As the 2024 Hungarian Grand Prix approaches, the scorching heat could play a pivotal role, promising unexpected turns in the race.
Winner for the ninth time at Silverstone in the most recent race, a record in F1 history, Lewis Hamilton could repeat this feat if he were to win at the Hungaroring, where he has indeed won eight times before.
The thirteenth round of 2024, the Hungarian Grand Prix will mark the beginning of the second half of a season so far dominated by Max Verstappen, in a context of tightening behind the Red Bull driver.
The heatwave currently sweeping Eastern Europe could play a crucial role throughout the weekend, with very high temperatures expected on abrasive asphalt that can quickly wear down the Pirelli tires.
The Track
— Turn 1 – The cars drop from nearly 300 km/h on the straight to less than 100 km/h at the first turn, whose massive braking makes it the most overtaking-friendly spot on the circuit.
— Turn 2 – With the track sloping towards the second turn, drivers will need to stay sharp as they are very likely to miss their braking point.
— Turn 5 – The moderate deceleration of turn 5 takes the cars from about 240 to 150 km/h after the slight hook of turn 4, a tricky series of curves negotiated at medium and high speeds.
— Turn 8 – Little room for braking and no margin for error. Any mistake at any moment can greatly affect the times. Drivers need a well-balanced car and good change-of-direction capabilities in this section.
— Turn 13 – The second slowest turn on the circuit, turn 13 is a tight left negotiated at about 100 km/h before throwing the car into the last turn.
— Turn 14 – A good exit in third gear is crucial since turn 14 leads to the only straight of the track and then to the first turn, the best overtaking opportunity on the circuit.
Forces at Play
There is no scenario in which Max Verstappen can be counted out of the victory race, even though the Red Bull RB20 did not seem at ease on the season’s most twisty circuit at Monaco, where high curbs were also a factor. Sergio Pérez will likely be playing for his future, as his team has asked him to step up.
Mercedes F1, winner of the last two races, is keen to confirm its recent progress, and a new upgrade on its W15 could help the Brackley team contend for victory once again.
McLaren F1 should also be watched, the team having been a contender for the top step of the podium since May. Conversely, Ferrari will continue its testing to understand its developments and might fall behind this trio.
Behind them, the final points positions will likely be contested among Aston Martin, Haas, Alpine, and possibly RB F1, if the Faenza team manages to correct its course and choose the right package of upgrades.
Schedule of the Hungarian Grand Prix
After the Sprint weekend in Austria and the time shift at Silverstone, we return to standard European timings for this weekend’s Hungarian GP, with qualifying at 15:00 and the race at 14:00.
| Day | Date | Session | UK Time |
|---|---|---|---|
| Friday | 19th July | Free Practice 1 | 12:30 – 13:30 |
| Friday | 19th July | Free Practice 2 | 16:00 – 17:00 |
| Saturday | 20th July | Free Practice 3 | 11:30 – 12:30 |
| Saturday | 20th July | Qualifications | 15:00 – 16:00 |
| Sunday | 21st July | Race | 14:00 – 16:00 |
The Winners of the Hungarian Grand Prix
| Year | Circuit | Winner | Team | Engine |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| 2023 | Hungaroring | Max Verstappen | Red Bull | Honda |
| 2022 | Hungaroring | Max Verstappen | Red Bull | Honda |
| 2021 | Hungaroring | Esteban Ocon | Alpine | Renault |
| 2020 | Hungaroring | Lewis Hamilton | Mercedes | Mercedes |
| 2019 | Hungaroring | Lewis Hamilton | Mercedes | Mercedes |
| 2018 | Hungaroring | Lewis Hamilton | Mercedes | Mercedes |
| 2017 | Hungaroring | Sebastian Vettel | Ferrari | Ferrari |
| 2016 | Hungaroring | Lewis Hamilton | Mercedes | Mercedes |
| 2015 | Hungaroring | Sebastian Vettel | Ferrari | Ferrari |
| 2014 | Hungaroring | Daniel Ricciardo | Red Bull | Renault |
| 2013 | Hungaroring | Lewis Hamilton | Mercedes | Mercedes |
| 2012 | Hungaroring | Lewis Hamilton | McLaren | Mercedes |
| 2011 | Hungaroring | Jenson Button | McLaren | Mercedes |
| 2010 | Hungaroring | Mark Webber | Red Bull | Renault |
| 2009 | Hungaroring | Lewis Hamilton | McLaren | Mercedes |
| 2008 | Hungaroring | Heikki Kovalainen | McLaren | Mercedes |
| 2007 | Hungaroring | Lewis Hamilton | McLaren | Mercedes |
| 2006 | Hungaroring | Jenson Button | Honda | Honda |
| 2005 | Hungaroring | Kimi Räikkönen | McLaren | Mercedes |
| 2004 | Hungaroring | Michael Schumacher | Ferrari | Ferrari |
| 2003 | Hungaroring | Fernando Alonso | Renault | Renault |
| 2002 | Hungaroring | Rubens Barrichello | Ferrari | Ferrari |
| 2001 | Hungaroring | Michael Schumacher | Ferrari | Ferrari |
| 2000 | Hungaroring | Mika Häkkinen | McLaren | Mercedes |
| 1999 | Hungaroring | Mika Häkkinen | McLaren | Mercedes |
| 1998 | Hungaroring | Michael Schumacher | Ferrari | Ferrari |
| 1997 | Hungaroring | Jacques Villeneuve | Williams | Renault |
| 1996 | Hungaroring | Jacques Villeneuve | Williams | Renault |
| 1995 | Hungaroring | Damon Hill | Williams | Renault |
| 1994 | Hungaroring | Michael Schumacher | Benetton | Ford |
| 1993 | Hungaroring | Damon Hill | Williams | Renault |
| 1992 | Hungaroring | Ayrton Senna | McLaren | Honda |
| 1991 | Hungaroring | Ayrton Senna | McLaren | Honda |
| 1990 | Hungaroring | Thierry Boutsen | Williams | Renault |
| 1989 | Hungaroring | Nigel Mansell | Ferrari | Ferrari |
| 1988 | Hungaroring | Ayrton Senna | McLaren | Honda |
| 1987 | Hungaroring | Nelson Piquet | Williams | Honda |
| 1986 | Hungaroring | Nelson Piquet | Williams | Honda |
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2024 F1 Season at Hungarian GP Schedule 2024 F1 Season at Hungarian GP Schedule
