With just one point separating Rosberg and Hamilton in the championship, it could be Lewis’ chance to take the lead for the first time this season. In the past, he has won here four times and victory this weekend would make him the most successful driver in the history of the Hungarian Grand Prix. However, Mercedes are aware of a big threat from Red Bull this weekend, who are aiming to take the fight to the silver arrows.
Mercedes
Mercedes have said that they need to have a ‘flawless’ weekend if they are to take victory. The high-downforce track suits the Red Bull cars and the threat from them all season has been increasing. They have not had a great deal of success here, their last win in Hungary was 2013 – the only circuit which Mercedes haven’t taken victory in the hybrid era. Last year, it was Ferrari who took victory after a tough race for Mercedes, when they finished down in 6th and 8th. They aim to prevent a repeat of last year and to have a trouble-free weekend.
Lewis Hamilton also has a good chance of taking the championship lead from his teammate this weekend, trailing by a single point. One of his most successful circuits, he has taken 4 victories here previously.
Ferrari
An important weekend for Ferrari after a series of disappointing results. Last year, Sebastian Vettel took victory here and he will be hoping to have an opportunity to challenge for the win once again this weekend. However, in the last few races they appear to have slipped behind the Red Bulls and they need to prove that this is not the case. Confident that early issues with the power unit are now resolved, Ferrari now focus their attention on gearbox issues which have caused problems in races prior to this weekend. If they can stay clear of reliability issues, they may have a chance to take the fight to Mercedes this weekend but at a circuit also suiting rivals Red Bull, they could see themselves slipping further down the order.
Williams
Since Monaco Williams have scored just 27 points, less than half of what closest rivals Force India have received. With a lead of just 19 points to the fifth-placed team, Williams need to step up their game if they are to hold on to 4th. Silverstone should have been a strong race for them, but they failed to score points as they struggled in the wet conditions. Hungary, with slow corners and high-downforce demands, isn’t best suited to the characteristics of the Williams car.
Red Bull
A track similar in style to Monaco, the high-downforce Hungaroring should suit the Red Bull car and offer them another chance to take the fight to Mercedes. With Ricciardo losing out on victory in Monaco due to a pit stop error, Red Bull look to rectify this in Hungary. Both drivers have a good record here, Ricciardo taking victory in 2014 and Verstappen finishing fourth last year for Toro Rosso. After a brilliant performance at Silverstone, taking 2nd and 4th, they hope to see both cars fighting with Mercedes for the win.
Force India
Likely to be a tougher race for Force India after a run of strong races, the circuit favours grip and downforce over top speed and power. However, Force India have been working on their chassis design and hope to see improved results here this year. Last year, both drivers had big crashes here. Perez suffered a high speed crash in practice after his suspension failed. Then, in the race, Hulkenberg had a front wing failure which sent him into the barriers. The team will be hoping for a trouble-free race this year.
Toro Rosso
A strong chassis should help Toro Rosso this weekend, as it did last year when Verstapppen finished 4th for the team. After a double points finish in Silverstone, they will be hoping to keep up their impressive form with a strong performance again this weekend.
Renault
A circuit which has lower demands on power may suit the Renault cars better, although they are still likely to struggle this weekend. They will want to ensure that they stay ahead of Manor and Sauber in the race, although progressing from Q1 in qualifying is unlikely.
Sauber
Yesterday it was announced that Sauber have found an investment, which they have been trying to do for a long time. This is important news for the team who have been struggling financially and ensures that they will remain on the grid. They are bringing some aero upgrades this weekend, which will hopefully improve their performance but it is unlikely they will finish within the top ten.
McLaren
After a difficult race in Silverstone, McLaren hope for more success this weekend at a circuit likely to suit their car much better. Last year, they finished 5th and 9th – scoring the same amount of points as Mercedes. Although matching Mercedes again this weekend is highly unlikely, they will be aiming for a strong, double points finish.
Manor
The team struggled in the wet conditions at Silverstone due to their poor aerodynamic performance, the race ending prematurely for both drivers due to aquaplaning. Hungary is likely to be a difficult race for them as they lack downforce compared to other teams.
Haas
The higher temperatures in Hungary should benefit Haas, helping them to get their tyres up to temperature. Last race, they struggled with reliability issues so they will be hoping to sort these before the race this weekend. If they can, they will have an opportunity to add points to their current tally.