Ahead of the F2 Hungarian GP, Hitech TGR’s Luke Browning enters the weekend with a prime opportunity to take the lead in the Drivers’ Standings. Trailing current-championship leader Leonardo Fornaroli by just 12 points, the Briton is more motivated than ever to prove his worth as the title fight intensifies. Last weekend at Spa, Browning secured his seventh podium of the year. He initially crossed the line in P5 during the Feature Race, but was later promoted to P3 following a post-race penalty for Rodin Motorsport’s Alex Dunne and disqualification for Campos Racing’s Arvid Lindblad—both losing their podium finishes.
During Thursday’s media session, the 23 year-old spoke to Pit Debrief and other media outlets as he talked about his thoughts ahead of the tenth round at the Hungaroring.
Key to put things together during Qualifying
The Hungaroring is notorious for its difficult overtaking—making Qualifying ever more crucial. When asked by Pit Debrief about the challenges of executing a Qualifying lap, Browning acknowledged that it isn’t going to be an easy task. However, the Briton knows it’ll come down to successfully putting the pieces together. The 23 year-old called the track “a very technical circuit” as he drew to ART GP’s Ritomo Miyata’s experience with circuits like these in Super Formula. However, personally for Browning, it is the mentality he remains focused on.
“Hopefully, I can. We’ll still have to wait and see after tomorrow. Obviously, it’s my first time driving here in Formula 2, so that’s going to be difficult. But I think it’s probably just putting things together.”
“It’s a very technical circuit, so it’s probably a little bit like what you have over in Japan, what Ritomo [Miyata] has raced over there in Super Formula. It’s quite difficult to put everything together, I think. So I guess that’s probably the mentality for me going into it tomorrow. Yeah, I’ll be able to tell you, hopefully, in qualifying.”
In favour of forecasted rain
For this weekend, the weather forecast predicts for rain showers to hit the track yet again. Coming from the UK, Browning is no stranger to racing in wet conditions. Though admitting that rain makes extracting performance more difficult, he realistically explained how Formula 2 sessions over a weekend never see the same conditions.
“I’m actually from the UK, and I think I’m used to racing in pretty difficult conditions. And I think that’s played out over the last two race weekends. I wouldn’t mind a little bit more rain this weekend.”
“Being honest, I don’t mind the weather too much. And yeah, it’s difficult to extract, I think. Definitely, when you turn up to Formula 2 and realistically, in Free Practice, you don’t have the same conditions that you do in Qualifying.”
The Briton candidly spoke about the difficulties of navigating a powerful Formula 2 car in the wet. However, he acknowledged that the circuits he grew up racing on would’ve likely helped him adapt quicker to tricky conditions.
“And same going into the races with the big car differences. It’s not easy to put it all together. So of course, when the rain, when the heavens open and the rain comes down, in a Formula 2 car with close to 700 horsepower, it’s not easy. But yes, probably the nature of the tracks that I’ve grown up on has probably helped.”
Importance of Qualifying at Hungaroring
When asked about what parts of the Hungaroring drivers would change if they could, Browning briefly spoke about how the F2 calendar has started to lean towards street circuits—noting that classic tracks like Monaco continue to hold value. The Briton was in favour of having a variety of circuits to remain on the calendar. In his view, not every circuit needs to encourage overtaking—some, like Monaco, should continue to reward speed in Qualifying and the art of tyre management.
“If we’re just talking about straight changing the track, I think. I like having a different types of tracks on the calendar. I think there’s a big move away from sort of classic racing tracks going on at the moment, bringing in more street circuits, etc. I think sometimes there’s good circuits to keep on like, for example, Monaco, etc.”
“The question over, you know, how would you change Monaco to help overtaking? I think it’s quite nice sometimes a track not to be about overtaking and be about actual and reward qualifying performance. And I think also tyre degradation as well.”
Unlike Monaco, Browning explained how tyre degradation still gives drivers an opportunity to overtake around the Hungaroring. Overall, he praised the current layout of the track, noting that it’s one of a few tracks that truly rewards a well-executed Qualifying.
“Budapest is not like Monaco in the fact that, you know, if you do get tyre degradation, you can still overtake. So I quite like the way Budapest is formatted out at the moment. And I think it’s one of the one of the rare tracks in the calendar that it rewards qualifying. And I think that’s quite a nice prize to have for a few select rounds.”
Hitech’s strengths in wet weather conditions
It’s been two races now where both Hitech drivers showcased impressive race-pace in the wet. When questioned on why is it they perform exceptionally well in the rain, he credited a combination of car setup and driving skill as key factors to their success in the wet. Browning reflected on his and teammate Dino Beganovic’s strong wet-weather pace, noting that both of them have historically excelled in the rain.
Browning said: “Yeah, who knows. I guess it’s probably a combination of the two. I think Dino [Beganovic] has always been a very good wet driver.”
“Looking back to Barcelona and F3 testing, I think it was always me and him that were right at the top. So, I think that direction probably in what we want out of a wet car, but also then the driving is probably a good combination of the two. And, yeah, it’s good to see the Feature Race results.”
The Briton noted that his standout performances have often come in the wet. Noting that it was what saved his championships on two occasions, he acknowledged his wet-weather driving to be a strength of his. Looking ahead, Browning said he’ll welcome another wet race to capitalise on his strengths.
“Obviously, that’s two back-to-back feature race podiums in the wet for us, qualifying outside the top 10. So, the wet has always been a very, very strong condition for me. It’s what saved my British F4 championship, but also my GB3.”
“It’s probably my performances that stood out the most in the wet. So, yeah, going forward, it’d be nice to make the most of that and to hopefully have another wet race this weekend.”
The Williams junior added with a smile: “But, you never know, maybe we don’t need it.”
Qualifying struggles have resulted in redemption drives
In recent rounds, Browning and Beganovic have struggled to find consistent form during Qualifying. But, the Briton acknowledged that it is often factors that are out of a driver’s control. Reflecting on recent setbacks, he admitted that it’s been tough to put everything together in his rookie year. However, he remains focused on building consistency and regaining a strong Qualifying form with five rounds to go.
“Yeah, to be honest, sometimes it’s a lot of stuff that’s outside of our control. In Formula 2, it’s very difficult to get everything right. Track positioning, the warm-up correct and everything to go your way.”
“And little things make such a massive difference. And naturally, it being my rookie year, it’s not easy to get everything together. But if we just look back to Silverstone, I had some major damage, major floor damage that I picked up. Effectively, I’ve recurred during qualifying, which ruined it. And then just last weekend, it was a combination of things. So, yeah, it’s been different things each time, but we’re looking at getting more consistent and bringing that qualifying form back.”
Often ended up on unlucky side of the outcome
In continuation, he reflected on missed Qualifying opportunities, noting that poor results often stemmed from factors beyond his control. Looking ahead, he’s focused on minimizing those external variables and simply doing his job. Whether it means fighting through the field or aiming for pole, Browning is determined to maximise his weekend.
“Each time that we’ve had a poor qualifying, there’s often been much more scope for better. We just had the bad side of the spectrum of outcome happen, and it’d be outside of our control. So, hopefully, going forward, we’ve managed to minimise all the stuff that’s outside of our control and make the most of it going forward.”
“And the main thing is just to focus on my job, focus on driving the car that I’ve got to the best of my ability. And if what the car’s capable of is that, then so be it, and I’ll make my way through. And then hopefully, if it’s capable for pole going into Hungary, I can do that too.”
“We’re all very motivated at Hitech” – Browning on remaining focused for final rounds of the season
Pit Debrief asked both drivers about their mindsets heading into the last four rounds of the season. Currently P5 in the Drivers’ Standings, Browning remains in the mix for the coveted title. Drawing on his past championship-winning campaigns, remaining calm and focused will be key to emerging on top.
“Yeah, I’ve been in this position many times now, coming to a championship fight. So, yeah, the mindset is very similar. Often, very often, I come out on top, and I think the reason for that is just staying calm, focussing on what I can do. And that is focusing on what’s inside of my control, not on what’s outside and getting frustrated by it.”
While he’s had strong pace this year—that’s been highlighted with his seven podiums—Browning emphasised the importance of consistency in his championship pursuit. The Briton is motivated to make the most of his success and showcase his talent.
“So, that’s going to be the last five rounds or so now, or six, including this one, I think it is. Yeah, let’s just see how it goes. Obviously, we’ve been holistically quick at some points. We’ve had seven podiums this year. I think that’s more than anyone. I don’t know.”
“But it just shows that consistency is key for the championship. We’re only 12 points away from the lead, and we’re all very motivated at Hitech, and I’m motivated. With this being my rookie year, I want to make the most out of the results and showcase my talent, hopefully, for the future.”
Looking forward to change his Hungaroring track record
Highlighting the amazing city and fan atmosphere, he’s excited to get going this weekend. Whilst Browning hasn’t had the best track record around here, the Briton will be hoping to change that this weekend.
Browning said: “I like the circuit, yeah. Not too much to say, really. I’ve not had massive success here, being honest. Yeah, it’s always been a good foundation for the calendar, and I always like the fans here. The Hungarian people are obviously very friendly, and the city is fantastic to stay in, look at them in the centre, so yeah, very much looking forward to this one.”
