Hungary GP: This year, the Hungarian Grand Prix (Hungary GP) will once again be held at the Hungaroring from July 21-23. Before that, the Formula 1 teams made a guest appearance in Silverstone - England. After the race of Budapest-Hungary it goes on to the Grand Prix of Spa - Franchorchamps in Belgium. It exciting F1 summer is just around the corner!
In the 1980s, negotiations began for the hosting of a Grand Prix in Eastern Europe. Initially, Moscow was an obvious choice, but eventually all eyes turned to Budapest. Local authorities were enthusiastic about putting Hungary back on the motorsport map.
To host an event of such caliber, a completely new race track was built about 20 kilometers east of Budapest. Construction on the Hungaroring began in 1985 and was completed the following year. Finally, in August 1986, the first Grand Prix was held in Hungary, with an impressive attendance of nearly 200,000 guests.
The Hungaroring is characterized by its narrow track with 16 turns. Overtaking maneuvers are hardly possible. Therefore, strategy plays a crucial role during the pit stops. A notable example of this occurred at the Hungarian Grand Prix in 1998, when Michael Schumacher's Ferrari team suddenly changed strategy in the middle of the race. This tactical decision allowed Michael Schumacher to win the Hungarian Grand Prix.
The race at the Hungaroring often marks the start of the second half of the F1 season and can influence the course of the championship battle. Each year, the Budapest Grand Prix provides an opportunity to score important points and keep the momentum going for the rest of the season.
The Hungaroring tends to be quite dusty, due to low usage during the rest of the year. Still, the track has its own unique charm and remains a challenge for drivers. The race in Budapest requires not only driving skill, but also, as mentioned above, clever and well thought-out race tactics.
The Budapest Grand Prix has become a staple of the Formula One calendar over the years. With its unique track layout and inspiring on-site atmosphere, the race attracts motorsport fans from all over the world every year. The combination of excitement, strategic considerations and the unique backdrop of Budapest makes the Grand Prix an unforgettable Formula 1 experience.
The Formula One circuit in Budapest has been used regularly for Grand Prix since 1986, which was a sensation at the time, as Hungary was part of the Eastern Bloc at the time and no change was yet in sight.
Originally, the track length of the Hungaroring was 4.014 kilometers. The race covered 76 laps, which corresponded to a total distance of 305.064 kilometers. The average speed at that time was 151.8 km/h and the race lasted more than two hours. In 2003, extensive reconstruction work was carried out to improve the track. As a result, the track length was increased to 4.381 kilometers, with the start/finish straight alone being extended by 202 meters.
The reconstruction measures helped to adapt the racetrack to modern requirements and offer drivers additional opportunities. The lengthening of the start/finish straight made for exciting overtaking maneuvers and increased the dynamics of the race.
Year | Pilot | Team |
---|---|---|
2022 | Max Verstappen | Red Bull Racing |
2021 | Esteban Ocon | Alpine Renault |
2020 | Lewis Hamilton | Mercedes |
2019 | Lewis Hamilton | Mercedes |
2018 | Lewis Hamilton | Mercedes |
2017 | Sebastian Vettel | Ferrari |
2016 | Lewis Hamilton | Mercedes |
2015 | Sebastian Vettel | Ferrari |
2014 | Daniel Ricciardo | Red Bull Renault |
2013 | Lewis Hamilton | Mercedes |
2012 | Lewis Hamilton | McLaren Mercedes |
2011 | Jenson Button | McLaren Mercedes |
2010 | Mark Webber | Red Bull Renault |
2009 | Lewis Hamilton | McLaren Mercedes |
2008 | Heikki Kovalainen | McLaren Mercedes |
2007 | Lewis Hamilton | McLaren Mercedes |
2006 | Jenson Button | Honda |
2005 | Kimi Räikkönen | McLaren Mercedes |
2004 | Michael Schumacher | Ferrari |
2003 | Fernando Alonso | Renault |
2002 | Rubens Barrichello | Ferrari |
2001 | Michael Schumacher | Ferrari |
2000 | Mika Häkkinen | McLaren Mercedes |
1999 | Mika Häkkinen | McLaren Mercedes |
1998 | Michael Schumacher | Ferrari |
1997 | Jacques Villeneuve | Williams Renault |
1996 | Jacques Villeneuve | Williams Renault |
1995 | Damon Hill | Williams Renault |
1994 | Michael Schumacher | Benetton Ford |
1993 | Damon Hill | Williams Renault |
1992 | Ayrton Senna | McLaren Honda |
1991 | Ayrton Senna | McLaren Honda |
1990 | Thierry Boutsen | Williams Renault |
1989 | Nigel Mansell | Ferrari |
1988 | Ayrton Senna | McLaren Honda |
1987 | Nelson Piquet | Williams Honda |
1986 | Nelson Piquet | Williams Honda |
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