Race Car Dynamics and Rookie Challenges

Mercedes Reserve Driver Valtteri Bottas joins Tom Clarkson to look ahead to this weekend’s Hungarian Grand Prix in Budapest.

Before they dive into the big talking points, you’ll hear from Max Verstappen after the four-time World Champion confirmed he’ll be staying at Red Bull for 2026 to end weeks of speculation around his future.

Oscar Piastri goes into the weekend 16 points ahead of Lando Norris at the top of the Drivers’ Standings. Whose driving style does the Hungaroring circuit suit best out of the two McLaren drivers? And with the summer break meaning a four-week wait until the next Grand Prix in Zandvoort, how important is this weekend in the title race from a psychological point of view?

Ferrari have announced that Team Principal Fred Vasseur has signed a multi-year contract with the team. What statement does that send about their intentions? And with Charles Leclerc scoring four podiums in the last six races, and Lewis Hamilton winning a record eight times in Hungary, will the team continue the progress they made with their rear suspension upgrade in Belgium?

Plus, Valtteri gives us the lowdown on Mercedes – why have they struggled for performance in the European leg of the season? What are their chances of returning to the podium in Hungary? And what advice has he given Kimi Antonelli after his recent confidence issues?