Hungarian Grand Prix: Final Stop Before the Summer Break
Formula 1 prepares for its last race before the summer break, which will extend throughout much of August. The Hungarian Grand Prix, held at the Hungaroring circuit, will be the stage where teams and drivers will seek to close the first half of the season with a flourish. After the race in Hungary, the F1 action will move to the Netherlands, with the Zandvoort Grand Prix scheduled from August 29 to 31.Weather Forecast: Rain on the Horizon?
According to forecasts, a warm and sunny weekend is expected. On Friday and Saturday, maximum temperatures could reach 28°C. However, a cooler and cloudier weather is anticipated for Sunday, with a chance of light rain.
Breaking News
The recent performance issues of young driver Kimi Antonelli have been attributed to errors in the development of the single-seater by Mercedes, according to technical director James Allison. Despite this, Lewis Hamilton gave words of encouragement to Antonelli. Meanwhile, Mercedes has called a meeting to analyze and understand the performance issues ahead of this weekend’s race. McLaren boss Andrea Stella has praised his drivers Oscar Piastri and Lando Norris, stating that they are “driving like champions”. Regarding Max Verstappen, sources indicate that the window for his exit clause has expired, which means he will remain at Red Bull in 2026.
Circuit Statistics and History
The Hungaroring, inaugurated in 1986, was the first circuit to host a Grand Prix behind the Iron Curtain and has remained a fixture on the F1 calendar. This circuit, often compared to a karting track due to its narrow design and the absence of long straights, has undergone only minor modifications over the years. Known for its exciting races, the Hungaroring has witnessed five inaugural victories, including those of Damon Hill (1993), Fernando Alonso (2003), Jenson Button (2006), Heikki Kovalainen (2008), Esteban Ocon (2021), and Oscar Piastri (2024).- Circuit: Hungaroring; Budapest, Hungary
- First F1 race: 1986
- Laps: 70 laps of 4.38 km. Total distance: 306 km
- Lap record: 1:16.627 – Lewis Hamilton (2020)
- Most wins: Hamilton with eight (2007, 2009, 2012-2013, 2016, 2018-2020). Other winners on the current grid: Fernando Alonso (2003), Esteban Ocon (2021), Verstappen (2022-2023), Piastri (2024)
- Most poles: Hamilton with nine (2007-2008, 2012-2013, 2015, 2018, 2020-2021, 2023). Other drivers with poles on the current grid: Alonso (2003, 2009), Verstappen (2019), George Russell (2022), Norris (2024)
Where to watch the action: The grandstand at Turn 1 is an ideal place to witness the action. Drivers refer to the Hungaroring as “Monaco without walls”, where the narrow and winding design makes overtaking difficult. The Turn 1 grandstand offers spectators the opportunity to see the drivers brake at the limit after the 908-meter main straight.It’s very technical, with fun and fast combinations of curves. All the angles combine in some way, and a small mistake means the next curve is compromised. It’s important to find that balance and harmony with the car. It’s usually a very physical Grand Prix, very hot and busy at the wheel. It’s a race where physical fitness is key, more than in other races, and it’s a challenge that I enjoy.
Nico Hülkenberg
- Hamilton is the most successful driver on this circuit with eight victories.
- Hungary is a circuit conducive to surprises and unexpected winners.
- Fernando Alonso, at 22 years old, was the youngest driver to achieve pole position and win a Grand Prix in 2003. Two years later, he became the youngest world champion at 24 years old.
- Will McLaren be able to achieve their 200th victory at the Belgian Grand Prix?
What Happened Last Year?
In 2024, Oscar Piastri achieved his first victory in a Formula 1 Grand Prix, but McLaren’s team orders dictated the final result. Piastri overtook Lando Norris at the start, but during the second pit stop, Norris came out ahead and was then instructed to yield the position so that his Australian teammate could cross the checkered flag.Who Will Win?
With 10 wins in 13 races, McLaren remains the team to beat and should have an even greater advantage at the Hungaroring, a narrow and winding circuit.Although Oscar Piastri was our choice last week, we are betting on Lando Norris this week, hoping to reduce the points difference between the championship leaders before the summer break.
Contents
This is What the Championships Look Like
McLaren’s dominance continues in both championships. Piastri, the leader, has a 16-point lead over Norris, while Max Verstappen, in third place, needs more than 65 points to catch up with the papaya team. McLaren has dominated the constructors’ championship with 516 points. Despite not having won a race this year, Ferrari has consistently scored points, making them the best of the rest, with 248 points, 28 points ahead of Mercedes (3rd) and 56 ahead of Red Bull (4th). Follow the coverage with the F1 team of Alofoke Deportes in Budapest and on social media.Session schedules (local time):
- Friday
- Free practice 1: 12:30-13:30
- Free practice 2: 16:30-17:00
- Saturday
- Free practice 3: 11:30-12:30
- Qualifying: 15:00-16:00
- Sunday
- Race: 14:00 (live commentary from 13:15)
