Good afternoon, ScuderiaFans.com readers, and welcome back for our 2026 Hungarian GP FP1 live coverage from the Hungaroring. The opening practice session in Budapest begins at 13:30 local time and launches the 11th round of the 2026 Formula 1 World Championship.
The first 60 minutes of track action will offer an important early indication of the competitive order in Hungary, with Ferrari introducing a new high-downforce rear wing and two championship contenders giving up their cars to young drivers. The complete timetable for every session is available in our 2026 Hungarian Grand Prix schedule and TV guide.
2026 Hungarian GP FP1 live from 13:30
Follow the minute-by-minute action from the first free practice session at the Hungaroring as Ferrari begins its preparations for a weekend in which the characteristics of the SF-26 could play an important role. The Budapest circuit’s low and medium-speed corners are expected to place a premium on downforce, mechanical grip and precise tyre preparation, areas examined in our analysis of Ferrari’s low-speed strength at the Hungaroring.
Ferrari introduces new Macarena rear wing
Ferrari has brought a new version of its Macarena rear wing to the Hungaroring, designed specifically for circuits requiring high levels of aerodynamic downforce. The component will make its track debut during FP1 as Charles Leclerc and Lewis Hamilton begin evaluating the SF-26’s balance and performance around the tight Hungarian circuit.
The updated design has already been fitted to the car in Budapest, with further details and photographs available in our closer look at Ferrari’s upgraded Macarena rear wing.
McLaren will also debut a rear wing based on the same technical philosophy during this session. However, the Woking team is expected to use FP1 primarily to gather data before returning to its conventional wing for the remaining sessions. McLaren has combined the experimental component with a wider MCL40 upgrade package for the Hungarian Grand Prix.
Frederik Vesti replaces Kimi Antonelli at Mercedes
Championship leader Andrea Kimi Antonelli will not take part in FP1 at the Hungaroring. The Italian driver will hand his Mercedes over to Frederik Vesti as the team completes one of the practice sessions that must be allocated to young drivers.
There will nevertheless be an Italian driver on track during the session. Leonardo Fornaroli will take over Oscar Piastri’s McLaren for FP1, giving the young Italian another opportunity to gain experience in current Formula 1 machinery.
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