PADDOCK INSIDER: All the stories that got the Hungary paddock talking

There was an end-of-term feeling in the Budapest paddock on Thursday as Formula 1's teams and drivers convened for one last time before the summer break. There were plenty of stories bubbling away at the Hungaroring, which is also celebrating the 40th anniversary of the Hungarian Grand Prix.

Mercedes and Ferrari battle intensifies

Mercedes may have had the dominant car so far this year, but Ferrari has done a pretty good job of hanging onto their coattails. They lie 73 points behind the Silver Arrows in the Teams' standings and have had the pace to win the last two Grands Prix, one of which they made good on with Charles Leclerc triumphing at Silverstone.

In theory, the Hungaroring's tight and twisty layout should suit the scarlet cars and Leclerc did take pole at the track last year. While they say Mercedes are favourites once again, there's a definite sense within the Italian team that they are in the mix to battle for top honours this weekend.

"On paper it's a race where we are closer than the last two races and we finished first and second," says Leclerc. "We are more or less there but at the same time, the last time we thought that was the case was Monaco and it went a lot worse than we expected. I think with these cars the lesson is you can never take it for granted."