Introduction to the Hungarian Grand Prix: a slow and unforgiving circuit

As has been the case for 37 years, the ten teams make a stop in Budapest for the Hungarian Grand Prix. While it may not be the most spectacular on the calendar today, it remains a symbol since it was, on August 10, 1986, the venue for the first race beyond the Iron Curtain, which divided Europe into the Soviet-influenced east and the countries of the West.

On this circuit of 4.381 km, made up of 14 turns, the drivers will cover over 306 km and complete 70 laps of the race. Renowned for being a slow and twisty layout, it will be important to master the corners. Six left turns, eight right turns, they do not allow anyone to catch their breath and make overtaking very difficult. The second slowest track in terms of average speed, just behind Monaco, the aerodynamic setups used by the cars are almost identical to those used in the principality.

To add an additional difficulty, the track is particularly narrow. It measures only 15 meters wide in the pit lane and doesn’t exceed 10 meters on the rest of the circuit. Added to this is the dust because the track is very rarely used the rest of the time.

In addition to its demanding nature, the Grand Prix often takes place in hot weather, making it one of the most challenging for both machines and bodies.

A new format of qualifications

If it was originally supposed to take place in Imola, the new qualifying format will be tested for the first time this weekend. This new regulation imposes the tires that must be used during the qualifying sessions. While until now drivers were free to choose their tires, with this new rule, a specific specification will be imposed on them. They will now have to use hard tires in Q1, medium tires in Q2, and soft tires in Q3.

The number of rubber sets provided by Pirelli will therefore be reduced from 13 to 11. The Italian supplier has already announced that this format will be tested for a second time in Monza next September.

The type of Pirelli tire

Abrasive and slow, the track is quite demanding on the tires. For the first time in the history of this Grand Prix, Pirelli has decided to offer these three softest compounds: C3, C4, C5. This choice is explained by very high temperatures and the twisty nature of the track.

« The Hungarian Grand Prix has become a classic of the Formula 1 summer season and, as such, the air and track temperatures, often particularly high, are its main characteristics,” emphasizes Mario Isola. « The drivers, cars, and tires are put to the test. The pit straight is quite long and offers the only real opportunity for overtaking at the braking point of the first right-hand corner.

(D) Usually, this race revolves around strategy and tire degradation. This year, we have opted for a trio of softer compounds compared to 2022, while a new tire allocation for qualifying will be tested for the first time. (F)

#HungarianGP preview 🇭🇺

↗️ One step softer compounds for 2023
🆕 Alternative Tyre Allocation makes a belated debut
🌡️ High track and air temperatures to manage#Fit4F1 #F1 pic.twitter.com/Wdh7HzAWat

— Pirelli Motorsport (@Pirellisport) July 17, 2023