2015 Hungarian Grand Prix
Winner Ferrari Formula One driver Sebastian Vettel of Germany splashes with champagne Ferrari Formula One team leader Maurizio Arrivabene, second placed Red Bull Formula One driver Daniil Kvyat of Russia and third placed Red Bull Formula One driver Daniel Ricciardo of Australia (L-R) after the Hungarian F1 Grand Prix at the Hungaroring circuit, near Budapest, Hungary July 26, 2015. REUTERS/Bernadett Szabo REUTERS/Bernadett Szabo

Ferrari’s Sebastian Vettel won his second title this season at the 2015 Hungarian Grand Prix. It was Vettel’s first Hungarian Grand Prix victory. Red Bull’s Daniil Kvyat claimed his maiden podium victory by finishing second, while teammate Perth-native Daniel Ricciardo came in third in the thrilling 70-lap race at the Hungaroring circuit on Sunday.

Vettel started third on the grid but soared far into the lead as the red lights went out. He took the lead as Lewis Hamilton, who was bidding to become the first race car driver to have the most number of wins at the Hungarian Grand Prix, started terrible from pole. The Briton, who is tied with Michael Schumacher with four wins at the Hungarian Grand Prix, dropped to fourth place by Turn Two and suddenly plummeted to 10th after braking as he approached Turn Six. Hamilton went as far down to 12th by the 59th lap but still managed to finish sixth. Rosberg also scored points from the race by closing in on eighth place.

Vettel’s victory was his 41st win in his career. The German is on the road to going beyond the record in terms of career wins of Ayrton Senna, who died during the 1994 San Marino Grand Prix. He dedicated his win to Frenchman and former Marussia driver Jules Bianchi, who passed away nine months after the Japanese Grand Prix accident.

Speaking after the race via Formula1.com, Vettel said he was happy with Sunday’s race after his team struggled with some issues during the practice session when Raikkonen had a bit of problem with his Ferrari’s front wing. He said he was pleased after coming in third from pole.

“P3 on the grid was not bad after that dreadful Friday - and then when I saw that our permanent competitors had such a poor start and I suddenly was in the lead I thought: why not here,” Vettel said. “Having the same cars in front of you over and over again the thought popped up: aren't we ready for a change?”

Meanwhile, Red Bull’s Kvyat took his first career podium win in second although he had been awarded a 10-second penalty on the 65th lap for running wide off the track. Ricciardo, who won last year’s race, finished in third. Ricciardo had a minor clash with Rosberg’s Mercedes on the 63rd lap, damaging the front wing of his RB11, but progressed out well to claim his first podium victory this season. Ricciardo also had the fastest lap at Hungaroring.

Red Bull’s Team Manager Christian Horner was pleased by the team’s victory in Hungary. “Today was a great result for the team, with Dany’s P2 finish, his first Formula One podium and Daniel’s right there in P3,” he said via Red Bull’s official website.

Championship Drivers’ Standings

Hamilton still leads the Formula One World Drivers’ Championship with 202 points. Rosberg is second with 181 points. Vettel has narrowed the gap between him and Rosberg by 19 points.

Top 10 Drivers (Points)

1. Lewis Hamilton (202)

2. Nico Rosberg (180)

3. Sebastian Vettel (161)

4. Valterri Bottas (77)

5. Kimi Raikkonen (76)

6. Felipe Massa (74)

7. Daniel Ricciardo (51)

8. Daniil Kvyat (45)

9. Nico Hulkenberg (24)

10. Romain Grosjean (23)

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