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Last weekend, the Hungaroring offered everything that makes Formula 1 exciting: a surprise victory for Sebastian Vettel and Ferrari, numerous collisions and minor accidents, and plenty of excitement.
The Hungarian Grand Prix was marked by remembrance, just one week after Jules Bianchi succumbed to injuries sustained during the 2014 Japanese Grand Prix. Before the lights went out, the drivers gathered around Bianchi's helmet and their own, paying him a silent tribute that continued even after the visors were lowered and the race began. From the first corner, it was clear that the day would be full of twists and turns. Lewis Hamilton, usually quick off the mark, was overtaken by both Ferraris, a start reminiscent of the Williams duo at the British Grand Prix. Hamilton later claimed that his start wasn't that bad, but Mercedes will need to review its starting procedure, especially after the brief resurgence of intra-team tension with Nico Rosberg that erupted at Turn 1. Ferrari looked set for a one-two finish, but a mysterious problem—the “black cat” in Kimi Raikkonen's car—dashed the Finn's hopes of a podium finish. Further back, the usual midfield troublemakers, including Sergio Pérez and Pastor Maldonado, began their battle, exchanging contact that left pieces of metal scattered across the track. Nico Hulkenberg, perhaps eager to remind the paddock of his triumph at Le Mans, lost his front wing and crashed into the tire wall at the end of the straight. The virtual safety car proved ineffective and a physical safety car was deployed, wiping out Sebastian Vettel's comfortable lead.
The final laps saw a cascade of incidents. Valtteri Bottas, Daniel Ricciardo, and finally Nico Rosberg were all victims of collisions or punctures, while a handful of unexpected drivers climbed into the top 10. In the points, two McLarens held their own, Max Verstappen finished just off the podium, and the podium itself was taken by the two Red Bull cars, one of which was driven by Daniil Kvyat, who recorded his best result in Formula 1 and the best result ever achieved by a Russian driver.
It's hard to imagine that Bianchi wouldn't have enjoyed the show. He would likely have finished in the points, and the race paid a fitting tribute to his memory.
