Hungarian GP: Williams Racing Grand Prix Preview


By Williams Racing
July 19 2023

The Williams Racing Team now moves to a vastly different track when compared to Silverstone, the Hungaroring for the 2023 Hungarian GP. This track is one that requires high downforce levels so it will be an interesting challenge to see how the upgraded FW45 performs on this circuit. This weekend with also see the use of Alternative Tyre Allocation which will see the teams number of tyres reduced as well as having to run specific tyres in each period of qualifying. For both Alex Albon and Logan Sargeant it is a track that they are keen to run on. The biggest question will be whether the upgraded FW45 with its additional downforce will be better suited to this circuit. 

 
2023 Hungarian GP Preview
 

Dave Robson, Head of Vehicle Performance:
The Hungaroring is an interesting contrast to Silverstone and will be another good test of the car and drivers. Most cars will run maximum downforce at this short twisty track, which will provide an interesting comparison across the field.

With the earlier cancellation of the event in Imola, this weekend is the first ‘Alternative Tyre Allocation (ATA)’ event of the season. Each driver has fewer sets of tyres available than normal, and the use of specific tyre compounds is mandated in each of the three qualifying sessions. It will be interesting to see how each team chooses to use the limited supply of tyres, especially as Pirelli have provided their softest compounds for this weekend.

As is often the case in Budapest in July, the weather is forecast to be hot with a risk of thunderstorms. We will keep an eye on this as we approach the sessions, but hopefully the rain will only fall in the evening.

 

Logan Sargeant:
I'm super excited to get back to Budapest. A tricky track with a different qualifying format this weekend. Hopefully we can capitalise on that and have a good weekend.

Alex Albon:
Hungary is a great circuit and one that we all love to drive around, as it has a great flow to it. We’ve just come off the back of three strong races, however I think going into this week, we need to manage expectations slightly, as it’s not necessarily a track that should suit us. Nevertheless, we’ll see how the upgrades perform around a high downforce track, which is something that hasn’t been the case in the previous three races.

 
Race Data
Friday:
Practice 1: 13:30 - 14:30
Practice 2: 17:00 - 18:00
Saturday:
Practice 3: 12:30 - 13:30
Qualifying: 16:00 – 17:00
Sunday: Race: 15:00