The Briton, who is aiming to equal Michael Schumacher’s record of seven world titles this year, won the Styrian Grand Prix last week after a five-second penalty demoted him to fourth in the opening race in Austria earlier this month.
The omens are good for Hamilton, who has won in Hungary in the past two seasons and has triumphed a record seven times at the Hungaroring, three more than any other driver. Should Hamilton take the chequered flag on Sunday he would become only the second driver, after Schumacher, to win the same race eight times.
The German won the French GP on eight occasions, while Hamilton has finished on top of the podium seven times in Hungary and in Canada. With the latter race not on the revised calendar for the 2020 season, the reigning world champion could add another record to his illustrious career this weekend.
Having dominated on the track for years, Hamilton has made headlines off it this season, relishing his role as an outspoken supporter of the Black Lives Matter movement. Hamilton has spoken out against racism and social inequality and was among the drivers who took a knee on the grid before the opening race of the season.
After winning the Styrian GP last week, the six-time world champion celebrated by making the black power salute on the podium.
The gesture—which consists of a clenched fist held aloft—was famously performed by U.S. sprinters Tommie Smith and John Carlos at the 1968 Olympic Games in Mexico City.
“It felt like the right moment, it felt an important moment for me,” Hamilton said at a press conference this week.
“I will never forget that moment. I haven’t met Tommie Smith or John Carlos but of course I remember seeing and reading about their experience and the iconic image of their salute. That was inspiring for me.”
Few would bet against Hamilton repeating the gesture this weekend. Mercedes, who at the beginning of the season unveiled a new livery in support of the BLM movement, arrives in Hungary as the team to beat, with Red Bull expected to be the main challenger.
The opening two races of the campaign have been a mixed bag for the Austrian team. Max Verstappen retired in the Austrian GP while Alex Albon finished 13th after colliding with Hamilton, before a far more positive showing last week saw Verstappen finished third with Albon fourth.
Here’s everything you need to know ahead of Sunday.
When is the Hungarian Grand Prix?
The third race of the shortened Formula 1 season gets underway at 3:10 p.m. local time (9:10 a.m. ET) on July 19.
Where is the Hungarian Grand Prix?
The race will be staged at the Hungaroring, where it has been held since it was first introduced in 1986.
Located in the town of Mogyorod, just under 15 miles away from the Hungarian capital Budapest, the Hungaroring became the first track behind the Iron Curtain to host a Formula 1 race.
Overtaking spots are at a premium at the Hungaroring, with the track’s twisty and bumpy nature making it very difficult for drivers to clear cars ahead.
Lewis Hamilton has won the last two editions of the GP and has triumphed a record seven times in total at the Hungaroring, three more than any other driver.
TV channel
The Hungarian Grand Prix will be broadcast live by ESPN. Coverage of race day begins at 7:30 a.m. ET on Sunday, with the race scheduled to get underway just over 90 minutes later.
Live stream
The race will also be available on ESPN+ and via WatchESPN.com, while Sling TV, Hulu, YouTube TV and PlayStation Vue will all offer a live stream.
Odds
Bookmakers are backing Lewis Hamilton to win in Hungary for the third consecutive year. According to Oddschecker, the Briton is an 8/15 favorite, followed by teammate Valtteri Bottas at 9/2 and Red Bull’s Max Verstappen at 5/1.