Lewis Hamilton wants racing records, racial justice ahead of Hungarian GP

Four days after one of his most consummate and memorable triumphs, Lewis
Hamilton returns to one of his favourite circuits this weekend with more than
another Formula One record in his sights.

As he prepares for the Hungarian Grand Prix at the tight and twisty
Hungaroring circuit, 25 kilometres north of Budapest, the six-time world
champion will draw on his experience and his momentum as he pursues twin goals
of a seventh drivers’ title and making lasting progress in the global
anti-racism campaign for equality, diversity and justice.

Hamilton has enjoyed seven previous victories in Hungary and on Sunday can
draw level with Michael Schumacher’s landmark of claiming eight at the same
Grand Prix.

Schumacher reeled off eight triumphs at the French Grand Prix, at Magny
Cours, between 1994 and 2006, a feat that Hamilton hopes to emulate.

“Whenever I am reminded of the records that Michael had, it’s just
still mind-blowing to me,” said Hamilton when he looked ahead to the
Budapest weekend following his victory at the Styrian Grand Prix last
Sunday. 

“I’ve always loved it, Hungary.

“Budapest and Montreal you’d probably say have been my strongest so I’m
excited to go back — it is a track where the Red Bulls usually do well so it’s
not going to be easy.”

Red Bull’s Max Verstappen seeks to end Mercedes’ winning start to the
COVID-19 delayed season and prevent the champion team completing a
season-opening hat-trick.

The Dutchman came home third behind Hamilton and his Mercedes team-mate
Valtteri Bottas, who won the season-opener at the Red Bull Ring, on Sunday and
admitted he did not have the outright speed to match them.

His team boss Christian Horner, however, believes Red Bull can close that
gap at the slower Hungaroring, but Verstappen is less certain.  

“I don’t know,” he said. “But, for sure, I hope it’s going to
be better.”

Ferrari under
fire

Behind Red Bull’s expected bid to catch Mercedes, there could be a
closely-fought scrap as under-performing and under-pressure Ferrari seeking
some solace after a bruising weekend last time out.

The Italian team’s involvement lasted only three corners at the Red Bull
Ring before their drivers collided, leaving them as red-faced as their cars.

Four-time world champion Sebastian Vettel, linked with a switch to Aston
Martin-Racing Point next season after being told this is his last year at
Ferrari, retained his dignity as Charles Leclerc accepted the blame and
apologised immediately.

“At least I don’t have to wait long to be back in the car so let’s hope
Hungary is better for us,” said Vettel, humbled by events that have left
team chief Mattia Binotto under fierce criticism in Italy.

Binotto said Ferrari were losing a second a lap to Mercedes in Austria, an
admission that exasperated the team’s fans and the Italian media.

Former Ferrari boss Ross Brawn, who oversaw Schumacher’s five titles with
Ferrari, observed: “They aren’t going to turn it around overnight and
there’s a long road ahead. They need to find out if there is a fundamental
problem with the car –- and they need to find out fast –- because clearly they
are some way off the pace.”

As at the previous two weekends, the race will be run behind closed doors
and under very strict protocols with the Hungarian government insisting all
involved, but notably those from outside the European Union, must stay in their
hotels except when going to the circuit or the airport.

“These restrictions apply from the moment you enter Hungary,” said
Mercedes boss Toto Wolff.

“We are going to enter late as nobody wants to be stuck in a hotel room
from Monday to Thursday before we go to the track –- and so we will maintain
our bubble in Austria.

“And we are making no differences for nationalities. We are trying to
be at the forefront in Formula One’s fight for equality and no discrimination,
so the last thing we would do is give anyone privileges.”