In a thrilling spectacle at the Hungarian Grand Prix 2014, Daniel Ricciardo clinched his second career victory in Formula 1, showcasing his remarkable talent and tenacity. The race, however, was equally memorable for the fierce battle between Mercedes teammates Lewis Hamilton and Nico Rosberg.
In the midst of all this, Ricciardo's performance stood out. Taking advantage of the chaotic conditions and strategic missteps by his rivals, he manoeuvred his way to the front and secured a well-deserved victory.
Here is the video:
An epic three-way battle for first ends with a second career victory for Daniel Ricciardo in 2014! 🏆#F1 #HungarianGP pic.twitter.com/P98tFALBHi
— Formula 1 (@F1) July 16, 2024
This triumph in Hungary not only highlighted Ricciardo's emerging prowess in Formula 1 but also underscored the electrifying nature of the sport, where unpredictability and skill combine to create unforgettable moments.
A fiery battle between Hamilton and Rosberg
Lewis Hamilton, starting from the pit lane due to a fire that ruined his qualifying session, delivered an extraordinary performance. Despite the odds stacked against him, including a spin at the second corner that damaged his front left wing and cold brakes from missing the formation lap, Hamilton fought his way through the field.
At one point, he even led the race, defying expectations and displaying his exceptional driving skills. The closing stages of the race saw Rosberg, who began from pole position and initially pulled ahead, mounting a fresh attack on Hamilton after a third pit stop.
With 13 laps remaining, Rosberg, on fresher tyres, tried to overtake Hamilton, but the British driver held his ground. The tension reached its peak when Hamilton refused a team order to let Rosberg pass, asserting, "I’m not slowing down for Nico. If he gets close, he can overtake." This decision underscored the intensity of their rivalry and Hamilton's determination.
Rain and safety car changed the Grand Prix
Rosberg's race strategy was hampered by Marcus Ericsson’s crash, which brought out the first safety car and erased Rosberg's 10-second lead. The timing of the safety car was unfortunate for the leading four drivers, as they couldn't pit without losing significant positions. This twist in the race dynamics added to the complexity of the competition.
The unpredictable weather added another layer of challenge. A downpour less than an hour before the race left teams scrambling to choose the right tyres, with forecasts of further rain complicating their decisions. Jenson Button's comment, "It’s like a slippery thing out there," reflected the tricky conditions drivers faced. Button's McLaren team bet on more rain, but the gamble did not pay off, and he finished 10th.
As the race neared its conclusion, it appeared that Fernando Alonso, also struggling with worn tyres, might lose second place to Hamilton. However, Alonso managed to hold on, while Hamilton finished third, cutting Rosberg’s championship lead by three points, from 14 to 11.