F1 arrives in Budapest: Introducing a circuit on the calendar since 1986
This week's Formula 1 Grand Prix takes place in Hungary. Due to the high temperatures, some retirements are to be expected. The circuit, nicknamed « the turnstile », is renowned for its succession of tight bends.
The Hungaroring, which has been hosting Formula 1 for many years, is a circuit among the most well-known and appreciated by drivers. Included in the calendar since 1986, it is celebrating its 38th edition this year.
Changes present from the beginning
Located 20km north of Budapest, the circuit has undergone many modifications over the years, changed twice throughout its history, the Hungaroring seems to be undergoing renovation once again. A counter that will not go down.
In 1986, the first layout included a chicane after turn 3, now changed to turn 2, which was quickly removed. In total, 3 years passed before a change in 1989. The new modifications made to the circuit remained in place for about ten years. At the time, Michael Schumacher set the best race lap in 2002 with a time of 1.16’207. The track was only 3.975 km long, compared to 4.381 km today, but with slightly slower Formula 1 cars. This record quickly became a technical feat in the world of motorsports.
Since 2003 and the last changes introduced notably in the line of the stands and in the number of turns, the track has managed to remain faithful to itself, but it should undergo more minor changes again, the end of their construction is announced for 2026.
A race that promises to be difficult.
Beyond its perpetual changes, the Hungarian Grand Prix is especially known for its difficulty during the race. While the circuit is nicknamed “the carousel” because of its many corners throughout the track, it is recognized as one of the races with the fewest overtakes. The few DRS zones do not solve this issue, as the circuit only has one real straight which is the pit straight.
« It is such a slow and winding circuit that there are two extremely important things to achieve fast laps: a good entry into the corner and good traction » Kimi Räikkönen declared when he was still in Formula 1. « If you bring that together, you will have a competitive car there. It is one of those circuits where it is very difficult to overtake. Obviously, you need to be in front in qualifying and ideally, you want to avoid the dirty part of the track. »
Last year, only 3 DNFs had occurred on the circuit, two of which were at Alpine after the contact between Esteban Ocon and Pierre Gasly in the first lap of the race. Nevertheless, the Grand Prix remains a challenge for the drivers. This year, a new difficulty is added to the race. With temperatures around 34°C, the Hungarian Grand Prix almost reaches the 38°C experienced last year during the race in Qatar.
As a reminder, last year in Losail, Qatar, many drivers had to stop the race because temperatures were dangerously approaching 60°C inside the car. Some of them had felt unwell during and after the race, a situation that was declared as extremely dangerous, even for high-level athletes.
Therefore, there could be a similar scenario in Hungary this year, as the race will take place in broad daylight. Hungarian weather forecasts still predict risks of rain during the weekend, which could add other dangers for the drivers.
