Hungarian GP 2022
Sebastian Vettel retires, Fernando Alonso replaces him at Aston Martin - catching Alpine on the wrong foot. King figure Oscar Piastri seems to be rebelling. Will Mick Schumacher fall through the grid? We shed light on the confusion on the Formula 1 driver market in a new episode "Formel Schmidt". Oh yes, the Hungarian GP is also at stake.
What a week in Formula 1. And what days after the 13th race of the season in Hungary. First Sebastian Vettel reports his exit from the premier class at the end of the year. Then Max Verstappen wins a Grand Prix that he was never actually allowed to win. As so often this year, Ferrari rolled out the red carpet for him. And afterwards the transfer market trembled a second time. The epicenter is at Alpine.
Fernando Alonso swore before Hungary that staying at Alpine was his first option. Four days later, Aston Martin announced via press release that the Spaniard had signed a contract with the Silverstone-based team. The message landed in the inbox at 10 a.m. Monday morning and quickly spread on social media. Even Alpine had no idea beforehand. Alonso had not informed his current employer in advance.
Full program in Formula Schmidt
At least that's what Alpine team boss Otmar Szafnauer says. And because the situation is not wild enough, the French national racing team seems to be running away from the first substitute candidate. Oscar Piastri, Alpine prodigy decorated as Formula 3 and Formula 2 champion, is clearly flirting with McLaren. There they are no longer happy with Daniel Ricciardo.
In a new episode "Formel Schmidt", our F1 experts dedicate themselves in detail to the insane transfer market of the premier class, which also monopolizes the second German driver in the field. Mick Schumacher could run into problems if Haas doesn't extend him beyond the season. He's lacking options after Aston Martin stocked up on Alonso.
The Hungarian Grand Prix was a celebration for the fans of Max Verstappen and Red Bull. On the other hand, the Tifosi mourn the next missed opportunity. It was probably the last. With a deficit of 80 points, the World Cup train left without Charles Leclerc and Ferrari. Unless nine miracles occur in nine races after the summer break.
Mercedes hit the tire window - and was fast. McLaren prevailed against Alpine. Porsche and Red Bull enter into an equal partnership. We discuss all this in "Formel Schmidt".
