Lewis Hamilton to score a hat trick? (2008 Hungarian Grand Prix preview)
Lewis Hamilton aims for his third F1 win in a row in Hungary
McLaren have nosed ahead of the opposition in the past few weeks with Lewis Hamilton scoring a pair of emphatic wins at Silverstone and Hockenheim.
Testing last week suggested the team will keep their advantage at the next round in Hungary. Can Hamilton become the first man in two years to win three successive races?
After the German Grand Prix it was clear several particular innovations had handed the initiative to McLaren. Building a fast car is only half the job, however, and they will need to capitalise on their speed advantage.
The Hungaroring is a favourable track for that, however, as it is tight, aerodynamically critical, and overtaking is very difficult. Pole position is critical – hence the contretemps between the two McLaren drivers here last year the team will not want reminding of.
The team looked strong again in the four-day test at Jerez last week. Heikki Kovalainen was the fastest driver over the four days as McLaren became the first team to try their own version of BMW’s ‘antler’ wings mounted halfway down the front nose. They may make an appearance at the Hungaroring along with McLaren’s tested but yet unraced version of Red Bull’s ‘shark fin’ extended engine cover.
McLaren being fast doesn’t automatically mean Hamilton will win, of course, but Kovalainen has been struggling to stay as close to his pace in the second half of the season as he was earlier in the year. However Ron Dennis has resisted calls from the likes of Jackie Stewart to force Kovalainen into a supporting role to Hamilton’s title bid.
But McLaren definitely have the momentum at the moment and will want to capitalise on it this weekend ahead of the three-week break that follows which may give their rivals time to regroup.
Nirupam said on 28th July 2008, 17:40
Well… be it dry or wet, with McLaren having definite edge over the rest, Lewis should not have any problem wining at Hungary. In fact with little help from big Ron, KOVI should make it 1-2 for McLaren.
Given the current scenario, I dont think Lewis will not get so much of chance for a hattrick in near future.
F1Fan said on 28th July 2008, 17:58
It should be closer than the romp at Hockenheim, but I can’t see how Lewis will not win this race too. Ferrari have shown that they are strong in the so-called slow circuits, and were very competitive in Monaco and Montreal (Kimi was going to win that race, bar the pit ‘accident’). Still, McLaren are a couple of steps ahead, and Lewis is finely tuned to his MP4/23. A hat-trick it will be.
Twister said on 28th July 2008, 18:27
Hamilton engine being taken away is part of the annual FIA engine checks, not because they suspect anything – see autosport here – http://www.autosport.com/news/report.php/id/69428
Do we know when McLaren started using these ‘extra’ paddles?
Is Hamilton the only one to use them?
NDINYO said on 28th July 2008, 19:23
#1 Andrew – formula 1 cars are finely tuned yes, but not that finely tuned to operate in a razor thin temperature corridor!! However, Ferrari are working at making a recovery that is for sure – is two weeks enough?
Rob R. said on 28th July 2008, 19:48
I dont see any reason why the paddles shouldn’t be declared illegal and if they are, how can you label it FIA “fiddling”? If it’s against the rules it’s against the rules.
I doubt there will be any action though, the FIA havent done anything about the teams’ method for simulating launch control so why would they attack these paddles?
Andrew said on 28th July 2008, 19:51
When I say minor I mean air temperature. Say 7-10 degrees which I think, though I may be wrong, has a much more substantial effect on track temperature.
I won’t pretend to understand the physics but the comentary over the past few races suggests to me that McLaren have an advantage in cooler temperatures because they work the tyres harder. This was given as a negative point for Ferrari several times by the ITV commentators.
If that is nonsense I would be happy to be corrected though.
Internet said on 28th July 2008, 22:58
The paddles have been in use since the start of the season. Stop making a mountain out of a mole. On top of that teams like Honda, Renault and Ferrari have their own way of mapping with a knob on the steering wheel. McLaren just found a better solution.
As for the race, it should be close. Never discount the Ferraris.
David G said on 29th July 2008, 2:26
Ferrari have fumbled the ball. A couple more and they will drop it.
I must say that Hamilton and Mclaren have done a great job.
Internet said on 29th July 2008, 9:57
Anyone feel that forcing McLaren ( and others ) add a support to the bridge wing, actually made the car much faster? Canada was the first race with the support and ever since then the car has been flying. (apart from the race in france where we will never know McLarens true pace due to the penalties). Spa will be the ultimate test, if they can beat the Ferraris there then Lewis has a great chance at the WDC.
Oliver said on 29th July 2008, 14:55
Its funny someone mentioned paddles and doesn’t even state what it does. All the cars have paddles, some cars have more paddles than the others. If a team puts a switch on the paddle instead of underneath a button, does that make the car illegal? Please lets not claim to be experts when we don’t even understand the intricacies of the sport.
kimster46 said on 29th July 2008, 19:38
As everybody said ‘Mclaren looks to have an advantage ‘ right now . As Internet said , spa will be the ultimate test. Fighting with ferrari’s at a normal day at normal circumstances is a challenging task for every other car in the circuit . Guys at tfossi’s camp are not dumb, they may find some thing better which helps to improve there performance better
teamorders said on 30th July 2008, 4:16
Anyone else gets annoyed by the photo for this topic. I find it very irritating when I’d like to like Lewis a little more than I do now, and it’s hard to looking at that. LOL.