Round 14 of the 2025 F1 season takes us to the Hungarian Grand Prix.
Everything You Need to Know About the Hungarian Grand Prix
Today, the Hungarian Grand Prix is a fan favourite. While locals make up a smaller share of the crowd, support, particularly from Finnish and German fans, fills the grandstands each year.
Handmade trophies, crafted by Herend Porcelain, take six months to produce and cost around 40,000 euros, highlighting the prestige of the event.
Origins
The Hungarian Grand Prix has a rich history, dating back to 1936 when a 5-kilometre track was laid out in Népliget, a public park in Budapest. Mercedes-Benz, Auto Union, and Alfa Romeo each fielded three cars.
Despite the event’s success, the shadow of impending war and shifting political landscapes stopped Grand Prix racing in Hungary for the next 50 years.
Return Behind the Iron Curtain
In 1986, the Hungarian Grand Prix returned. Thanks to Bernie Ecclestone, it became the first F1 race held behind the Iron Curtain.
The venue was the purpose-built Hungaroring in Mogyoród, just outside Budapest. With 200,000 spectators in attendance, the event marked a triumphant return to international motorsport for Hungary.
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Tactical Triumphs and Driving Masterclasses
Hungary has seen many tactical triumphs and driving masterclasses. One such strategic masterpiece came in 1998, when Michael Schumacher’s team altered his pit strategy mid-race.
The change allowed him to build a winning lead, highlighting the importance of flexibility and timing on this track.
Elsewhere, in 1989, Nigel Mansell rose from 12th on the grid to victory, taking the lead when a backmarker delayed Ayrton Senna. Similarly, in 1990, Thierry Boutsen held off Senna in a slower car for the entire race.
First-Time Winners and Historic Moments
The Hungarian Grand Prix has been home to many career-defining victories.
Damon Hill took his maiden win in 1993, followed by Fernando Alonso in 2003, Spain’s first-ever F1 winner, and, at the time, the youngest in history.
Jenson Button’s first triumph came in a rain-soaked 2006 race after starting 14th. In 2008, Heikki Kovalainen won and became the 100th different Grand Prix winner.
More recently, Esteban Ocon claimed his first win in 2021, and Oscar Piastri followed suit in 2024.
However, not all historic moments have ended in celebration. In 1997, Damon Hill nearly won in an Arrows-Yamaha, only to suffer a mechanical failure on the final lap and settle for second. In 2014, Lewis Hamilton charged from a pit-lane start to finish third, just six seconds behind race-winner Daniel Ricciardo.
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Milestones
In 2001, Michael Schumacher took his fourth world title and matched Alain Prost’s record of 51 career wins at the Hungaroring.
Despite his 2014 loss, Hamilton has enjoyed unprecedented success in Hungary. His eighth win in 2020 tied Schumacher’s record for the most victories at a single Grand Prix.
Drama in 2021 and Recent Developments
The 2021 Hungarian Grand Prix is one many will remember for its drama. A wet first lap saw Valtteri Bottas cause a chain-reaction crash that eliminated several front-runners. After a red flag and an unusual solo grid start by Hamilton, Ocon emerged as the unexpected winner, which was Alpine’s first since 2013.
Sebastian Vettel finished second but was later disqualified, promoting Hamilton to the runner-up spot in a year where points were everything for the Briton in his title fight against Max Verstappen.
In 2022, Verstappen took the win, continuing Red Bull’s dominant form.
A contract extension was announced in 2013, securing the race until 2021. It was later extended to 2026, and again to 2032 during the 2023 Grand Prix weekend.
Hungaroring
| Circuit Information | Details |
|---|---|
| Circuit Length | 4.381 km |
| First Grand Prix | 1986 |
| Number of Laps | 70 |
| Fastest Lap Time | 1:16.627 – Lewis Hamilton (2020) |
| Race Distance | 306.63 km |
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Main Photo
Credit: IMAGO / Marco Canoniero
Recording Date: 21.07.2024
