Hungarian GP conclusions: Hamilton in complete control at halfway mark

Off the back of four consecutive thrilling races, there is a sense of disappointment to be breaking up for Formula 1’s annual summer shutdown. 

Following breathtaking races in Austria, Silverstone and Germany, Hungary served up another captivating spectacle as Max Verstappen and Lewis Hamilton engaged in a race-long battle for the lead, with Hamilton eventually coming out on top to take command of the championship heading into the holidays. 

Here are some of the main talking points from the Hungarian Grand Prix…

Hamilton in command of title destiny

A fast-start from third on the grid and a decisive overtake around the outside of Mercedes teammate Valtteri Bottas in the opening sequence of corners put Hamilton in prime position to challenge for victory in Sunday’s Hungarian GP. 

Determined to bounce back from a nightmare race at Hockenheim, Hamilton immediately found himself in contention for the win in Budapest as he shadowed Verstappen’s Red Bull throughout the opening stint. 

Running longer in the first stint enabled Hamilton to put in a charge on fresher Hard tyres, but when an ambitious move around the outside of Turn 4 on Lap 39 failed to pay off, it looked like Hamilton might have used up his best chance of beating Verstappen around a circuit that is notoriously difficult to pass at. 

That was until Mercedes rolled the dice on a strategy gamble that proved to be a masterstroke. Much to everyone’s surprise, including Red Bull, Mercedes called Hamilton into the pits at the end of Lap 48, taking advantage of a free pit stop such was the leading pair’s superiority over the rest of the field.