Hungary: The TV Program

The Hungaroring has hosted the Hungarian Grand Prix of Formula 1 every year since 1986. Upon its creation, it became the first Grand Prix venue behind the Iron Curtain.

The layout of the Hungaroring is a technical and winding circuit often criticized due to the difficulties drivers face in overtaking, so the qualifying session is crucial for hoping to achieve a good result.

Traditionally held in mid-August under stifling heat, this event is one of the most demanding for both machines and bodies. It is worth noting that this circuit experienced its first Grand Prix in the rain only in 2006.

The Hungaroring is nicknamed the “turnstile” due to its relentless sequences of turns, particularly in the second sector. This Hungarian track is slow, bumpy, and narrow: the width of the track is at most only 15 meters on the pit straight (compared to at least 20 meters on most other circuits). The cars need to be set up with maximum downforce to achieve good laps. Indeed, the track is usually very dusty because it is rarely used during the rest of the year.

Despite this, the circuit has nevertheless been the scene of memorable moments such as the duels between Nelson Piquet and Ayrton Senna, Nigel Mansell’s wheel loss in 1987, and Mansell’s victory starting from twelfth and making a brilliant overtake on Senna in 1989. In 2009, Felipe Massa suffered a serious facial injury after being hit on the helmet by a spring weighing about 800 grams from the car of Rubens Barrichello who was ahead of him.

The Hungaroring was also the site of the first victory for drivers like Damon Hill in 1993, Fernando Alonso in 2003, Jenson Button in 2006, and Heikki Kovalainen in 2008.

Note that the Hungarian Grand Prix is the last race before the three-week summer break during which teams will be required to shut down their factory for 14 consecutive days.

As with every Grand Prix this season, it is the Canal + group that broadcasts the entire event from Friday’s free practice sessions to Sunday’s race. Note that this weekend, the broadcast is split between Canal+ Décalé for Friday’s free practices and Canal+ for Saturday’s free practices, the qualifications, and the race.

All sessions and the race can also be followed on F1 TV, Formula 1’s streaming service, live and on-demand.

Track length: 4.381 Km

Number of laps in the race: 70

Track record: 1:16.276 (Sebastian Vettel – 2017)

Record holder of victories:, Lewis Hamilton (6), McLaren (11)

Record holder for pole positions: Michael Schumacher (7), McLaren, Ferrari (8)

The TV program: