Hungaroring

Located in Mogyoród, just outside the capital Budapest, the Hungaroring is one of the most unique and exciting circuits on the Formula 1 calendar. Since its debut in 1986, the Hungarian Grand Prix has become a fixture in the summer leg of the F1 season. The Hungaroring holds a special place in F1 history, being the first Formula 1 race held behind the Iron Curtain.

Known for its narrow, twisty layout, the circuit is often compared to Monaco, but without the walls, earning it the nickname "Monaco without the barriers." Due to its tight nature and limited overtaking opportunities, strategy plays a critical role, making for some fascinating races.

In 1986, Bernie Ecclestone surprised the Formula 1 world by adding the Hungarian Grand Prix to the calendar, marking the first time a race took place behind the Iron Curtain. At the time, the Berlin Wall was still standing, and tensions between the Eastern and Western blocs were at their peak during the Cold War.

The Hungarian GP was originally planned to be held in Népliget, a large park in Budapest, but logistical challenges led to the construction of the Hungaroring in Mogyoród, just outside the city. The track, built in a natural bowl, has become synonymous with intense, wheel-to-wheel racing.

The Hungaroring is a unique circuit, known for its tight corners and narrow layout, which makes overtaking extremely difficult. The track is highly technical, requiring exceptional car handling and precise driving.

With a length of 4.381 km and a total of 16 corners, the circuit presents a real challenge for both drivers and teams. Starting the lap, drivers have to brake hard for Turn 1, a tricky right-hand hairpin. Turn 4 is a blind left-hander that marks the highest point of the track, this quick bend is followed by an extremely difficult section of corners requiring precise throttle control. The entire last sector builds upon this technical aspect, after some quick S-shaped bends the drivers once again have to slow down for a 90-degree right and two long sweeping corners to round out the lap. All in all, cornering ability is the key aspect of extracting lap time around this venue

The Hungarian Grand Prix has seen several memorable moments throughout its history. The first ever edition of the event, for example, saw Nelson Piquet bring home the race win in his Williams. Four years later, Thierry Boutsen bagged the British team yet another victory at the Hungaroring, holding off a faster Ayrton Senna through a solid display of strategy and defensive work. The 2006 Hungarian GP featured changeable weather conditions, Honda’s Jenson Button, who did not seem to be in for a win, got the strategy right and made the most of the situation by claiming his first ever race win. Four-time world champion Max Verstappen claimed his first-ever career pole at the 2019 Hungarian GP, in the race he had to settle for second place, however, losing out to Hamilton in a strategic battle. Last year's event in Budapest is also an iconic moment, mainly for Oscar Piastri, as the Australian managed to win a Grand Prix for the first time in his career that weekend.

Hungaroring has earned a reputation as one of the most challenging and exciting tracks in Formula 1. Despite being a narrow, twisty circuit with limited overtaking opportunities, the Hungarian Grand Prix consistently delivers thrilling races. The technical nature of the track, combined with the unpredictability of the weather, ensures that every race weekend is full of surprises.

With legends like Michael Schumacher, Lewis Hamilton, and Max Verstappen all achieving remarkable success at Hungaroring, the 2025 Hungarian Grand Prix is expected to be another exciting chapter in the circuit's storied history.

No driver has been more successful at Hungaroring than Lewis Hamilton. He holds the record for the most wins at the circuit, having triumphed in 2007, 2009, 2012, 2013, 2016, 2018, 2019, and 2020. Hamilton's mastery of the tight, twisty circuit is evident, with many of his victories coming despite not always having the best car.

In 2007, Hamilton won his first Hungarian Grand Prix, overcoming team-mate Fernando Alonso in a dramatic race where Alonso was penalized after intentionally blocking Hamilton during qualifying.

One of his most memorable wins around this venue might be Mercedes’ strategic masterclass in 2019. Verstappen got his first-ever pole position and was leading the Mercedes cars for the majority of the race. After a late call for a two stop strategy, however, Hamilton went chasing after the Red Bull driver. With only a couple of laps to go, the Brit overtook Verstappen on his fresh rubber and picked up yet another Hungarian GP win.

Hamilton’s consistency at the Hungarian GP, particularly in the hybrid era, has solidified his place in the record books. His dominance at Hungaroring is a testament to his driving skill and ability to adapt to the circuit’s unique demands.