On Wednesday, a severe thunderstorm wreaked havoc at the Hungaroring circuit, leaving the paddock, pit lane, and track submerged under approximately 20 centimetres of water. While the flooding caused significant damage, with McLaren’s paddock motorhome roof taking a hit and a large spectator screen toppling over, the F1 teams didn’t let the adverse conditions dampen their spirits.
Teams like Haas and Sauber turned to social media to share their lighthearted reactions to the deluge, providing fans a much-needed dose of humour amidst the chaos. The Haas team, in particular, turned the flooded paddock into an impromptu aquatic playground.
Here is the video:
haas too 😭😭
— clara (@leclercsletters) July 18, 2024
🎥: maxacooper https://t.co/KnMpq7ICIB pic.twitter.com/34Uqjkx4Tu
One video shared on social media showcased a Haas team member humorously attempting to swim through the water-logged area. With exaggerated strokes and a smile on his face, he navigated the makeshift pool with the grace of an Olympic swimmer. The current wasn’t quite strong enough to sweep him to the neighbouring Ferrari garage, but his effort certainly made a splash online.
Sauber F1 qualified for the Olympics 2024!
Not to be outdone, the Sauber F1 team also embraced the unusual circumstances with a series of hilarious videos. One clip featured team members engaging in a mock Olympic event, showcasing their athletic prowess—or lack thereof—in the waterlogged environment. From makeshift synchronized swimming routines to exaggerated diving attempts, the Sauber team members turned the paddock into their stage, much to the delight of their followers.
Here is the video:
A late qualification for the @olympics 🚣♀️#HungarianGP 🇭🇺 pic.twitter.com/TvcNvRd8cb
— Stake F1 Team KICK Sauber (@stakef1team_ks) July 18, 2024
The Alpine team joined in on the fun, albeit with a more practical twist. A video from their garage showed team members holding on to large objects to prevent them from being swept away by the fierce winds. The scene was reminiscent of a comedy skit, with personnel juggling multiple items while trying to stay dry and keep their equipment safe.
Here is the video:
wtf is going on in hungary??😂😂 #HungarianGP pic.twitter.com/NKnY3U5XyM
— lammm (@ZhouuNotJoe) July 17, 2024
The humorous videos from Haas, Sauber, and Alpine serve as a reminder of the resilient and spirited nature of the F1 community. Even in the face of adversity, they find ways to bring joy and laughter to their fans, proving that sometimes, a little bit of humour can go a long way.