Verstappen absent as Alonso, Newey get FIA call-up ahead of Hungary GP

Formula 1 returns for its final race before the mid-season break, with the iconic Hungaroring hosting Round 11 of the 2026 campaign. The weekend follows a dramatic Belgian Grand Prix that left some drivers ecstatic following the race results while others departed the Spa-Francorchamps circuit bitterly disappointed.

Famed for its flowing sequence of corners and technical layout, the Hungaroring will once again test the drivers over its 4.381 km circuit, and every team will be eager to head into the summer break on a high after a demanding opening half of the season.

McLaren, who dominated last year's Hungarian Grand Prix, will be hoping to reproduce that level of performance in this year's event. Aston Martin, however, are expected to attract significant attention, with the Silverstone-based outfit preparing to introduce their first major chassis upgrade of the season after a difficult opening 10 rounds.

However, ahead of the commencement of the on-track action, attention turns to the FIA's traditional media sessions, where drivers and team representatives discuss their expectations for the weekend and respond to questions from the press. The governing body has now confirmed the line-up for the Hungarian Grand Prix press conferences, with Alonso leading the drivers' schedule and Newey heading the team representatives.

The opening drivers' press conference will take place on Thursday, 23 July, at 14:30 local time (13:30 BST), with Alonso joined by Alpine's Franco Colapinto and Williams driver Carlos Sainz.

The second session, scheduled for 15:00 local time (14:00 BST), will feature Haas' Oliver Bearman, McLaren driver Oscar Piastri and Red Bull Racing's Isack Hadjar. The remaining drivers, including Max Verstappen, will complete their media duties later in the day at their respective team hospitality units.

The team representatives' press conference is scheduled for Friday, 24 July, at 15:30 local time (14:30 BST). Mercedes deputy technical director Simon Resta and Red Bull technical director Pierre Waché will join Newey.

As is customary, Saturday's programme will conclude with a post-qualifying press conference featuring the top three qualifiers, while Sunday's post-race press conference will include the top three finishers.

As was the case at the Belgian Grand Prix, the race weekend at the Hungaroring will follow the traditional Formula 1 weekend format. On-track action begins on Friday, 24 July, with Free Practice 1 at 13:30 CEST (12:30 BST), followed by Free Practice 2 at 17:00 CEST (16:00 BST).

Saturday, 25 July, continues with Free Practice 3 at 12:30 CEST (11:30 BST), before qualifying gets underway at 16:00 CEST (15:00 BST). The Hungarian Grand Prix is then scheduled to begin at 15:00 CEST (14:00 BST) on Sunday.