The Hungarian Grand Prix, hosted at the twisty and technical Hungaroring circuit near Budapest, is a cornerstone of the Formula 1 calendar, often compared to 'Monaco without the walls' due to its few overtaking opportunities. The 4.381 km track (2.7 miles) is challenging, with its dusty surface and unpredictable summer weather that can vary from hot and dry to sudden thunderstorms, impacting race strategies. Notable past winners include Lewis Hamilton with eight wins and Michael Schumacher with four. Hungary's most successful F1 driver, Zsolt Baumgartner, became the first Hungarian to compete in a Formula 1 race in 2003. The Hungarian Grand Prix made history in 1986 as the first F1 race behind the Iron Curtain and has been the site of many memorable moments, including Jenson Button's maiden F1 victory in 2006.
The Hungarian Grand Prix, one of the most challenging and exciting events in the Formula 1 calendar, holds a special place in the heart of motorsport enthusiasts. Often regarded as 'Monaco without the walls', the Hungarian GP is a true test of a driver's skill and a team's strategy. The Hungarian GP is an important fixture in the F1 calendar due to its unique circuit characteristics and unpredictable weather conditions, often leading to exciting races and unexpected results.
The Hungarian Grand Prix is held at the Hungaroring, located just outside of Budapest. This circuit, known for its twisty and narrow layout, consists of 14 turns and is 4.381 kilometers long. The track is relatively slow but highly technical, with numerous tight corners and few overtaking opportunities.
The Hungaroring's unique features include a long start-finish straight followed by a tight first corner, offering one of the few overtaking opportunities. The track surface is usually dusty at the start of the weekend due to underuse, which adds another layer of challenge to the drivers.
Hungary's summer season, which falls during the race weekend, is typically hot and dry. Average temperatures in July usually sit around the mid-20s to low 30s Celsius (77 to 86 degrees Fahrenheit), meaning drivers, teams, and spectators should prepare for potentially scorching conditions. That said, summer thunderstorms are not uncommon, and any rainfall could significantly alter race strategies and outcomes. As always, precise weather predictions will become more accurate closer to the race weekend, so fans are advised to monitor the forecast in the days leading up to the event.
The current weather at Mogyoród, Pest County, Hungary:
The lap record at the Hungaroring is held by Max Verstappen, set in 2019 with a time of 1:17.103. Over the years, the Hungaroring has seen numerous intense battles and outstanding driving performances.
The Hungarian Grand Prix, held at the Hungaroring circuit near Budapest, has hosted a series of memorable moments that have become a significant part of Formula 1 history. For example, one such notable event occurred in 2006, when Jenson Button claimed his maiden F1 win driving for Honda in incredibly challenging weather conditions. Starting 14th on the grid, Button showed exceptional prowess in the wet to take victory, becoming the first British driver to win a Grand Prix since David Coulthard in 2003.
Another unforgettable moment was in 1986 when Nelson Piquet, driving for Williams, pulled off a daring overtaking maneuver against Ayrton Senna at 180 mph, which is still hailed as one of the most audacious in F1 history. More recently, in the 2019 Hungarian Grand Prix, Lewis Hamilton and Max Verstappen engaged in a thrilling duel, with Hamilton ultimately clinching victory after a strategic gamble by Mercedes. Furthermore, the 2021 race was marked by chaos and controversy as a first-lap crash triggered by Valtteri Bottas took out several cars and led to Esteban Ocon's unexpected maiden victory, highlighting the unpredictable nature of the race in Hungary.
The most successful drivers at the Hungarian GP are Lewis Hamilton with eight wins and Michael Schumacher with four. McLaren has been the most successful constructor with 11 wins.
Hungary's presence in Formula 1, though not as prominent as some other nations, still holds its significance. The country's most successful driver, Zsolt Baumgartner, made history in 2003 by becoming the first Hungarian to compete in a Formula 1 race. He raced for Jordan and Minardi, with his best result being an 8th place finish in the 2004 United States Grand Prix, thereby earning Hungary's first and so far only point in Formula 1.
Despite the country's limited representation on the grid, the passion for motorsport runs deep, evidenced by the annually-held Hungarian Grand Prix, which attracts a significant number of local and international fans. Aspiring young Hungarian drivers continue to make their mark in lower tiers of motorsport, raising hopes for a more substantial Hungarian presence in F1's future.
In the 2023 Hungarian Grand Prix, Max Verstappen emerged victorious. Lando Norris and Sergio Perez secured the second and third spots, bringing home solid points for both of their teams. Lewis Hamilton claimed fourth position with Oscar Piastri not far behind as the Aussie rounded out the top five in fifth position.
The Hungarian Grand Prix 2024 is set to take place on July 19th - 21st 2024.
Tickets for the Hungarian GP can be purchased via the official Formula 1 website or authorized resellers. We always recommend checking for tickets with our friends at F1 Destinations.
Early booking is advised due to high demand.
Hungary is in the Central European Time Zone (CET). Visitors from other time zones should adjust their schedules accordingly to avoid jet lag and enjoy the event to the fullest.
Budapest, the capital of Hungary, offers a wide range of accommodations, from luxury hotels to budget-friendly hostels. Public transport in the city is efficient, making it easy to commute to the Hungaroring. It's recommended to book your stay well in advance due to the high influx of tourists during the GP weekend.
The Hungarian Grand Prix, is filled with fascinating facts and historical moments that add to its allure. To begin with, the event debuted in 1986, marking the first Formula 1 race to take place behind the Iron Curtain. The Hungaroring is known for its twisty and narrow layout, which often makes overtaking a challenge and places a premium on qualifying performance. This has earned it the nickname "Monaco without the walls."
In 2006, Jenson Button claimed his maiden F1 victory at the Hungarian Grand Prix in a race marked by changing conditions and a memorable drive. Another unique fact is that Hungary’s hot, dry summers often lead to races being held in high temperatures, which can be a significant test for both drivers and cars.
The Hungarian Grand Prix remains one of the highlights of the Formula 1 season, thanks to its challenging circuit and unpredictable weather. With its rich history and high potential for drama, the Hungaroring is a must-visit for any motorsport enthusiast. As we look forward to the 2023 edition, one can only anticipate another exciting and action-packed weekend of racing at the Hungaroring.
