Mercedes are chasing a hat-trick in Hungary as Lewis Hamilton returns to a track where he has won a record eight times and secured pole position last year.
The idea that Mercedes are in a position to win anything, let alone three races in a row, following a 2023 season dominated by Red Bull and Max Verstappen looks like wishful thinking.
However, it is quite evident now, following victory went to George Russell in Austria and his seven-time champion team-mate Hamilton won the British GP at Silverstone for the ninth time.
“I love Hungary,” Hamilton was quoted as saying by Channel News Asia, Thursday (18/7).
“So, yeah, I’m really looking forward to it, to get in there, but also the track we’re on and the fact, you know, the car is starting to really come alive and feel great,” he continued.
Hamilton won in Hungary with McLaren in his debut season in 2007 and did so once more in 2009 and 2012 before moving to Mercedes, where he went on to win in 2013, 2016, 2018, 2019 and 2020.
Also read: Mercedes Team Performance Not Yet Shiny, Lewis Hamilton and George Russell Admit to Being Patient
A top-three finish this weekend would be Hamilton’s 200th podium, while pole would be his 10th at the circuit.
Meanwhile, Russell took his first Formula 1 pole position in Hungary in 2022, finishing third with Hamilton in second and Verstappen as the winner.
Mercedes have become the first team since Ferrari in 2022 to beat Red Bull twice in a row.
“We had a brilliant race in Hungary last year and have great memories here as we achieved (a record) 12 wins in a row,” said Verstappen.
“Hopefully we can have another great race this year and get another good result for the team.” (Z-1)
#Mercedes #Team #Eyes #Victory #Hungarian
