “dirty driver” and Toto Wolff of the Silver Arrows was quick to defend his world champion.
So it’s no wonder that the media unleashed questions for the two drivers and team bosses as they prepare for the race. However, there are reports that Hamilton and Verstappen spoke about the collision and appear to have settled the British GP incidents.
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Formula 1 F1 – Spanish Grand Prix – Circuit de Barcelona-Catalunya, Barcelona, Spain – May 9, 2021 Mercedes Lewis Hamilton with Red Bulls Max Verstappen after winning the Pool race over REUTERS / Emilio Morenatti
Nonetheless, the two of them will push each other to their limits this weekend on the Hungaroring and do their best to stay ahead of each other.
Who do you think will come out on top this race weekend? Will the seven-time world champion score a one-two for the Brackley squad? Or will the Red Bull driver redeem himself? Let us know your predictions in the comments below.
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DIVE DEEPER
