Race winner Oscar Piastri of Australia and McLaren celebrated with his team in parc ferme during the F1 Grand Prix of Belgium at Circuit de Spa-Francorchamps on July,27th in Spa, Belgium Photo by Steven Tee/LAT images editiorial #2227253819

The 2025 season reaches the Hungarian Grand Prix with the championship momentum swinging firmly towards McLaren’s dynamic duo. Last week’s Belgian Grand Prix at Spa saw Oscar Piastri claim a dominant victory over teammate Lando Norris, securing McLaren’s sixth one-two finish of the season. Piastri’s win – his sixth of 2025 and eighth of his young career – was achieved in tricky wet-dry conditions and extended his championship lead to 16 points. Norris had arrived at Spa on a two-race win streak, but Piastri’s decisive Lap 1 overtake in the wet (executed by bravely taking Eau Rouge nearly flat-out to slipstream past Norris on the Kemmel Straight) proved to be the pivotal moment. The Australian never relinquished the lead thereafter, winning by 3.4 seconds despite Norris’s late charge on a harder tyre compound. Ferrari’s Charles Leclerc finished a distant third at Spa, some 20 seconds behind, underlining McLaren’s pace advantage as they “waltz away” with both championships this year. Defending champion Max Verstappen managed fourth for Red Bull and now sits a hefty 81 points behind Piastri in the standings, effectively conceding that his bid for a fifth straight title is fading. As Formula 1 heads to the Hungaroring – the final race before the summer break – the title fight has crystallized into an intense intra-McLaren duel, with Piastri and Norris separated by mere fine margins and trading the championship lead throughout this knife-edge season.

The fallout from Belgium has provided plenty of talking points. Heavy rain chaos at Spa led to a 1-hour-15-minute start delay and a rolling start behind the Safety Car. Some drivers (notably Verstappen) criticized race control’s caution, arguing F1 is becoming too risk-averse in wet weather. However, others defended the decisions, noting Spa’s high-speed dangers – a relevant debate with rain in the forecast for Sunday in Hungary as well.  MercedesGeorge Russell supported the cautious approach, citing safety concerns at a circuit that has seen tragedy before, while Leclerc also reminded critics to “remember Spa’s history” when judging the FIA’s calls. This discussion lingers into the Hungarian round: if storm clouds arrive over the Hungaroring, expect scrutiny on how the FIA balances safety and spectacle after the Spa precedent.

Lando Norris of Great Britain driving the Mclaren MCL39 Mercedes leads Oscar Piastri of Australia driving the 81 McLaren MCL39 Mercedes and Charles Leclerc of Monaco driving the Scuderia Ferrari SF-25 on track during the F1 Grand Prix of Belgium at Circuit De Spa-Francorchamps at Spa, Belgium Photo by Rudy Carezzevoil Getty Images Editorial #2227238910

McLaren Duel: Teammates Turn Title Rivals

McLaren’s resurgence in 2025 has been nothing short of astonishing – and it’s orange cars, not Red Bulls or Ferraris, that lead both championships by a huge margin. With 11 races remaining, McLaren holds a 268-point lead in the Constructors’ standings, and their drivers sit one-two atop the Drivers’ table. Team Principal Andrea Stella has praised Piastri and Norris for “racing like champions,” emphasizing that both are operating at an exceptionally high level and pushing each other to new heights. Indeed, each has proven capable of beating the other on any given weekend – often coming down to tiny details of execution. Stella believes the title will be decided by “accuracy, precision, [and] quality of execution” rather than any significant performance gap. So far, Piastri has six wins to Norris’s four, but several of those results swung on fine margins – a theme that continued in Belgium. There, Norris started on pole but admitted “Oscar just did a good job at the start… he did a better job in the beginning, and that was it”. Norris’s decision to gamble on the hard tyre during the pit cycle briefly gave him hope of a late-race comeback, but a few small mistakes (lock-ups at La Source and a slide at Pouhon) cost him around three seconds, blunting his charge. Piastri, managing fading medium tyres, responded by increasing his pace when it mattered – evidence of his composure under pressure. McLaren’s policy so far has been “let them race” with no team orders, and Stella has reiterated that both drivers will be free to fight – as long as they “minimise trouble” and avoid taking each other off. That approach has been tested: the pair had a close call in Canada (Norris nudging Piastri) and another in Austria (Piastri nearly tagging Norris’s gearbox). But those incidents aside, they’ve generally raced hard yet cleanly.

Importantly, McLaren have given their drivers the machinery to battle at the front. The MCL39 has evolved into the class of the field, with no obvious weaknesses. Last year, the car struggled in slow corners, but over the winter Stella’s engineering team (in a meeting room aptly nicknamed “La Source”) devised solutions that “turned out to be a resounding success,” addressing the rear downforce issues in low-speed turns. The proof came not just at Monaco (where McLaren were dominant) but also at Spa – a track that combines flat-out sections with the sort of tight hairpin (Turn 1 at Spa) that once troubled them. Piastri and Norris finished 20+ seconds clear of the nearest non-McLaren at Spa, underlining that the car works on all circuit types. As Norris wryly observed after Belgium, there was “nothing more I could do… Oscar deserved it today”. Heading to Hungary, McLaren’s drivers are essentially in their own league – locked in a tense, intra-team title showdown reminiscent of past great teammate duels. Notably, the Hungaroring was the scene of a pivotal (and somewhat contentious) McLaren moment one year ago: in 2024, Norris was leading late in the race but was persuaded by the team to let Piastri through, handing the Australian his maiden win. That decision – based on offset strategies and team orders – could have sowed seeds of rivalry, but both drivers publicly downplayed any rift. Now, a year later, with both firmly established as championship contenders, McLaren will be keen to avoid team orders and let the best man win. The respect between Piastri and Norris appears genuine, yet as the stakes rise, every on-track interaction will be closely analyzed. Keep an eye on their behavior in qualifying (where securing pole at Hungary is crucial) and on Lap 1 into the tight Turn 1, especially if they start side by side. Stella has cautioned them that Lap 1 is “just lap 1 of 70” at the Hungaroring – in other words, don’t ruin the race (and championship) in the first corner. With McLaren’s clear performance edge, the only thing that can derail their one-two finish on Sunday is the “trouble” Stella warned against, whether via an overzealous move or a bit of bad luck.

Yuki Tsunoda of Japan and Oracle Red Bull Racing talks with Max Verstappen of the Netherlands and Oracle Red Bull Racing in the garage during practice ahead of the F1 Grand Prix of Hungary at Hungaroring on August 1st, 2025 in Budapest, Hungary Photo by Mark Thompson/Getty Images Editiorial #2228025914

Red Bull Regroups in a Post-Horner Era

For reigning champions Red Bull Racing, the Hungarian GP comes amid a period of upheaval and uncharacteristic vulnerability. In a stunning mid-season development, Red Bull sacked long-time team principal Christian Horner just weeks ago, ending his 20-year tenure. The decision sent shockwaves through the paddock – Horner had overseen all of Red Bull’s championships since 2010, but a decline in form through 2024 and into 2025 reportedly led to internal pressures. His exit appears part of a broader shake-up aimed at stopping Red Bull’s slide, as the team finds itself winless in several races and lagging behind McLaren. Stepping into Horner’s shoes is Laurent Mekies, formerly of the FIA and Ferrari, who until now was leading Red Bull’s junior team (recently rebranded Racing Bulls). Mekies’ first weekend in charge at Spa proved baptism by fire. While Verstappen won the Saturday Sprint race – giving Mekies a quick taste of victory – Sunday’s Grand Prix was more challenging, with Max only fourth and Yuki Tsunoda finishing out of the points after a strategy blunder. Mekies frankly described Red Bull as “a very, very tight group, a very complex group” and admitted he has “a lot more to learn” about the team’s inner workings. The new boss spent the two weeks prior at the factory immersing himself, but understanding Red Bull’s “complex” operation (which includes integrating the Honda-to-Ford engine transition and a massive technical staff) will take time. On the pit wall, Mekies was immediately tested by Spa’s chaos; he was “not impressed” with some FIA calls during the rain delay, echoing Verstappen’s frustration at the ultra-cautious approach that potentially hurt Red Bull’s wet-optimized setup. He also had to personally apologize to Tsunoda for a miscommunication that left the Japanese driver out too long on wets and cost him a likely points finish. All told, it was a tricky debut weekend, and Red Bull left Belgium with more questions than answers.

The big question is whether Red Bull can bounce back in Hungary – a track where, historically, high-downforce efficiency is key. There is cautious optimism: the RB21 car has shown flashes of pace, especially in qualifying, but it has been inconsistent. Verstappen has openly discussed the RB21’s “limitations” and different balance issues that have hampered its performance. The team brought a major upgrade package earlier in the summer (a revised sidepod and engine cover design debuted in Britain and refined for Hungary) aimed at adding downforce and improving cooling for slow, hot circuits. However, those upgrades have yet to translate into a race win. In fact, McLaren’s car now appears superior in both low and high-speed sections, leaving Red Bull scratching their heads. Some insiders suggest Red Bull’s development direction went awry months ago – an assessment Mercedes’ George Russell also made about his own team (more on that later) – and that Horner’s ouster was a result of clashing views on how to fix it. In Horner’s absence, Red Bull’s senior advisor Helmut Marko has taken a more public role, even announcing that Verstappen is committed to the team through 2026 despite rumors of dissatisfaction. Marko and Mekies will need to rally the troops to extract the most from the current car.

On the driver front, Verstappen remains Red Bull’s spearhead and currently sits third in the championship, albeit a distant third. He is a four-time Hungary winner and thrives on this circuit’s challenges, but he’ll need a near-perfect weekend to topple the McLarens. Meanwhile, Red Bull’s second seat now belongs to Yuki Tsunoda, after the team’s decision not to continue with Sergio Pérez (who struggled in early 2025 and left by mutual agreement mid-season). Tsunoda has seized the promotion from AlphaTauri/Racing Bulls and delivered some promising performances – Spa was actually his best qualifying for Red Bull to date. Unfortunately, strategy woes ruined his race, dropping him from the top 10 in Belgium. Still, Tsunoda’s raw pace is encouraging. The Hungaroring, however, will test his finesse: it’s a tight track requiring patience and precision, traits the sometimes overzealous Tsunoda is still refining. Mekies publicly backed Yuki after Spa (even apologizing to him), which should boost the youngster’s confidence. In Hungary, a key storyline will be how Red Bull operationally manages a race without Horner’s steady hand. Can Mekies and the pit wall make bold, correct calls under pressure? The team cannot afford more missteps if they hope to challenge for a win or podium. All eyes will be on whether Red Bull’s “new era” begins to gel this weekend or if growing pains persist. At minimum, they’ll aim to beat Ferrari and reclaim second in the Constructors’ standings – a modest target for a team used to dominating, but a realistic one given current form.


Lewis Hamilton of Great Britain and Ferrari leaving the Mercedes motorhome during the F1 Grand Prix of Belgium at Circuit de Spa-Francorchamps on July 27, 2025 in Spa, Belgium Photo by Kym IIIman Getty Images Editiorial #2227215491

Ferrari’s Optimism and Hamilton’s Hungary Homecoming

Ferrari arrive in Budapest guardedly optimistic. The Scuderia snatched a podium in Spa courtesy of Charles Leclerc, who drove a solid race to third place and fended off Verstappen’s Red Bull throughout. That result was a “morale-boosting” podium for Leclerc and the team, reinforcing that Ferrari’s recent upgrade package is delivering progress. The team introduced a revised floor and aero package a couple races ago (first seen in Spain and tweaked further by Spa) aimed at curing bouncing issues and adding downforce. By Spa, Leclerc reported the SF-25 felt more stable, and his pace in wet-dry conditions was encouraging – he finished only ~1.5s ahead of Verstappen, but crucially 20s clear of anyone else behind, underlining Ferrari as “best of the rest” behind McLaren. Team Principal Fred Vasseur noted that five podiums for Leclerc so far show the package’s potential, even if wins remain elusive. The Hungaroring’s twisty layout should, in theory, play to Ferrari’s strengths: high-downforce grip and traction. However, an elephant in the room is Ferrari’s qualifying inconsistency – a variable that could make or break their weekend on a track where grid position is paramount.

One person especially keen to shine in Hungary is Lewis Hamilton, now in his first year in Ferrari red. Hamilton endured a nightmare at Spa: he was shockingly eliminated in Q1 (in both the sprint and main qualifying) after errors and misjudging the changing conditions. He then spun in the Sprint shootout, compounding the misery. To his credit, Hamilton made an “entertaining charge” from P16 on the grid up to P7 by the race finish on Sunday, showcasing his wet-weather skill with several slick overtakes. Even so, the seven-time champ was left “massively frustrated” and took to team radio to apologize: “Sorry about this weekend guys… not what the team deserves. I’ll work harder to come back stronger at the next race”. That next race is now upon him, and it happens to be at Hamilton’s most successful hunting ground. The Briton has won eight times at the Hungaroring – more than any driver in history. Budapest’s twisty, technical track often rewards driver skill and confidence, and Hamilton has always relished its rhythm. Ferrari will hope that his Spa slump was an outlier and that in Hungary Lewis can harness his vast experience to help the Scuderia maximize points. Notably, Hamilton has been emphasizing his commitment to succeed at Ferrari where other champions (Alonso, Vettel) fell short. Before Spa, he spoke of pushing hard behind the scenes and refusing to repeat history as another champion who joined Ferrari without a title. That narrative likely adds fuel to his motivation this weekend.

Ferrari’s intra-team dynamic is also worth watching. Leclerc currently leads Hamilton in the standings, thanks largely to those podium finishes and more consistent qualifying. Hamilton, though, is not far behind and will be determined to reassert himself. The team insists both drivers have equal status – there have been no instances of clear team orders so far in 2025. In Hungary, strategy can favor one driver over another (for instance, a well-timed undercut or preferential pit call can be decisive). If Leclerc is ahead on track, will Ferrari prioritize him to secure another podium? Or if Hamilton finds his groove at his “second home” circuit, can he leapfrog Charles and perhaps fight the Red Bulls? The forecasted possibility of rain could be a wild card; Hamilton is arguably F1’s greatest rain master, and a wet Hungaroring could play right into his hands. Keep in mind, however, that overtaking in the wet at this track can be just as tricky as in the dry due to the single racing line through many corners. A lot may hinge on qualifying – Ferrari cannot afford another Q1 fiasco for Hamilton or a lapse by Leclerc. If both red cars start near the sharp end (second row, for example), a double podium isn’t out of the question, especially if any McLaren or Red Bull hits trouble. After Spa, Ferrari actually outscored Mercedes in points, solidifying their hold on P2 in the Constructors’ standings. They know Red Bull, only a few points behind, are eager to overtake them, so every score matters. In summary, Ferrari come to Hungary with cautious optimism: the SF-25 is improving, Leclerc is driving confidently, and Hamilton has a point to prove at a venue he loves. A clean, drama-free weekend is what Maranello craves – and if they get it, the reward could be another podium trophy or two to carry into the summer break.

George Russell of Great Britain and Mercedes AMG Petronas F1 Team walks in the Pitlane after being eliminated during Sprint qualifying ahead of the F1 Grand Prix of Belgium at Circuit de Spa-Francorchamps on July 25th, 2025 in Spa, Belgium Photo by Mark Thompson Getty Images Editiorial #2226981281

Mercedes, Midfield and Upgrades Watch

As the top three teams battle, Mercedes find themselves in the unfamiliar position of distant onlookers. The once-dominant squad has had a tough 2025, and Spa was a particularly rough outing. With Hamilton now at Ferrari, Mercedes fields George Russell alongside rookie Andrea Kimi Antonelli. Russell managed P5 in Belgium, but he was a full half-minute behind the winner and noted that Mercedes “have taken a step backwards” in development. In fact, Russell bluntly stated that a few months ago the W14B car’s development went in the wrong direction, and the team is still trying to understand their “lack of pace”. The Hungaroring – a high-downforce track – might expose that weakness further, as the Silver Arrows have struggled with generating enough downforce and keeping the car balanced through slower corners. This is the same fundamental issue that plagued them in 2022-23, and despite a major concept change in 2024, it appears some gremlins remain. On the bright side, Russell is typically very strong at Hungary (recall he took pole here in 2022), and his P5 at Spa was at least a damage-limitation result that kept Mercedes in fourth place in the Constructors’. His role now is leading the team’s development feedback; post-race in Spa he met with Toto Wolff and engineers, emphasizing the need to “sleep well” over the break only after finding answers.

For young Andrea Kimi Antonelli, the Hungarian GP will be another learning experience. The 19-year-old F2 graduate had a harsh introduction to Spa, failing to escape Q1 (alongside Hamilton) and qualifying last. Hamilton, who mentored Antonelli as a junior, even gave the dejected rookie a pep talk after the session to lift his spirits. In the race, Antonelli finished near the back, but crucially kept the car out of trouble and gathered data. Mercedes has publicly defended their young driver; after Spa, Hamilton praised Antonelli as “fantastic” and urged patience as he develops. The Hungaroring will test Antonelli’s technical skills – it’s often likened to a kart track where precision is key. The team will be happy if he can qualify mid-pack and perhaps fight for a point or two on Sunday. Any points the #77 car can contribute help Mercedes fend off a resurgent Williams in the standings.

Speaking of Williams, they have become a serious midfield force this year – arguably the “best of the rest” after the big four teams. Alex Albon delivered a stellar sixth place at Spa, capitalizing on the mixed conditions and the Williams FW47’s newfound balance. That result was Albon’s best since Imola and evidence that Williams’ upgrade package (introduced a few rounds ago) is paying off. Notably, former Ferrari driver Carlos Sainz now partners Albon at Williams, having made a shock switch after losing his Ferrari seat to Hamilton. Sainz has brought experience and technical input to Williams, and while his Spa race was quiet (just outside the points), he has been instrumental in helping the team refine their set-up. For Hungary, Williams is bringing cooling updates (wider engine cover exits) to handle the high temperatures. The team historically struggled at downforce-heavy tracks, but 2025’s car is more well-rounded. A double-points finish is on their radar if chaos strikes ahead.

Elsewhere, Alpine managed to snag a point at Spa thanks to Pierre Gasly (P10), but their pace was underwhelming. Teammate Franco Colapinto nursed a long stint on used tyres and was unhappy with strategy. Alpine have minor updates for Hungary (revised brake ducts) to improve consistency. The tight track could suit their car better than Spa did, so a small rebound is possible. Sauber (soon-to-be Audi) had a bright spot with rookie Gabriel Bortoleto scoring P9 at Spa. The Brazilian benefitted from a team order that let him pass veteran Nico Hülkenberg to chase points. It was a smart call as Bortoleto delivered and netted two points. Sauber have a big aero upgrade on one car (they’ve been testing a revised floor/bodywork on the #8 car for a few races) and will continue evaluating it in Hungary. Racing Bulls had Liam Lawson impressing with P8 at Spa. Lawson has adapted well as a full-time driver, and with Tsunoda promoted, he’s now leading that team. They don’t have major upgrades this round, but Lawson’s consistency could earn them more surprise points if attrition hits the top 10.

Finally, keep an eye on the weather and tyres. Pirelli is bringing the middle range compounds (C3, C4, C5) which should suit the smooth Hungaroring surface. If it stays dry, expect a one-stop race (soft to medium or medium to hard). However, current forecasts suggest a chance of rain on Sunday. A wet Hungaroring could be extremely tricky – low grip asphalt and painted kerbs become treacherous. In such a scenario, driver skill will be paramount and strategy gambles (like an early switch to inters) could make the difference. The last time we had significant rain in Hungary (2011 and a brief shower in 2021) it produced chaotic races, so teams will be preparing for every possibility.

Charles Leclerc of Monaco driving the Suderia Ferrari SF-25 on track during practice ahead of the F1 Grand Prix of Hungary at Hungaroring on August 01,2025 in Budapest, Hungary, Photo by Zak Mauger/LAT Images Editiorial #2228037606

Track Preview: The Challenging Hungaroring

The Hungaroring is often dubbed “Monaco without the barriers” – a tight, tortuous 4.38 km circuit just outside Budapest. It has been a staple on the F1 calendar since 1986, and this year’s race marks nearly four decades of Grand Prix racing in Hungary. The track features 14 corners, many of them medium- to low-speed, and only one real straight of note (the pit straight into Turn 1). Overtaking has traditionally been difficult here; Turn 1 (a downhill right-hander) is the prime passing spot, especially with DRS assistance on the main straight. Overtakes can also sometimes occur into Turn 2 (as drivers who failed at Turn 1 try to hang around the outside and gain inside line for the next bend) and the Turn 4 uphill section, but both are risky. The middle sector – a winding sequence of chicanes and sweepers (Turns 6-11) – is all about rhythm and mechanical grip. Cars are set up with maximum downforce (Monaco levels) to stick to the myriad of bends. A well-sorted chassis is rewarded here more than sheer horsepower, since the engine spends relatively little time at full throttle. That’s one reason we occasionally see surprise results in Hungary (e.g. Alpine’s shock win with Ocon in 2021) – a car that handles well in corners can punch above its weight even if it lacks top-end power.

Teams will bring dedicated high-downforce wings and often tape up brake ducts for extra aero load. Managing tyre temperatures is critical: Hungary in August is usually blisteringly hot, with track temps often exceeding 50°C on sunny days. This can cause thermal degradation, especially on the softest compound. However, if Sunday’s forecast of storms holds, teams must also dial in wet setups or at least a compromise. Interestingly, because the Hungaroring is not used much during the year, it’s usually very dusty and green at the start of the weekend. The racing line will rubber in through practice, but off-line remains dirty – making overtakes even harder as stepping just a bit off the rubbered line means sliding on dirt marbles. Drivers often talk about the importance of finding a rhythm here; the sequence from Turn 8 through Turn 11 is a left-right-left-right snake where a mistake in one corner can throw off the next three. It’s a real driver’s circuit – much like a kart track – where precision pays off.

From a historical perspective, this race has produced both processional affairs and dramatic upsets. Overtaking used to be so scarce that in 2003 a driver (Alonso) lapped the reigning champion (Schumacher) on pure pace – something unheard of on other tracks at the time. In recent years, we’ve seen more action thanks to strategic variation and the occasional weather curveball. Notably, Lewis Hamilton has an unparalleled record here with 8 wins, while Fernando Alonso memorably took his first career win at this venue (in 2003). Last year (2024), as mentioned, McLaren orchestrated a 1-2 with some intra-team swapping. Given McLaren’s current dominance, they enter as heavy favorites to repeat their success. But Ferrari and Red Bull will be pushing to spoil the papaya party, and any slip-up by the McLarens could open the door. The first stint off the grid will be crucial – Turn 1 at the start often sees congestion and sometimes contact, as it funnels from a wide straight to a tight apex. Expect the likes of Hamilton or Alonso (if he were here – though notably, Aston Martin’s form has dropped; their veteran duo hasn’t been in contention of late) to pounce on any opportunity there.

One more wrinkle: this is the last race before the summer shutdown, meaning teams are eager to end on a high note and carry momentum into the break. It’s also traditionally a hotspot for silly season rumors. Already the paddock grapevine is active: will Red Bull make further management changes if results don’t improve? (Helmut Marko gave an interview hinting at a “feel-good factor” in the team post-Horner, but that remains debatable.) Will Mercedes stick with their current car concept or pivot yet again? And what of driver market gossip – could Sergio Pérez make a comeback with another team? Could veteran Hülkenberg hang up his helmet at season’s end to make way for Audi’s preferred talent? These discussions will percolate during the Hungary weekend, even if concrete news waits for the break. For now, the focus is firmly on the race and the championship battles at hand.

Race winner Oscar Piastri of Australia and McLaren celebrates on arrival in parc ferme during the F1 Grand Prix of Belgium at Circuit de Spa-Francorchamps on July 27, 2025 Spa, Belgium Photo by Andy Hone/LAT Images Editorial#2227249571

Podium Prediction for the 2025 Hungarian GP

Based on the form and data of 2025 so far, it’s hard to bet against another McLaren triumph at the Hungaroring. The MCL39 has excelled on high-downforce circuits (they dominated in Monaco and were superb in sector 3 in Barcelona), and the team’s confidence is sky-high. Oscar Piastri gets a slight nod as the favorite to win – he has shown exceptional qualifying speed and race composure, and crucially he carries momentum from the Belgium win. If Piastri can secure pole or at least out-qualify Norris, his measured tire management might give him the edge on Sunday. Lando Norris is right there with him, though; recall Norris won at Silverstone after Piastri’s safety car penalty, and he’s been fractionally faster on certain days. In Hungary’s twisty confines, Norris’s smooth driving style could shine, so the McLaren 1-2 could go either way. We predict Piastri P1 and Norris P2, in a close formation finish barring any incident – the statistics support McLaren’s 1-2 trend continuing, given they’ve achieved that feat in nearly half the races this year. For the final podium spot, the data points toward Charles Leclerc in P3. Leclerc has five podiums already in 2025 (the most of any non-McLaren driver), and Ferrari’s upgrades have made the SF-25 consistently the third-best car on race pace. Verstappen and Red Bull certainly cannot be ruled out – Max has the talent to conjure something special – but purely on 2025 form, Ferrari have been slightly more dependable on Sundays (Red Bull’s race execution has been hit-and-miss, and Verstappen has only a couple of podiums in the last stretch). Additionally, the Hungaroring’s characteristics may suit Ferrari’s car balance better than Red Bull’s edgy chassis. If it’s dry, Leclerc’s qualifying prowess could put him ahead of Verstappen on the grid, allowing him to convert that into a podium as he did at Spa. In short, McLaren to dominate up front, and Leclerc to edge Verstappen for third is the statistically supported outcome.

Of course, racing isn’t run on paper – a rainy intervention, a poor start, or a safety car at the wrong time could shuffle things. If rain does arrive, watch for Hamilton as a dark horse for the podium given his wet-weather magic and record here. But under “normal” circumstances, the smart money stays on the season’s trend: McLaren in a league of their own, and a resurgent Ferrari driver snagging the remaining trophy. The Hungarian GP is poised to cap the first half of 2025 with high drama – and if our predictions hold, Oscar Piastri may well head into summer as the man to catch in this extraordinary championship duel.

Predicted Podium: 1. Oscar Piastri (McLaren), 2. Lando Norris (McLaren), 3. Charles Leclerc (Ferrari)

Sources:

  • Race results and analysis of the 2025 Belgian GP (Spa), confirming McLaren’s 1-2 finish and key strategy points.

  • Driver and team quotes from Spa, including Piastri and Norris on their battle, Leclerc on Ferrari’s pressure, and Verstappen on Red Bull’s weaknesses.

  • Technical insights on upgrades from reputable sources (The Race, Formula1.com) detailing Ferrari’s new suspension and floor, Red Bull’s bodywork updates, and general high-downforce setup notes for Hungary.

  • Weather forecasts from GPBlog and GPFans highlighting likely hot and mostly dry conditions for the Hungarian GP, with only a modest chance of rain during qualifying or race.

  • Historical context and circuit characteristics from RacingNews365 and archive stats, emphasizing the Hungaroring’s overtaking difficulty and strategy importance.

With all that data in mind, we await to see if the predictions hold true or if Hungary will script yet another surprise. Enjoy the race weekend – jó versenyt (good race) from Budapest!

-CMC Motorsports Staff Writers

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