THE HISTORY OF HUNGARORING

In a move that surprised the motorsport world, Bernie Ecclestone pulled off a groundbreaking coup in 1986 by bringing Formula 1 behind the Iron Curtain for the very first time. The Hungarian Grand Prix, held at the newly constructed Hungaroring circuit in the small town of Mogyorod near Budapest, marked a significant moment in both sport and political history. Located in a scenic valley and surrounded by rolling hills, the technical nature of the circuit has since earned its permanent place on the F1 calendar.

From the outset, Hungary has stood apart. The inaugural 1986 race drew a crowd of 200,000 people, which was an outstanding number considering the steep ticket prices at the time. The Grand Prix has since become a magnet for fans across Europe, particularly Finnish and Polish supporters. During Robert Kubica's initial F1 stint, the event was affectionately dubbed the Polish Grand Prix, with up to 25,00 Polish fans travelling annually. His return to the grid in 2019 saw a crowd of  20,000 more compared to the previous year.

The event's enduring popularity has led to ever-growing attendances: 290,00 across the weekend in 2022, 303,000 in 2023 and a new record of 310,000 in 2024. The venue charm, combined with the passion of the attendees, ensures the Hungarian Grand Prix reminds one of the most atmospheric races of the season.

The nature of the Hungaroring track itself lends to a specific style of racing, characterised by narrow and twisty sections often marred by dust due to underuse. As a result, the Hungarian Grand Prix has frequently been associated with processional races, where cars find themselves trailing one another without opportunities for overtaking. A prime example of this occurred in 1990 when Thierry Boutsen successfully held off championship leader Ayrton Senna in his slower Williams car, leaving Senna unable to find a way past.

Pit strategy plays a pivotal role in determining success at this circuit. A memorable instance took place in 1998 when Michael Schumacher's Ferrari team made a mid-race strategy change, ultimately allowing Schumacher to build a commanding lead once all the pit stops had been completed. Thrilling displays of passing are a rarity in Hungary, but the 1989 race witnessed Nigel Mansell's audacious performance in his Ferrari. Starting from a lowly 12th on the grid, Mansell carved his way through the field, overtaking car after car until he claimed the lead after Ayrton Senna encountered a slower runner. This daring feat showcased Mansell's sheer determination and skill.

To address the challenges of limited overtaking opportunities, the circuit underwent slight modifications in 2003 with the aim of fostering more passing manoeuvres. The alterations injected a renewed sense of excitement and unpredictability into the races, further enhancing the allure of the Hungarian Grand Prix.

Memorable moments

The Hungaroring has long been a venue for firsts and unforgettable milestones in Formula 1. Over the decades, it has become synonymous with breakthrough performances, particularly for drivers claiming their maiden Grand Prix victories. Among those to stand on the top of the podium for the first time in Hungary are Damon Hill in 1993, Fernando Alonso in 2003, Jenson Button in 2006, Heikki Kovalainen in 2008, Esteban Ocon in 2021, and most recently Oscar Piastri in 2024. These moments have cemented the circuit's reputation as a stage where underdogs can rise and history can be made.

Lewis Hamilton's record at the Hungaroring is nothing short of extraordinary. He holds the record for the most victories at the circuit, with eight wins to his name and an unmatched nine pole positions.

McLaren, too, has enjoyed exceptional success at the Hungarian Grand Prix, with a total of twelve victories (as of 2024). The team is the most successful constructor at the event. The circuit has also served as the backdrop for significant F1 milestones. In 2008, Heikki Kovalainen became the 100th different driver to win a World Championship Grand Prix with his victory in Hungary. In 2019, Max Verstappen made history at the track by becoming the 100th driver to start from pole position in Formula 1.

Despite its reputation for limited overtaking and strategic battles, the Hungaroring has consistently produced standout performances. Few races are as memorable as Damon Hill’s astonishing drive in 1997, where he nearly delivered an improbable victory for the struggling Arrows team, only to be denied by a hydraulic issue just three laps before the finish.

For Hungary, Zsolt Baumgartner’s participation in his home race remains a proud moment. He is the only Hungarian driver to have competed at the event since it joined the calendar in 1986, bringing national pride and local support to the grid during his brief but memorable tenure in the sport.

Controversy

Controversy has never been far from the action in Hungary. The 2007 edition was overshadowed by intra-team tension at McLaren during qualifying, when Fernando Alonso deliberately held up teammate Lewis Hamilton in the pits. The move earned Alonso a grid penalty and handed Hamilton pole position. The 2021 race brought drama of a different kind, when Sebastian Vettel was disqualified from second place after his car was unable to supply the mandatory fuel sample post-race.

The Hungarian Grand Prix has also seen its share of misfortune and oddities. Robert Kubica, making his Formula 1 debut in 2006, initially crossed the line in seventh but was later disqualified due to his car being underweight by 2kg. In 2009, the circuit witnessed a terrifying incident during qualifying when a spring from Rubens Barrichello’s car struck Felipe Massa on the helmet, causing a serious injury that sidelined the Brazilian for the remainder of the season.