Former Renault F1 driver Jolyon Palmer has analysed data to propose a theory on Charles Leclerc’s pace drop-off in Hungary.

After taking pole position and leading for the first half of the Hungarian Grand Prix in Budapest, Leclerc’s pace fell off by some two seconds a lap in the final stint, condemning him to a distant fourth place by the chequered flag.

George Russell points to ‘something not right’ for Charles Leclerc

Leclerc had pitted for a second time on Lap 41, taking on a set of hard tyres, before his pace completely disappeared.

This left him vulnerable to the attentions of Mercedes’ George Russell, with the British driver eventually muscling past as a frustrated Leclerc was given a time penalty for being overly aggressive in his defence.

The Monegasque had taken to team radio

See Full Page