The Hungaroring circuit, located just outside Budapest, is set to host not only the 2025 Hungarian Grand Prix—the 14th round of the season and the 40th edition of this particular race—but also a key testing session for the development of Pirelli’s 2026 tyres. This double duty makes it one of the most crucial weeks in the second half of the Formula 1 season.
Following the Grand Prix, Pirelli will carry out testing on Tuesday, August 5, and Wednesday, August 6, with the involvement of multiple teams. Scuderia Ferrari, Visa Cash App RB (Racing Bulls), and McLaren will each participate in one day of testing, while BWT Alpine F1 Team will commit to two days. These sessions are aimed at finalizing the 2026 tyre constructions, which by regulation must be homologated by September 1. Additionally, Pirelli will begin experimenting with prototype compounds for 2026. These compounds are subject to homologation by December 15, and before that date, a further six days of testing are planned: two at Monza, two at Mugello, and two at the Autódromo Hermanos Rodríguez in Mexico City.
Tyre compounds selected for the Hungarian Grand Prix
For this year’s Hungarian Grand Prix, Pirelli has chosen the same slick tyre compounds as in 2024: C3 for the Hard tyre, C4 for the Medium, and C5 for the Soft. Until last season, this trio represented the softest selection available, but for the 2025 season, Pirelli introduced an even softer compound, the C6. However, due to the particular characteristics of the Hungaroring, the C6 was deemed too extreme for this event.
The track, while not overly demanding in terms of raw lateral forces, exerts high energy on the tyres per lap because of its short layout and frequent corners. This results in cumulative strain on the tyre compound over multiple laps. Moreover, ambient and track temperatures tend to be very high during the Hungarian race weekend, and this further contributes to increased thermal degradation. The dark-colored asphalt retains heat significantly, and in 2024, the surface temperature reached a season-high of 58.6°C—making it the hottest tarmac reading of the year.
2024 race strategy and tyre performance
Last season, the most common strategy used by the drivers was a two-stop race, involving various combinations of the C3 and C4 compounds. The Medium tyre (C4) emerged as the most effective and was selected by 13 drivers at the start of the race. The remaining seven drivers were split between four who opted for the Soft (C5) and three who started on the Hard (C3).
Only one driver—Yuki Tsunoda of Racing Bulls—managed to complete the race with a single pit stop. Meanwhile, some drivers who made three stops did so with the goal of fitting a set of Soft tyres for a short final stint. Aston Martin’s drivers, Fernando Alonso and Lance Stroll, both executed two-stop strategies but used all three compounds during the race. This was the result of distinct tyre usage plans developed during free practice. In particular, Lance Stroll recorded the longest stint on the Soft compound, covering 14 laps.
Track updates and surface improvements
The Hungaroring is currently undergoing a significant transformation phase. Following the recent refurbishment of the paddock area, this year’s changes have focused on the pit lane, the main straight, the pit building, and the central grandstand. Both the starting grid area and the entire pit lane have been resurfaced using approximately 860 tonnes of a specially formulated asphalt mix. This mix contains a type of bitumen with a higher softening point to better withstand high temperatures.
The resurfacing process was carried out with attention to minimizing longitudinal waves, ensuring a smooth and consistent grip level throughout the surface. This updated asphalt has already been tested during GT races held at the beginning of July. In the days leading up to the Grand Prix, further analysis will be conducted to assess grip levels and performance evolution.
Performance evolution and tyre management across the weekend
One of the defining characteristics of the Hungarian Grand Prix weekend is the significant evolution of grip levels as the track becomes rubbered in. This phenomenon is particularly noticeable during the first two days of the weekend. On Friday, drivers are likely to encounter graining on their tyres, which should decrease as more rubber is laid down through practice and qualifying sessions.
Thermal degradation remains a major factor throughout the weekend—not just during the race, but even during the qualifying runs. Managing the Soft compound will be a particular challenge during hot sessions, especially in the final two corners of the lap, where overheating could compromise lap times if the tyre is not handled carefully.
In summary, Pirelli’s analysis of the Hungarian Grand Prix highlights a combination of performance evolution, high track temperatures, and strategic complexity. Drivers and teams will have to carefully balance tyre selection, degradation, and track adaptation to succeed at a circuit that is technically demanding and often physically exhausting—just before Formula 1 heads into its summer break.
Leave a Reply