Mercedes and Ferrari have identified the last race before the summer break as crucial but there will also be scrutiny for those not caught up in the title battle
Only one race remains before Formula One takes its annual rest for the summer – a break that after the Hungarian Grand Prix this weekend may weigh heavier on some shoulders than others. The next few days will be potentially as instructive in the fight for the world championship as any we have seen thus far. Only a sliver separates Lewis Hamilton from Sebastian Vettel at the top of the table but Budapest has more import than just who will hold the lead when racing returns at Spa at the end of August.
The gap between Mercedes and Ferrari has been close all season. From the moment the Scuderia hit the ground running at testing we saw a proper fight at the front. But with new regulations it was also clear that victory would not necessarily go to the swiftest at the start of the season but the team who could develop their car most effectively to its end.
Related: FIA defends decision to enforce F1 halo cockpit protection device for 2018
Continue reading...