The next stage of the Formula 1 World Championship takes place this weekend – July 24-26 at the legendary Hungaroring circuit near Budapest. This will be the 14th round of the 2026 season and the last before a long summer break that will last almost a month. Drivers and teams will have the opportunity to rest, analyze the first half of the season, and prepare for the decisive races of the second part of the championship.
Weekend Schedule
- July 24 (Friday): First and second free practices (FP1 and FP2).
- July 25 (Saturday): Third free practice (FP3) and qualifying, which will determine the starting grid.
- July 26 (Sunday): The main race.
The Hungaroring circuit is one of the most compact and technical in the calendar. It has few long straights but many slow and medium-speed corners. Overtaking is not easy, so qualifying and pit stop strategy often play a crucial role. The Hungarian round is traditionally considered a 'sprint' – lap speed and tire management are important here.
Season Context: After Belgium
The previous round, the Belgian Grand Prix at Spa-Francorchamps, saw a victory for young talent Andrea Kimi Antonelli (Mercedes). The Italian had a confident race and stood on the top step of the podium for the first time in his career. Charles Leclerc (Ferrari) finished second, and Max Verstappen was third.
The current championship battle remains intense. Verstappen continues to lead the drivers' standings, but his advantage is no longer as dominant as in previous years. Mercedes and Ferrari are regularly challenging, and McLaren and other teams occasionally break into the top 3. Hungary could be another round where young drivers and updated cars show who is best prepared for the second half of the season.
What to Expect at Hungaroring?
- Weather – In late July, Hungary is usually hot and dry, but sudden downpours at Hungaroring are not uncommon and often turn results upside down.
- Key Factors – Aerodynamics, car balance in corners, and DRS effectiveness. Teams that bring successful updates will gain an advantage.
- Special Interest – Antonelli's performance (after his victory in Belgium), Leclerc's fight for podiums, and Verstappen's attempts to return to the top.
For fans, this is the last chance to watch live racing before the summer lull. Many teams are already planning major updates after the break, so the Hungarian weekend will be an important indicator of form before the second half of the season.
Follow the broadcasts on the official Formula 1 channels and sports platforms. Hungary traditionally delivers exciting races – don't miss it!
