Ferrari begins the second practice session at the 2026 Hungarian Grand Prix with a clear objective: gathering the information needed to challenge for its third victory of the season. After winning in Barcelona with Lewis Hamilton and at Silverstone with Charles Leclerc, the Italian team will use FP2 to evaluate its latest SF-26 upgrade and prepare for the rest of the Hungaroring weekend.
FP2 is scheduled to begin at 17:00 local time on Friday. Follow the session live below with updated timing and commentary as Ferrari, Mercedes, McLaren, Red Bull and the rest of the Formula 1 grid continue their preparations in Budapest.
Hungarian GP brings the first half of the 2026 F1 season to a close
The Hungaroring weekend is particularly important for every team because it officially brings the first half of the 2026 Formula 1 season to an end. After the Hungarian Grand Prix, the championship will pause for almost a month before returning for the next round.
The summer break is traditionally an important period away from the circuit, with speculation surrounding the Formula 1 driver market often intensifying while racing is suspended. Before that pause begins, however, teams must complete one more demanding weekend at a circuit where qualifying position, tyre preparation and low-speed performance can prove decisive.
Ferrari’s Macarena EVO rear wing debuts in Hungarian GP FP2
Several teams have brought new components to Hungary, but Ferrari is expected to attract much of the attention. The team will run its new upgraded Macarena rear wing on track for the first time during Friday’s practice sessions.
The EVO version has been optimised specifically for the Hungaroring and its demanding collection of corners. Ferrari will use FP2 to assess its aerodynamic performance, balance and behaviour over both qualifying simulations and longer runs.
The characteristics of the circuit could also offer Ferrari an opportunity to exploit the SF-26’s strength in low-speed corners. The team’s objective will undoubtedly be to put itself in contention for a third victory of the campaign after its successes in Barcelona and at Silverstone.
Aston Martin and Red Bull introduce upgrades in Hungary
Ferrari is not the only team bringing updates to Budapest. Aston Martin and Red Bull have also prepared several new components for the Hungarian Grand Prix as they attempt to improve their respective cars.
In particular, Aston Martin will hope its latest package can provide a first genuine sign that the team is beginning to close the gap to its rivals. The British squad, led by Adrian Newey, has endured a difficult start to the 2026 season but arrives in Hungary with significant upgrades to evaluate.
Watch Hungarian GP FP2 live
Friday’s Formula 1 programme continues with the second free practice session at the Hungaroring. FP2 is due to begin at 17:00 local time, giving the teams another hour to work on car set-up, tyre management and race simulations.
The complete schedule for practice, qualifying and the race is available in our 2026 Hungarian Grand Prix timetable and TV guide.
Follow Hungarian GP FP2 live through the timing and commentary stream below:
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