Mercedes are on their guard, and ready for a red bull charge at this weekend’s Hungarian Grand Prix. Team boss Toto Wolff believes that anything less than a ‘flawless’ display will see the rival Bulls triumph.

“This circuit has not been kind to us over the past two years and it plays to the strengths of our rivals.

“The Red Bull, for example, is a car that functions well where high drag isn’t penalised as much as at other types of circuit.

“So, in wet conditions and at low-speed circuits such as the Hungaroring, they are a major threat. We will need to be flawless to come out on top at this track.”

Hungary is the only stop on the calendar that Mercedes haven’t triumphed at since the introduction of the hybrid formula. In 2014 a storming drive from Danny Ricciardo took the spoils, and last year Seb Vettel disappeared to take the flag for Ferrari.

Lewis Hamilton, still charged up after winning his home Grand Prix said of the circuit: “It’s a track that for some reason has always suited my style and I have incredible support there, so I can’t wait to get to out on track. The past couple of years I haven’t had the smoothest weekends in Budapest, of course. But I know I’ve got the pace, so I’m gunning to turn that around this time.”

The tight and twisty Hungaroring referred to as “Monaco without the barriers”, will offer the perfect place to shine as many drivers seek a change in fortunes.  The stage is primed for a Battle Royale, the countdown begins.