The 2023 Hungarian Grand Prix began with a mixed tire strategy among the top teams, including Mercedes, Ferrari, and Red Bull. George Russell started on soft tires and initially took the lead, while Charles Leclerc and the Ferraris opted for the medium compound. Max Verstappen made a strong start from 10th place and quickly gained positions. The pit stops saw Ferrari's Carlos Sainz make a slow stop, and the team's strategy was questioned. Meanwhile, Verstappen's team executed a successful undercut, allowing him to gain positions. Leclerc eventually took the lead but struggled with his hard tires, allowing Verstappen to overtake him. Verstappen went on to win the race, with Lewis Hamilton finishing second and George Russell third. The Ferrari team's strategy was heavily criticized, and they were left to ponder what could have been.
Here are the key facts from the text:
1. The Hungarian Grand Prix is taking place.
2. George Russell is starting on the soft tire.
3. Leclair and the two Ferraris are on the medium compound tire.
4. The grid is ready and everyone is lined up.
5. The race is underway, and George Russell has a decent reaction at the start.
6. Carlos Sainz covers over his teammate, Charles Leclair.
7. Russell is ahead, going around the outside.
8. Leclair defends and cuts off Sainz.
9. Maximus Stafford has a decent start.
10. The Ferraris have fired their tires up and have grip and confidence.
11. Russell is struggling to get the car to turn in and stay on the racing line.
12. Max Verstappen makes a clean move under braking to pass Sainz.
13. Ferrari makes a dummy call to try and put off their competitors.
14. George Russell comes in for a pit stop.
15. Verstappen is also coming in for a pit stop.
16. Charles Leclair stops and goes on to the hard compound tire.
17. Ferrari is trying to go for the overcut with Carlos Sainz.
18. Verstappen makes another pit stop on lap 39.
19. Leclair is told to box and go on to the hard compound tire.
20. George Russell puts his tires on to the medium compound.
21. Verstappen is ahead of George Russell.
22. Perez is on a different strategy and will be asked to get out of the way.
23. Verstappen is closing in on Charles Leclair.
24. Verstappen makes an overtake on Leclair on the track.
25. Ferrari's strategy is being questioned.
26. Max Verstappen wins the Hungarian Grand Prix from 10th on the grid.
27. Verstappen leads the 50th race of his career and takes the 28th victory of his career.
28. The Ferrari debrief is expected to be long and contentious.
29. The final standings are: Verstappen P1, Hamilton P2, Russell P3, Leclair P6, Norris P7, Alonso P8, and Ocon P10.