Hungarian Grand Prix: The Last Stop Before the Break
Formula 1 prepares for its last race before the summer break, and Hungary will be the stage where teams and drivers will seek to close the first half of the season with a flourish. Who will arrive at the break with high morale and who will have to work hard to regain ground in the second half of the year? After the Hungarian Grand Prix, the F1 action will move to Zandvoort for the Dutch Grand Prix, from August 29 to 31.Weather Forecast: Rain on the Horizon?
The weather forecast for the weekend suggests warm and sunny weather, with maximum temperatures of 28°C on Friday and similar conditions on Saturday. However, Sunday could be cooler and cloudier, with a chance of light rain.
Breaking News
Mercedes technical director James Allison has pointed out that young Kimi Antonelli’s recent performance problems are a consequence of errors in the development of the single-seater. Despite this, Lewis Hamilton encouraged Antonelli. Meanwhile, Mercedes has called a performance meeting to analyze the problems with its car. On the other hand, McLaren boss Andrea Stella has praised his drivers Oscar Piastri and Lando Norris, stating that they are driving like champions. Regarding Max Verstappen’s future, sources indicate that the window for his exit clause has expired, which means he will remain at Red Bull in 2026.
Statistics and History of the Circuit
The Hungaroring, which opened in 1986, was the first circuit to host a Grand Prix behind the Iron Curtain and has become a fixture on the F1 calendar. Often compared to a karting circuit due to its narrow design and lack of long straights, the 4.38 km track has undergone only minor changes, including a successful modification to facilitate overtaking at Turn 1 in 2003. Known for exciting and unusual races, it 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).Hungarian Grand Prix
- 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 successful winners: Hamilton with eight victories (2007, 2009, 2012-2013, 2016, 2018-2020). Other winners from the current grid: Fernando Alonso (2003), Esteban Ocon (2021), Verstappen (2022-2023), Piastri (2024).
Most pole positions: Hamilton with nine (2007-2008, 2012-2013, 2015, 2018, 2020-2021, 2023). Other drivers with pole position from the current grid: Alonso (2003, 2009), Verstappen (2019), George Russell (2022), Norris (2024).
What makes it special: The Hungaroring, with its narrow turns and significant elevation changes, presents drivers with a unique challenge. Its reward for those who do well is a handmade porcelain trophy by local ceramicists, valued at 40,000 euros.
Where to watch: From the Curva 1 grandstand. The drivers refer to the Hungaroring as “Monaco without walls”, where the narrow and winding layout makes overtaking difficult. Therefore, the best option to glimpse the wheel-to-wheel action is from the Curva 1 grandstand.It’s very technical with some fun combinations of curves, which follow each other rapidly. All the curves 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 some races, and it’s a challenge that I enjoy.
Nico Hülkenberg
Fun Facts About the Hungaroring:
- Although Hamilton is the most successful driver here with eight victories, there is a wide variety of pole sitters.
- Hungary is a great circuit for surprises, with the number of inaugural victories it has had.
- Fernando Alonso was 22 years old when he won in 2003, becoming the youngest driver to achieve pole position and win a Grand Prix. Two years later, he became the youngest world champion at 24 years old.
- The Belgian Grand Prix was McLaren’s 199th victory, will they reach 200 this weekend?
What Happened Last Year?
Oscar Piastri’s victory was his first F1 Grand Prix, but McLaren’s team orders dictated the result. Piastri overtook Norris at the start, but during the second pit stop, Norris came out ahead and was then ordered to give the position back to his Australian teammate so he could cross the finish line.Who Will Win?
With 10 wins in 13 races, McLaren remains the team to beat and should have an even greater advantage than usual at the Hungaroring, a narrow and winding circuit. Last week we bet on Oscar Piastri, but this week we’ll back Lando Norris in the hope of a small points difference between the championship leaders before the summer break.
How Championships Look
McLaren’s supremacy continues in both championships. Piastri, the leader, is 16 points ahead of Norris, while Max Verstappen, in third place, needs more than 65 points to catch up with the papaya team. McLaren has run away with the constructors’ championship with 516 points, but despite not having won a race this year, Ferrari has been consistent in scoring, making them the best of the rest with 248 points, 28 points ahead of Mercedes (3rd) and 56 ahead of Red Bull (4th).Here are the results:
How to watch the GP
For fans in the U.S., watch live on ESPN and ESPN+. In the UK, live coverage is broadcast on Sky Sports F1 and BBC Radio 5 Live, with highlights on Channel 4. For news, analysis, and updates, follow the coverage with the ESPN F1 team in Budapest and on social media. Session times below in BST (British Summer Time). Local time is Central European Summer Time (BST+1 hour).Friday
Free practice one: 12:30-13:30 BST Free practice two: 16:30-17:00 BSTSaturday
Free practice three: 11:30-12:30 BST Classification: 15:00-16:00 BSTSunday
Race start: 14:00 BST (live commentary from 13:15 BST on ESPN.co.uk/F1).
Statistics
Season Calendar
Teams and drivers
