Venue of this weekend’s 35th edition of the Hungarian Grand Prix is the 4.381-kilometre (2.722-mile), 14-turn Hungaroring – a tight and twisty circuit that many drivers liken to a full-size karting track.
It is the slowest permanent venue in Formula One, a change from the recent run of power circuits. Slow, however, doesn’t mean easy. Despite an average speed of 200 kph (124 mph), which is notably slower than the average speed drivers normally experience in Formula One, the Hungaroring requires precision and preservation.
It is a physical track, demanding a lot from the drivers who, in turn, demand a lot from their car throughout the 70-lap race.
Tire management is a crucial part of that strategy. The track is a seemingly never-ending succession of corners, where typically hot weather combined with a high amount of traction, braking and lateral energy demands work the tires and the driver hard.
As such, an extreme level of fitness is required for the drivers, who are seemingly always turning the wheel amid high temperatures with scant amounts of air flowing through the car.
Hungarian Grand Prix FAQs
When was the track built?
Work began on the Hungaroring in 1985, and the track was race-ready just nine months later. The Hungarian government had originally considered reviving the old Nepliget park circuit in Budapest in a bid to host Formula 1 in the country, but in the end decided to create a purpose-built facility instead.
When was its first Grand Prix?
The year was 1986. Nelson Piquet won the first F1 race around the Hungaroring, famously slithering his Williams around the outside of Ayrton Senna’s Lotus to take the lead.
What’s the circuit like?
The lack of straights at the Hungaroring often sees it compared to a karting circuit – and it’s true, the resemblance is uncanny. With several series of corners to string together, teams opt for Monaco levels of downforce, with a well-sorted chassis tending to be rewarded over horsepower given the short straights on offer. It’s a challenge many of the drivers relish, however, with finding a good rhythm key to setting fast lap times.
Facts & Stats
Stats and facts for Sunday’s Hungarian Grand Prix at the Hungaroring:
Lap distance: 4.381km. Total distance: 306.630km (70 laps)
2019 pole: Max Verstappen – Red Bull – 1:14.572
2019 winner: Lewis Hamilton
2019 Race lap record: 1:17.103 on lap 69 – Max Verstappen
Start time: 1310 GMT (1510 local)
Hungarian Grand Prix
Lewis Hamilton has won a record seven times in Hungary (2007, 2009 and 2012 with McLaren. 2013, 2016, 2018 and 2019 with Mercedes). He has also been on pole six times and can equal Schumacher’s record seven at the circuit.
Kimi Raikkonen, Sebastian Vettel and Daniel Ricciardo have also won in Hungary.
Alfa Romeo’s Raikkonen has made more podium appearances (nine) in Hungary than any driver. He has also had four fastest laps there.
The lowest winning start in Hungary was Jenson Button’s victory from 14th on the grid in 2006.
Hungary’s debut in 1986 made it the first F1 race in eastern Europe behind what was then the ‘Iron Curtain’. This weekend’s race is the 35th Hungarian GP.
Fifteen of the 34 races to date have been won from pole.
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