Vettel dedicates his 41st GP win to Bianchi

A minute’s silence for Jules Bianchi took place on the grid before the start of the Hungarian GP race. The drivers encircled their helmets placed on the ground, with Bianchi’s at the centre. Bianchi passed away on 17 July, nine months are suffering head injuries during last season’s Japanese GP.

Ferrari’s Sebastian Vettel, who claimed a surprising victory after a chaotic race, said over the radio on his slowing down lap: "Merci, Jules. Cette victoire est pour toi." (Thank you, Jules. This victory is for you). 

Following behind was another surprise. Red Bull’s Daniil Kvyat took second place and claimed his first career podium, despite receiving a 10-second penalty for exceeding track limits.

His Red Bull teammate, Daniel Ricciardo, was involved in the incident that caused Rosberg to drop from second with only four laps to go. At Turn One, Rosberg’s left rear tyre came in contact with Ricciardo’s front wing. Although the Australian had to pit to replace the front wing, he snagged the final podium spot.

Mercedes’ Lewis Hamilton finished sixth and Nico Rosberg finished eighth because of a late puncture, which means that Hamilton still managed to extend his lead over Rosberg to 21 points.

From the beginning, Vettel got the jump on the Silver Arrows and took the lead into the first corner. Ferrari teammate, Kimi Raikkonen, slipped past Rosberg going into Turn Two as Hamilton was relegated to fourth. Hamilton made another error at the midway chicane, running wide and falling another six spots.

The Ferraris dominated the lead, with Rosberg unable to keep pace and Hamilton trying to recover lost ground with characteristic impressive overtaking maneuvers. He had reduced his gap to Rosberg to six seconds when the safety car was brought out on lap 43.

Ricciardo was the first to take advantage of the safety car period to switch to softer tyres. Exiting from the final corner, Hamilton defended to the inside while Ricciardo went for the outside. Hamilton locked up on the inside line and went sliding into the side of Ricciardo’s Red Bull, damaging his own front wing. Hamilton had to serve a drive-through penalty for causing the incident and had to pit, a few laps later, for a replacement.

Raikkonen’s engine suffered a hybrid system failure, forcing him down from second and eventually into retirement. 

images:BBC