The rompipaddock - Horses in disarray
Time for reading: 7 minutes

The Hungarian Grand Prix sees Lando Norris back on the top step of the podium: the Briton closes the gap on Oscar Piastri, who was let down by a questionable strategy from his pit wall. A race to forget for Charles Leclerc, who loses the chance of victory and even the podium: it's time for assessments, sincere reflections and what the fourteenth round of the Formula 1 calendar has left us with.

Papaya Rules bye bye

Lando Norris claimed his ninth career victory, thanks to a winning strategy from his pit wall (9). Extending the first stint was a winning move for the Brit, who closed the gap on a disappointed Piastri (8), who was the victim of a questionable strategy. The Australian attempted to close the gap on his teammate. A mission accomplished and almost ruined on the penultimate lap, where the flashback of what we saw in Austria took shape once again.

We were very close to contact, but it didn't happen, nor did the overtaking of Norris. Two more laps and perhaps we would have been writing something completely different; perhaps, with a different strategy, it would have been #81, visibly irritated by what had happened, who would have triumphed. Three weeks of rest will be ideal for the McLaren pair: who knows if the much-talked-about Papaya Rules will finally crumble... History teaches us that it takes no time at all to go from friends to enemies. 

I'm just a guy... Unlucky

Charles Leclerc was unable to replicate Saturday's magic, thanks to a car that abandoned him without his knowledge halfway through the race (10). His big heart and, above all, his visceral love for Ferrari lead us to admire and respect him for every move he makes. His frustration over the radio after realising that victory had slipped away creates regret even for the average fan sitting on a humble sofa.

As the sole leader of this team, these holidays will be crucial for him to distance himself from the Red stabs in the back and try to get some divine blessing from a saint or two ahead of the next stages. 

Goals to forget 

200 insipid GPs for poor Verstappen, who, like a skilled fisherman, rows tirelessly towards a meagre conquest. The result? Only bitterness. In the race, he treats us to some characteristic overtaking, but in reality, he achieves nothing. He even has to surrender to Lawson's Racing Bulls (8), who manage to finish ahead of him. Ninth at the finish line and with only the desire to return home to his family, the Dutch driver is likely to start thinking about moving to the satellite team: perhaps he would achieve more there. 

The rompipaddock - Horses in disarray

Green flashes

And then, suddenly, they make a strong comeback: the Alonso-Stroll duo (9) shake up their midfield rivals thanks to a weekend to remember. They bring home double points and reach sixth place in the constructors' championship in the blink of an eye. These weeks of relaxation leave us with a welcome sense of suspense: will they manage to stay strong in the second half of the season?

Another superhero of the Hungarian weekend is the young Bortoleto: the Brazilian managed to enchant everyone with a stunning qualifying session, where he managed to finish ahead of a certain Verstappen. The magic continued in the race, with a great result. Keep an eye on this kid, he could be a force to be reckoned with in 2026.

Welcome returns 

Let's move on to George Russell (8), who is back on the podium. After a confusing period, Mercedes is once again giving its rivals a run for their money, thanks to the old (and effective) rear suspension. There's certainly no talk of work during the holidays, but who knows if the sea and relaxation will lead Toto Wolff and the Brit to reach an agreement on his expiring contract.

Our Antonelli (7) also did well, managing to reach the points zone from the rear of the field and earning a precious point that will allow him to enjoy his holidays more peacefully. 

Mood swings

We conclude our piece by turning to the man in a bad mood, Lewis Hamilton (3). A weekend to forget, where even the demons of the past took over. Those who have been following F1 for years know that Sir Lewis is an emotional guy. Just think of when everything was going perfectly at Mercedes: he dominated the races, setting fast lap after fast lap, yet he felt there were “paranormal problems” with the car. 

Of course, hearing a seven-time World Champion say that Ferrari needs to change drivers has a certain effect. But that's Lewis for you, he doesn't think about the impact his words might have, he lives life like he races, at full throttle. This break will help him find himself and try to change pace from Holland onwards. 

Moving on to Williams, Haas, and Alpine (4), the first part of the season ends without any points scored at the Hungaroring. Among them, there are those who can smile and those who are close to the door. But that's another story, which is better not to tell at the moment.

 As for you, all that remains is for me to wish you a happy holiday: we'll be back in September with new stories and ironic anecdotes to tell.

See you soon,

Your Rompipaddock. 

Read in the original language (italian): https://www.formula1.it/news/26224/1/la-rompipaddock-cavallini-allo-sbando-
Read also: The SF-25 annihilates Hamilton, a communication disaster in Budapest

Read also: McLaren takes away Piastri's freedom of speech. The right choice for the world championship?


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rompipaddock | hungarian gp | norris | piastri | leclerc | verstappen | antonelli | |