Formula 1 would like to welcome you to another jam-packed weekend as we travel southwest from Northhampton, UK to host round 13 of the Formula 1 2024 calendar; the Hungarian Grand Prix. Located northeast of the luxurious capital of Hungary, Budapest. It takes the fans a half-hour drive to the fast and technical circuit of the Hungaroring. Situated in Mogyoród.
Heritage and History of the Hungarian Grand Prix
One distinguishing feature of the Hungarian Grand Prix circuit became the first race in Formula 1 to be held behind the ‘Iron Curtain’. But also became the salvation for people living behind the communist influence. Hungary lifted its restriction and made itself renowned as the country that ‘Tore a Hole in The Iron Curtain‘. On September 11, 1989. Allowing thousands of East German people to flee to the West.
Since then, the glamorous motorsport of Formula 1 has hosted high-octane racing since its inception in 1986.
The first race dates back to the 10th of August 1986. And was the 11th round of 16 in the Formula 1 1986 world championship. The same year that gave birth to the dramatic rivalry between the Williams-Honda driver Nigel Mansell and the Lotus-Renault driver, Nelson Piquet. But were both beaten to the championship by Alain Prost, claiming his second world championship in 1986.
Since 1986 there have been changes to the Hungaroring circuit. In a bid to create more overtaking and reach higher speeds.
Hungaroring Track Evolution
From 1986 to 1988, the 4.014 kilometres’ most notable feature was the chicane just after Turn 2 which would create an extremely tight section of Turn 3, before heading up the hill to the fast left-hander of Turn 4.
However, in 1989 the Turn 3 chicane was removed allowing the need for technical precision to be of little use in the first sector. This was to allow drivers to create more opportunities heading up the hill to Turn 4. Furthermore, the circuit was modified when the underground spring issues were finally been resolved. As a result, the horrid S-bends behind the pits are removed and the circuit has been simplified. Shortening the circuit to just 3.968 kilometres.
In 2003, the recent track changes were made. The start/finish is straight extended. And the start of Sector 3 coming out of Turn 11, the corner would arrive later, creating a mini straight heading to Turn 12. And as the driver turned right, they would now have to navigate not just one hairpin that we already know (Turn 14), but two. Turn 13 would be generated into a left-handed hairpin and then drivers would navigate a right-handed hairpin of Turn 14. Then back to start/finish straight. The track length updated from a 3.968-kilometre circuit to now 4.381 kilometres.
It is worth mentioning that the entire 4.381-kilometre track was completely resurfaced at the end of the 2015 season. The organisers sought to resurface a top section of asphalt around the entire circuit.
Track Layout
The 4.381 kilometre, gaining a reputation as “Monaco without the buildings” will put drivers to the test even with only 14 turns to navigate. six to the left and eight to the right. With 306 kilometres for the drivers to endure, the fans in the grandstands will be excited to see 70 laps of pure wheel-to-wheel action. However, overtaking comes with the same layer of difficulty as Monaco. As there are two DRS zones, the first DRS zone passes the start/finish straight and the second is short straight past Turn 1 heading down towards Turn 2.
According to the Formula 1 Reddit, the 2023 Formula 1 Hungarian Grand Prix only saw 16 overtakes (Not counting Lap 1 overtakes). Which was the lowest amount of overtakes of the 2023 season. So for this Hungarian Grand Prix this year, will we see drivers take more risk, or become more reserved in opportunities?
Iconic Features
Some of the most iconic features of the Hungaroring aren’t visible to fans or the viewers at home. The main feature no doubt is its smooth surfaces and the lack of high-speed corners. The consequence of this does lead to tyre degradation caused by high traction demands while the surface is smooth and flat. The layout of the track in such a “Monaco-styled’ way, overtaking became notoriously challenging. Emphasising the importance of qualifying performance as well as strategic pit-stop planning. and with DRS zones that are not as effective, track position remains that trump card for drivers in the qualifying session on Saturday.
Memorable Races At The Hungarian Grand Prix
Even a short and technical circuit like the Hungaroring has generated some unique highlights over the decades. Including some tremendous rivalries between Brazilian drivers Nelson Piquet and Ayrton Senna in 1986. In front of 200,000 spectators, Piquet outsmarts the late Senna around the outside of Turn 1 performing a four-wheel drift a move that proved fruitful in winning the first-ever Hungarian Grand Prix. Or cast your eyes to 2006 when Jenson Button put his name on the driver’s winner book winning his first-ever Grand Prix in Hungary. Might to the delight of Formula 1 commentator, James Allen:
“HE’S DONE IT, JENSON BUTTON WINS THE HUNGARIAN GRAND PRIX, GET IN THERE”
The British driver also claimed Honda’s first win as a constructor. Along with many highlights such as Hamilton and Alonso, as the Spaniard stayed in the pit box for too long, not allowing his British team-mate Lewis Hamilton to get a final lap in Qualifying in 2007. Alonso lost his pole position and the team was barred from scoring any constructors championship during the race on Sunday. Along with embarrassing every single team member involved in the incident.
Live Timings
Friday (19th July)
12:00 pm – Hungarian Grand Prix Practice One – (Session begins at 12:30 pm)
3:45 pm – Hungarian Grand Prix Practice Two – (Session begins at 4 pm)
Saturday (20th July)
11:15 am – Hungarian Grand Prix Practice One – (Session begins at 11:30 am)
2:15 pm – Hungarian Grand Prix Qualifying – (Session begins at 3 pm)
Sunday (21st July)
12:30 pm – Hungarian Grand Prix – (Session begins at 2 pm)
If you would like to learn more news about the world of Formula 1? Then why not check out “Max Verstappen: 5 Reasons Why His Title Is In Jeopardy!” or “One Crucial Decision that Cost Lando Norris the Victory!”
Image Credit: Red Bull Content Pool