ARROWS REVIVAL WOWS HAMILTON
Bowled over see
ANOTHER double podium at the Hungarian Grand Prix was a “huge” result for Mercedes as they closed in on their stuttering Ferrari rivals.
The Italians desperately needed a clean weekend in Budapest, but it wasn’t to be.
Charles Leclerc might have challenged for the win, but his team placed him on hard tyres mid-way through the race which would not switch on in the cool temperatures and he was only able to limp to sixth place.
It was a much better day for Mercedes, though, even if George Russell was unable to convert his first pole position into a maiden race win.
Podium
He still managed the podium in third, one place behind Lewis Hamilton whose late charge might have even threatened the winner Max Verstappen, had it not been for a late virtual safety car.
After the race, a delighted Hamilton crowed about the “hugely satisfying” result.
“It’s a great feeling for us, given the year we’ve had, and obviously, to see the progress we’ve started to make.
“Last week [in France], just getting the second place was huge for us already, and this is now two races in a row that George and I have shared a podium, which is fantastic for the team, points-wise.
“To both finish ahead of the Ferraris is huge for us, given the pace they’ve had. And for me, obviously, starting the race in seventh and getting up here is a great recovery.”
Things are looking good for the Silver Arrows and Hamilton is more confident of adding to his record 103 wins.
Potential
“That’s what we’re working towards,” he added.
“I think this weekend, there was a potential for a win, and a huge push for the second half of the season.”