Hungarian Grand Prix 2011 - Race Schedule and Countdown

Jenson Button produced a brilliant tactical performance to win the Hungarian Grand Prix at the Hungaroring, outthinking and outdriving Sebastian Vettel to claim his second victory of the season. The 2009 World Champion's masterclass in tire management and strategic thinking proved decisive on Budapest's tight, twisty circuit, demonstrating that McLaren could beat Red Bull when strategy and racecraft mattered more than outright pace.

Vettel started from pole position with a lap of 1:19.815, appearing set to dominate another race on a circuit that suited the Red Bull RB7's exceptional downforce. However, Button had other plans. Starting from third on the grid, the British driver employed a different tire strategy that would prove inspired. The Hungaroring's characteristics - tight corners, limited overtaking opportunities, and high tire degradation - made strategy crucial, and Button judged it perfectly. He managed his tire life expertly, extending stints longer than rivals and making his fresher tires count in the closing stages when Vettel's degraded rubber left him vulnerable.

Button closed on Vettel relentlessly in the final laps and made a decisive pass to claim victory, demonstrating the racecraft and tire whispering that had defined his career. Vettel settled for second place despite leading most of the race, unable to defend on his worn tires. Fernando Alonso completed the podium in third for Ferrari, with Felipe Massa setting the fastest lap but finishing outside the podium positions. Lewis Hamilton endured a difficult race after early contact dropped him down the order, eventually finishing fourth. Button's victory - his second of 2011 after Canada - proved he could still compete at the highest level and gave McLaren hope that the championship wasn't completely lost. However, Vettel's points lead remained commanding as the summer break approached.