Hungarian GP: Three Formula 1 stars get a late start to the Hungaroring weekend

The GP stars have just one more race to contest this week, then it’s time for the summer break, during which they can recharge their batteries. The final showdown before the break will take place at the Hungaroring, and no fewer than three regular Formula 1 drivers will be starting the weekend late. This is because a young driver will be given the chance to drive in each case.

At McLaren, Oscar Piastri will have to watch from the sidelines when the first free practice session takes place. This is because the Australian has to hand over his car to Leonardo Fornaroli, who was already given the chance to drive in Barcelona. On the Spanish circuit, he was at the wheel of world champion Lando Norris’s MCL40.

Leonardo Fornaroli: Looking forward to his second outing in the McLaren

The development driver for the historic Woking-based team is looking forward to the outing, as he knows: “Every session is a chance to learn something new and build more confidence behind the wheel of a GP car. The first practice session also offers the opportunity to contribute to the team’s weekend programme.”

“I’m looking forward to continuing the work we started in Barcelona and have been preparing for this over the past few weeks at the Woking factory and in the simulator. I can’t wait to get out there on Friday, have some fun and get the most out of every lap,” adds the 21-year-old Italian.

Forced break for Franco Colapinto

Alongside Piastri, Franco Colapinto will also have to watch from the sidelines; his Alpine car will be driven in the first practice session by reserve driver Paul Aron, who is making his first FP1 appearance for the Enstone-based team this year. “I’ve been driving the car in the simulator all year so far, and now I’m getting this valuable chance to experience the A526 on a real track. My three FP1 sessions last year went very well, and I want to build on that experience,” says the 22-year-old Estonian.

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A 32-year-old veteran is also set to take the wheel of an F1 car

The oldest guest driver in the first practice session will be Ryo Hirakawa. The 32-year-old Japanese driver will be taking the wheel of the VF-26 for the second time this year, this time in Ollie Bearman’s car. At the Red Bull Ring, he was still driving Esteban Ocon’s GP car.

Hirakawa is keen to make up for what he missed out on in Spielberg this time: “It was a difficult session in Austria, as aero tests and a red flag meant I didn’t have the chance to set any fast laps. That makes me all the more excited about racing at the Hungaroring. The circuit is a real challenge – it’s short, narrow and features lots of slow and medium-speed corners. I’m looking forward to pushing the car to the limit there and helping the team work on the set-up for the rest of the race weekend.”