🗞 In The Headlines

1/ Norris Shines in Hungarian GP Practice Amidst Leclerc's Crash

Lando Norris topped the second practice session for the F1 Hungarian Grand Prix, finishing 0.243 seconds ahead of reigning champion Max Verstappen, who was piloting an upgraded Red Bull RB20. Carlos Sainz secured third place for Ferrari, trailing Norris by 0.397 seconds. The session was interrupted by a crash involving Charles Leclerc, who lost control of his Ferrari at Turn 5 after a high-speed spin, resulting in damage to his car. Despite Ferrari's earlier pace in FP1, where they tested an upgraded floor to address bouncing issues, the incident highlighted the challenges the team faces. Sergio Perez, George Russell, and Lewis Hamilton rounded out the top five, while Daniel Ricciardo made a notable return to the top ten.

2/ Perez in Hot Water After Near-Miss Incident with Zhou at Hungarian GP Sparks Controversy

In a dramatic turn of events during the Hungarian Grand Prix, Sergio Perez faced sharp criticism from Guanyu Zhou after nearly causing a significant crash on track. Zhou, who spun off after an encounter with Perez, expressed his frustration over team radio, exclaiming, "This Red Bull, what the f***?" Fortunately, Perez managed to avoid contact, but the incident raised concerns about his driving and decision-making. Following a disappointing performance at Silverstone, where he crashed in qualifying and exited in Q1, Perez's position at Red Bull has come under scrutiny, with speculation mounting that he could be replaced if his performance does not improve. Despite a strong finish in FP2, where he secured the fourth fastest time, the pressure remains high for the veteran driver.

3/ Ricciardo's Comeback in Jeopardy as Red Bull Considers Driver Changes

Recent reports suggest that potential changes to Red Bull's driver lineup could jeopardize Daniel Ricciardo's chances of reviving his Formula 1 career. After leaving Red Bull, Ricciardo faced difficulties at McLaren and lost his seat to Oscar Piastri in 2023. Without a full-time seat, he returned to Red Bull as their third driver, eventually replacing Nyck de Vries at Alpha Tauri (now Visa Cash App RB). However, Ricciardo has struggled to match his past performance, being consistently outpaced by teammate Yuki Tsunoda in 2024. Although he has shown improvement and was considered a potential replacement for Sergio Perez, a recent report indicates that Tsunoda might take Perez's spot instead. Additionally, Red Bull's junior drivers Liam Lawson and Isack Hadjar are expected to be promoted, further diminishing Ricciardo's prospects for a race seat.

4/ Hamilton Faces Heat Hurdles: Mercedes Struggles in Searing Hungarian Practice

In the lead-up to the Hungarian Grand Prix, Lewis Hamilton expressed concerns over Mercedes' performance in hot weather, describing Friday's practice sessions as "not a good day." Despite recent victories in Austria and Silverstone, the team struggled with the W15's setup in the sweltering conditions, with track temperatures soaring to nearly 60°C. Hamilton finished 10th in the first practice session and improved to seventh in the second, while teammate George Russell managed fourth and fifth. Both drivers acknowledged the difficulties of tuning the car for the heat and highlighted the need for adjustments to improve performance. Mercedes' trackside engineering director, Andrew Shovlin, pointed out that the Hungaroring's warm temperatures expose the team's weaknesses, particularly regarding rear tire overheating.

5/ McLaren's Andrea Stella Dismisses Red Bull's Probe as Rivalry Heats Up Ahead of Hungarian GP

In a recent development in Formula 1, McLaren team principal Andrea Stella addressed Red Bull's complaint to the FIA regarding the legality of McLaren's MCL38, specifically a hole in the brake paneling that Red Bull claims gives McLaren an unfair advantage. The FIA had previously allowed the holes for sensor access during practice sessions but required them to be covered for the race. Red Bull suspects that McLaren did not comply during the race, potentially aiding their tire management. Stella, however, downplayed the issue, stating that the hole was simply for sensor access and had been taped as per FIA regulations. This controversy comes at a time when McLaren is increasingly competitive with Red Bull, particularly highlighted by the intense rivalry between drivers Lando Norris and Max Verstappen.

🤭 For The Lulz

👀 Did You Know…

Frank led the Williams team from January 1977 until September 2020, totaling an impressive 44 years in the role. His tenure is notable for the team's significant successes during the 1980s and 1990s, including multiple Constructors' and Drivers' Championships.

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