The Formula 1 paddock heads to Budapest this weekend for the Hungarian Grand Prix, the final race before the summer shutdown, with Visa Cash App Racing Bulls hoping to carry the momentum from an encouraging first half of the season into the break.

Both Liam Lawson and rookie Arvid Lindblad arrive at the Hungaroring with optimism, pointing to steady progress made by the team in recent races and believing the technical nature of the circuit could play to the strengths of the VCARB package.

Lawson, who will have the team’s full upgrade package fitted to his car this weekend, believes the work carried out behind the scenes is beginning to translate into stronger performances on track.

“I’m really excited to head to the Hungaroring,” Lawson said.

“It’s a track I’ve always enjoyed, with technical corners and few straights, so it feels like a great way to round off the final race before the summer break.”

The New Zealander said the days following Spa had provided an opportunity to reflect not only on lessons learned from the Belgian Grand Prix but also on the progress Racing Bulls has made throughout the opening half of the campaign.

“The team has worked super hard on the car’s development and I’m approaching this race with the full upgrade package on my car, so we’ll be pushing to put ourselves in the fight for points.”

While Lawson’s focus remains firmly on finishing the first phase of the season strongly, rookie teammate Arvid Lindblad reflected on what has already been a remarkable introduction to Formula 1.

The highly rated teenager described his first months in the championship as exceeding even his own expectations, highlighting iconic venues including Shanghai, Suzuka and Montréal among the circuits that have left the biggest impression.

Lindblad also credited Racing Bulls for helping him adapt quickly to Formula 1, praising the team’s experience in developing young drivers while continuing to improve the car throughout the season.

“We’ve done an excellent job developing the car, which has allowed us to fight consistently for Q3 and points over the last few races,” Lindblad said.

Like Lawson, Lindblad believes the Hungaroring’s flowing sequence of corners should suit his driving style.

“It’s a circuit I’ve always enjoyed because it’s a true driver’s track, with plenty of corners and fewer straights,” he said, adding that while energy management remains important, it should prove less influential than at several recent events.

Although both drivers admit the summer break will provide a welcome opportunity to recharge, neither appears eager to lose the momentum Racing Bulls has built in recent races.

Lawson is looking forward to spending time with family before preparing for a demanding second half of the season, while Lindblad admits part of him would happily continue racing before returning refreshed for Zandvoort, where he will make his Formula 1 debut at the Dutch Grand Prix.

For Racing Bulls, the Hungarian Grand Prix represents more than simply the final stop before Formula 1’s summer shutdown.

With both drivers expressing confidence in the team’s recent development and the Hungaroring offering a circuit where driver confidence can make the difference, Budapest presents another opportunity to head into the break on a positive note before attention turns to the second half of the championship.