Throwback: Ocon's maiden win and Hamilton's bizarre restart in chaotic 2021 Hungary

The 2021 Hungarian Grand Prix remains one of the most chaotic races in modern Formula 1 memory, defined by a violent opening lap and one of the strangest restarts on record. Wet conditions triggered a multi-car pile-up and a red flag, setting the stage for Esteban Ocon's maiden victory and a major championship swing.

Why it matters:

The race proved to be a critical inflection point in the tight 2021 title fight. With Max Verstappen scoring just two points after early damage and Lewis Hamilton recovering to second, the weekend dramatically altered the points gap at a time when every result carried enormous weight toward Abu Dhabi.

The details:

• Opening lap chaos: Rain left the track damp as Valtteri Bottas locked up into Turn 1, sending Lando Norris into Max Verstappen and also eliminating Sergio Perez. Lance Stroll separately collected Charles Leclerc and Daniel Ricciardo, leaving five cars out and forcing a red flag.
• Hamilton's bizarre restart: The track dried during the stoppage, yet Mercedes kept Hamilton on intermediates while the other 13 runners pitted for slicks. He lined up alone on the grid, pitted after one lap, and dropped to the back.
• Ocon's triumph: Esteban Ocon inherited the lead and held on for his maiden F1 victory with Alpine, aided by Fernando Alonso's fierce defense against Hamilton. Sebastian Vettel finished second but was disqualified for failing to provide the mandatory one-litre fuel sample, promoting Hamilton to second and Carlos Sainz to third.

The big picture:

The results had lasting implications for the championship. Verstappen's two-point haul versus Hamilton's 18 kept the battle tight deep into the season, setting the stage for a rivalry that would culminate in the controversial Abu Dhabi finale. Even years later, the race stands as a reminder of how quickly fortunes could change during that unpredictable campaign.