Formula 1 Hungarian Grand Prix: Five Fast Facts

The Hungarian Grand Prix is a popular and anticipated event on the Formula 1 calendar, attracting fans from around the world to witness high-speed action at the Hungaroring circuit in Mogyoród, Hungary. 

The 2023 edition, officially named Formula 1 Qatar Airways Hungarian Grand Prix 2023, is scheduled for the weekend of 21-23 July and will be the first ‘Alternative Tyre Allocation’ weekend trial. It will also see the return of Daniel Ricciardo to the grid, as he makes his debut with AlphaTauri.

The Hungarian Grand Prix weekend tends to be one of the hottest of the year, with an average air temperature of 25°C and a maximum of 33°C.

Correspondingly, track temperatures tend to also be high with an average of 36°C rising to a maximum of just over 50°C.

Often referred to as ‘Monaco without the buildings,’ the Hungaroring’s tight and twisty circuit demands precision from the racers and offers limited opportunities for overtaking. As a result, it has become a test of thrilling and tactical driving, showcasing the true capabilities of Formula 1 vehicles and their drivers.

History of the Hungarian Grand Prix

Hungaroring Circuit

The Hungarian Grand Prix takes place at the Hungaroring Circuit, located in Mogyoród, a small town near Budapest, Hungary. The circuit has been the home of the Formula One GP in Hungary since 1986. Throughout its history, the Hungaroring has undergone three significant changes. Originally, the circuit measured 4.014 km and was notoriously difficult to overtake. In 1989, the third turn changed from a right-left-right chicane to a corner better suited for overtaking, reducing the size to 3.975 km.

• The amount of braking activity, with six events across the lap, coupled with the high ambient temperatures and the absence of long straights make the circuit exceptionally taxing on the brakes.
• The low average speed at the Hungaroring also limits airflow, which makes it even more of a challenge to cool the brakes.
• The circuit features 14 corners, six to the left and eight to the right. Many of these follow one after another in quick succession, meaning a well-balanced car that can handle directional changes is important for lap time.
• The Hungaroring has one of the lowest top speeds of the season at just over 310 km/h. That is perhaps no surprise given the cars spend just over 10 seconds on a straight over the course of a fast lap, with the remaining time spent cornering.
• Those track characteristics are also reflected in the full throttle percentage, which is just 60% and one of the lowest figures we see across the year.
• Despite a relatively short start/finish straight, the distance from pole position to the braking zone for Turn 1 measures 444 metres, on the longer side compared to other venues we visit.

First Grand Prix

The first Hungarian Grand Prix was held on June 21, 1936, at a 5-kilometre (3.1-mile) track laid out in Népliget, a park in Budapest. The event featured prominent teams such as Mercedes-Benz, Auto Union, and the Alfa Romeo-equipped Ferrari, all sending three cars each. The race drew a large crowd and was won by Tazio Nuvolari driving an Alfa Romeo.

When the Hungarian Grand Prix joined the Formula 1 calendar in 1986, it was considered quite an achievement, as it was the first race to take place behind the Iron Curtain. Since then, the Hungarian Grand Prix has become one of Formula 1’s longest-standing races and continues to draw fans from around the world.

2023 Hungarian Grand Prix Betting Odds

With changes to the tyre allocation and the return to the grid of fan-favourite Daniel Ricciardo, the 2023 Formula 1 Hungarian Grand Prix has caught the attention of motorsports fans and bettors who are betting on Bovada. With Max Verstappen coming off a strong win at the British Grand Prix, the odds for the Hungarian Grand Prix are favoring the talented driver. Let’s delve into these odds and analyze the best way to place bets on the exhilarating race.

Max Verstappen has been dominating the 2023 Formula 1 season and is currently the main favorite to win the Hungarian Grand Prix. His odds are priced at -300. This means that a $300 bet on Verstappen would yield a profit of $100 if he secures first place. Given his recent performance and string of victories, it’s not surprising to see him leading the way in the betting market.

Many believe that in 2023, the key to successful betting is backing Max Verstappen. Although the odds might signify a lower return on investment, his consistent performance on the track may warrant the gamble. However, bettors should always consider other options and drivers to explore opportunities with higher potential returns.

Other contenders vying for the top spot in the Hungarian Grand Prix include Verstappen’s teammate Sergio Perez, as well as Lewis Hamilton, Charles Leclerc, and Fernando Alonso. Monitoring the performance of these drivers leading up to the race can also offer valuable insights when placing bets.

Most Race Wins – Driver

When it comes to dominating the Hungarian Grand Prix, Lewis Hamilton stands head and shoulders above the rest. The British racing superstar has claimed an impressive eight wins at the Hungaroring, showcasing his immense talent and skill on this challenging circuit.

Hamilton’s success in Hungary started early in his career when he secured his first victory at the Hungaroring in 2007. Over the years, he continued to demonstrate his mastery of the track, with his latest win coming in 2020. This remarkable achievement of eight victories not only solidifies his position as the most successful driver in Hungarian Grand Prix history but also ties him for the Formula 1 record of the most wins in any single Grand Prix event. Hamilton shares this prestigious accolade with Michael Schumacher, who also boasts eight wins at the French Grand Prix.

It’s worth noting that Hamilton is not the only former Hungaroring winner participating in the 2023 race. Four other drivers join him on the grid as previous champions, making the competition even more fierce.

Here’s a summary of Lewis Hamilton’s eight Hungarian Grand Prix victories:

• 2007: Hamilton’s first win at the Hungaroring, driving for McLaren
• 2009: Second victory in Hungary, also with McLaren
• 2012: Third win, his final season with McLaren
• 2013: First victory at the circuit with Mercedes, his fourth overall
• 2016: Fifth Hungarian GP win, further solidifying his success with Mercedes
• 2018: Sixth victory in changing weather conditions, showcasing his adaptability
• 2019: Seventh win, a strategic masterclass with a late pit stop that secured his victory
• 2020: Eighth triumph, another dominant performance in a season of supremacy for Hamilton

While the racing world continues to marvel at Hamilton’s achievements, it remains to be seen who will rise to the occasion and attempt to dethrone the “King of the Hungaroring.”

Most Race Wins – Constructor

The Formula 1 Hungarian Grand Prix has seen numerous exciting moments and record-breaking feats over the years. McLaren leads the constructors’ tally with the most race wins at the Hungarian Grand Prix, securing a total of 11 victories. 

Their record in Hungary demonstrates the team’s ability to capitalize on the circuit’s characteristics, securing numerous victories and contributing significantly to their overall success in Formula 1.

Among the other competitive constructor teams, Mercedes and Red Bull Racing have also left their mark on the Hungarian Grand Prix. While not boasting as many wins as McLaren, their achievements should not be overlooked, as they continue to push for stronger results every year.

In conclusion, the Hungarian Grand Prix has given us unforgettable moments on the race track. As we gear up for future events, fans eagerly await to see which constructor will come out on top and join the ranks of these successful teams.

Hungarian Grand Prix – Fast Facts

The Hungarian Grand Prix has been an eventful and significant race in the history of Formula 1. Here are five fast facts about this prestigious race:

1. First-time winners: Several drivers have achieved their first F1 victory at the Hungarian Grand Prix, highlighting the unpredictability and challenge of this event. Drivers such as Damon Hill, Fernando Alonso, Heikki Kovalainen, and Esteban Ocon all secured their maiden F1 victories at this race.
   
2. Notable victories: Jenson Button’s first F1 victory in 2006 at the Hungarian Grand Prix was nothing short of electrifying, as he claimed victory from fourteenth on the grid. This amazing feat has only been replicated twice in the race’s history, with Nigel Mansell’s victory in 1989 being the other instance of a win from further back than fourth on the grid.
   
3. Challenging conditions: Hungary’s unpredictable weather has often played a crucial role in shaping the outcome of the Grand Prix. Wet conditions, combined with the tight and twisty nature of the Hungaroring circuit, make it a true test of a driver’s skill and an exciting spectacle for fans.
   
4. Consistency matters: Owing to the technical nature of the Hungaroring circuit and its limited overtaking opportunities, consistency and strategy are key factors for success at the Hungarian Grand Prix. This race has a history of magnifying the importance of tyre management, pit-stop tactics, and maximizing car performance over the entire race distance.
   
5. Home of firsts: The Hungarian Grand Prix has a special place in F1 history, as it was the first-ever Formula 1 race to be held behind the Iron Curtain when it debuted in 1986. This milestone highlights the sport’s ability to break through barriers and engage fans across the globe.
   

Mercedes Return To Form?

Hungary is a happy hunting ground for Mercedes, who despite struggling throughout 2022 and into 2023, have fond memories of last year’s race, as George Russell took his first podium for the team.

Mercedes Team Principal Toto Wolff is hoping for more of the same, saying ‘We head to Hungary looking forward to tackling the double-header before the summer shutdown. It has been an up-and-down first half of the year, but we can take several positives.

‘At Silverstone, we outscored our closest competitors. We executed well on race day. We were able to race to the podium and extend our P2 advantage in the championship. However, the order is fluctuating almost every weekend. We need to keep adding performance if we are to close the gap to the front and fight for victories.

‘Several teams have made big gains recently. This has brought some into the fight with us, especially McLaren. It has been impressive and gives us encouragement that we can also continue to find gains. We relish that challenge and will bring our own steps in due course.

‘The Hungaroring is a circuit that is quite different in nature to Silverstone. It will be interesting to explore how our latest upgrades perform in the long-radius, slow-speed corners. We have good memories from Hungary last year, with George’s first pole position in F1 and a double podium for the Team. This race also marks a decade since Lewis’ first win with us, so it’s a circuit full of good memories.

‘Hopefully we can have another strong showing this time out. We want to build on the positive momentum from Silverstone and take the fight to our rivals.’

Apprehensive Alex Albon

After a return to form for Williams and Alex Albon, the Thai driver has warned fans not to expect a repeat performance in Hungary, adding ‘Hungary is a great circuit and one that we all love to drive around, as it has a great flow to it. We’ve just come off the back of three strong races, however I think going into this week, we need to manage expectations slightly, as it’s not necessarily a track that should suit us. Nevertheless, we’ll see how the upgrades perform around a high downforce track, which is something that hasn’t been the case in the previous three races.’

Another Podium For Lando Norris?

McLaren’s Lando Norris was thrilled to be on the podium at his home grand prix last time out at Silverstone, and has been working hard to maximise the gains from recent upgrades to his MCL60. 

“Hungary up next, the start of the last double-header before the summer break. Getting on the podium in Silverstone felt really good. It’s great to be in that position, but we’ll keep working hard for the rest of the season as we keep improving our performance.

“Last week I was back at the MTC with my engineers working in preparation for Hungary. I look forward to getting back in the car and seeing what we can do. The Hungaroring is a challenging but fun track and Budapest is a great city, I’m really looking forward to getting back on track,” concluded Norris.