Hungaroring, for the 40th Time
The Hungarian Formula 1 Grand Prix — the race that broke through the wall with socialist Europe — will celebrate its 40th edition next weekend. From Nelson Piquet’s triumph in 1986 to Oscar Piastri’s first F1 win just last year, the race at Hungaroring, on the outskirts of Budapest, has always posed a challenge with its distinctive characteristics: a narrow 4,381-metre layout (72 metres longer than Interlagos), tight corners, and short straights. Ahead of the summer break, this 14th round of the 2025 World Championship will take place this Sunday, with exclusive coverage on BandTV and BandNews FM starting at 10 a.m. Brasília time. Qualifying will run on Saturday at 11 a.m.
The race brings intriguing statistics. Lewis Hamilton, for example, has notched eight victories and 12 podium finishes at Hungaroring. One more win would match his own record for the most wins at a single Grand Prix (he already owns nine at Silverstone). McLaren leads among constructors with 12 wins and enters next Sunday as the favorite.
Just like Oscar Piastri, who secured his first win in Hungary, Fernando Alonso, Esteban Ocon, Damon Hill, Heikki Kovalainen, and Jenson Button also registered their maiden F1 victories at this circuit. For both Ocon and Kovalainen, that win remains the only one of their careers.
Brazilian motorsport has a rich legacy at this GP. The first three editions were won by Brazilians: Nelson Piquet in 1986 and 1987, followed by Ayrton Senna in 1988. Senna added two more wins in 1991 and 1992, and Rubens Barrichello claimed victory in 2002.
With variable forecasts foreseeing partial rain and temperatures around 30 °C, Lewis Hamilton will have to push hard to secure a ninth Hungarian win. This week, Ferrari announced that it will introduce no more updates before the end of the championship, turning its focus to the 2026 car. Meanwhile, Red Bull, facing difficulties, has committed to a new upgrade.
Praised by his team for a “flawless performance” in Spa, Gabriel Bortoleto arrives in Hungary with a strong chance of replicating his success. Sauber’s cars are expected to adapt well to the circuit’s layout.