Hungarian Grand Prix: Highlights in the history of the Hungaroring
If its first edition took place in 1936, it took 50 years to see the Hungarian circuit back on the F1 calendar. For you, Motors Inside looks back on those past moments on this track that have marked the history of Formula 1.
1986: Duel of Brazilians behind the Iron Curtain
After 50 years of waiting, Formula 1 makes its return to the Hungarian circuit in a Europe still divided in two. Ayrton Senna sets the best time in qualifying with his Lotus-Renault and starts in first position on Sunday ahead of his compatriot Nelson Piquet.
It’s on the 57th lap that Nelson Piquet puts his Williams – Honda in the lead of the race after an overtaking maneuver while sliding at the end of the pit straight. Starting second, Nelson Piquet will achieve his 16th victory in F1 this weekend, 17 seconds ahead of Ayrton Senna and Nigel Mansell.
2003 – The first of a long series for Alonso
Aged only 22 years and 26 days, Fernando Alonso masterfully won the Hungarian Grand Prix in his Renault and at the same time broke a record for precocity. He became the youngest driver to win a Formula 1 Grand Prix, breaking Bruce McLaren’s record.
1989 – 2006: The English comeback
Poorly qualified, Nigel Mansell started 12th with his Ferrari in 1989, but determined to catch up with Ayrton Senna, his opponent, he will overtake to get back on the Brazilian’s trail. The Englishman will take control of the race and head towards victory after a daring move on Senna and a backmarker.
In 2006, the future world champion Jenson Button raced for BAR Honda and had not yet won a Grand Prix. Starting 14th on the grid, he seized his opportunity on a wet track to overtake the two leading drivers of the 2006 season, Fernando Alonso and Michael Schumacher, and win his first F1 Grand Prix.
2015 Tribute to Jules Bianchi
Before the start of the race, the drivers gathered on the starting line with Jules’ helmet to pay tribute to the young French driver who passed away a few days earlier. While the first row was entirely made up of Mercedes, the two Ferraris quickly overtook the silver arrows during the first lap. At the end of a race led from start to finish, Sebastian Vettel will deliver a poignant message under the checkered flag.
Thank you Jules, this victory is for you, you will always remain in our hearts. We all knew that at some point you would have been part of the Ferrari team.
2020: Hamilton equals Schumacher
This 2020 season was the season of the switch between Lewis Hamilton and Michael Schumacher. Indeed, the British driver often equals or surpasses the records of the seven-time German world champion. In Hungary, Lewis equals Michael in the number of victories on the same circuit (Hungary for Lewis and France for Michael).
