Overnight repair work was ordered at the Hungaroring after drivers raised serious concerns about sections of the circuit’s new asphalt during Friday practice for the Hungarian Grand Prix. The surface began breaking up in several areas, particularly around Turns 12 and 14, prompting race director Rui Marques to inspect the track and request immediate intervention.
“The track is breaking up; they have done a terrible job,” George Russell said after Friday’s free practice sessions when assessing the condition of the Hungaroring, which had been resurfaced in several areas since the previous edition of the Hungarian Grand Prix.
Both FP1 and FP2 were affected by less-than-ideal track conditions. Strong winds carried considerable dirt onto the racing surface, while the newly laid asphalt failed to convince the drivers and even began to crumble in some sections.
Hungaroring asphalt begins breaking up during Friday practice
The most significant problems were reported around Turns 12 and 14. The unstable surface contributed to several driver errors, including heavy lock-ups, while Franco Colapinto was also involved in an accident.
The difficulties added another element of uncertainty to a weekend already placing major demands on braking, tyre preparation and car balance. Turn 1 is particularly important because it is one of the circuit’s main overtaking opportunities and one of its hardest braking zones, as outlined in the analysis of how the 2026 Formula 1 cars have changed braking at the Hungarian Grand Prix.
There were fears of seeing a repeat of what had happened in Monaco, where pieces of asphalt reportedly began detaching around Anthony Noghes and the race was subsequently interrupted following the incidents involving Lance Stroll and Charles Leclerc.
FIA discusses track concerns with drivers
The condition of the Hungaroring surface was examined in detail during the FIA drivers’ briefing on Friday evening. The strength of the complaints prompted race director Rui Marques to inspect the circuit later that night.
Work began immediately in an attempt to smooth the most problematic areas and reduce the irregularities identified during practice. In addition to Turns 12 and 14, Turn 1 was also placed under particular scrutiny because of a pronounced bump created at the transition between the old and newly laid asphalt.
The condition of that section was considered especially relevant because drivers arrive at high speed before braking heavily for the opening corner. Any unevenness under braking can make it more difficult to control the car, particularly when attempting an overtake or moving away from the usual racing line.
Repairs extend beyond the normal racing line
The intervention carried out by the Hungarian Grand Prix organisers was not limited to the conventional racing line. Attention was also given to the inside of the braking area approaching Turn 1, as this is one of the circuit’s most likely and important overtaking zones.
Drivers attempting a move there may need to use a different line from the one followed during a normal qualifying lap. Ensuring that the inside section is sufficiently stable was therefore necessary before cars returned to the track.
The repair work came ahead of the final practice and qualifying sessions included in the complete 2026 Hungarian Grand Prix timetable. The evolving surface, strong winds and expected changes in temperature also mean teams will have to reassess grip levels as the weekend develops, alongside the latest Hungaroring weather forecast.
The FIA and circuit organisers will now need to evaluate how the repaired sections respond once the track returns to competitive use. With qualifying placing drivers close to the limit and Turn 1 likely to play an important role during the race, the stability of the asphalt will remain under close observation.
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