HungarianGrand Prix

Formula 1 first raced around the Hungaroring in 1986, and since then it has hosted 38 Grands Prix. Located about 20km from the country’s capital, Budapest, it’s normally a really hot weekend weather-wise with an average air temperature of 25°C – toasty! Despite track temperatures reaching almost 60°C during practice a few years ago, thunderstorms are also frequent as a result of the warm weather. So, don’t rule out an almighty downpour like we saw before the race in 2021.

A single lap around this circuit is 4.381km, with 14 corners and very few straights. In fact, the longest straight here is the start-finish which was extended in 2003 to allow for more overtaking. Its layout is often compared to that of a kart track, and was built in a bowl-shaped valley so drivers experience plenty of natural undulation. It also makes for some great views if you’re there as a fan.

The Hungaroring has a great flow to it, but is a very different circuit to Silverstone last time out. Downforce levels are some of the highest on the calendar and this place is often compared to Monaco without the walls. It provides us with one of the lowest top speeds of the year, which comes as no surprise as it also has the second slowest average lap time on the F1 calendar.

Despite that, it’s still a great challenge that is loved by drivers. Although it’s a permanent circuit, track evolution is high as it’s not used too often meaning the asphalt conditions will improve and lap times will get quicker over the weekend. Traction is also a huge factor in Hungary, and the W15 will need to be well-balanced to deal with the quick sequence of corners; six to the left and eight to the right.