Hungarian Grand Prix Turns 40: Hungaroring Hosts F1 Action and Pirelli Tyre Test

Formula 1 returns to the historic Hungaroring this weekend for the 40th anniversary of the Hungarian Grand Prix, marking the final race before the championship heads into its traditional summer break. The iconic circuit near Budapest will also host a crucial Pirelli tyre development test on August 5 and 6, aimed at finalising tyre constructions and compounds for the 2026 F1 season.

40 Years of Formula 1 at the Hungaroring

First hosting a Formula 1 race in 1986, the Hungarian Grand Prix was the sport’s first venture behind the Iron Curtain and has since remained a consistent presence on the calendar — even during the COVID-affected 2020 season. As the circuit celebrates four decades of Grand Prix history, it’s undergoing a significant transformation, with upgrades to the pit complex, pit lane, main straight, and paddock already underway.

The grid area and pit lane have been completely resurfaced using 860 tonnes of specially designed asphalt, incorporating a high-softening-point bitumen to better handle the region’s intense summer heat. The new surface debuted during GT races in early July and is being evaluated for grip and consistency during this F1 weekend.

Tyre Strategy and Pirelli’s Role

Pirelli, Formula 1’s exclusive tyre supplier, will run a two-day tyre test at the Hungaroring after the Grand Prix, involving Ferrari, McLaren, Racing Bulls (one day each), and Alpine (both days). The aim is to evaluate new tyre constructions—to be homologated by September 1—and prototype compounds, which must be approved by December 15.

For this weekend’s race, Pirelli is sticking to last year’s slick tyre selection:

• C3 (Hard)
• C4 (Medium)
• C5 (Soft)

While the newer C6 compound introduced in 2025 offers greater grip, it has been deemed too soft for the energy demands of the Hungaroring, where short lap distances create significant cumulative stress on tyres. Combined with high ambient temperatures—last year’s race saw track temperatures peak at 58.6°C—teams are expected to face thermal degradation challenges, especially on the Soft compound in qualifying.

In 2024, most teams opted for a two-stop strategy, with 13 drivers starting on Mediums. Others mixed strategies with Hards or Softs, while Racing Bulls’ Yuki Tsunoda stood out as the only one-stop finisher. Aston Martin’s Fernando Alonso and Lance Stroll used all three compounds during their race, highlighting the strategic diversity the track often produces.

Tyre Pressures and Air Management

Before each race weekend, Pirelli inflates all tyres using dried compressed air to prevent moisture build-up. The tyres are initially pressurised to 60 psi to check fitment, then reduced to 45 psi before distribution to teams. Teams may opt to continue using compressed air or switch to nitrogen, a more stable gas that reduces pressure fluctuation. Use of any other gas or mixture is prohibited by regulation.

At the Hungaroring, minimum starting pressures have been set at 22 psi (front) and 20 psi (rear). These may be adjusted after each session based on Pirelli’s analysis for safety and performance consistency.

Hungaroring Challenges

Track evolution plays a major role in Hungary, especially in the early sessions. The resurfaced layout is expected to impact grip levels, with graining potentially affecting early practice runs. Drivers must manage tyre temperature even during qualifying laps, particularly through the final two corners where overheating can lead to sudden loss of performance.

Hungarian GP Stats: F1 Legends Shine Here

The Hungaroring has seen many iconic moments over the decades:

• Lewis Hamilton holds the record with 8 wins, 9 pole positions, and 12 podiums.
• Michael Schumacher follows with 4 wins and 7 poles, while Kimi Räikkönen is second for podium finishes with 9.
• McLaren leads the teams with 12 wins, while Ferrari and Williams have 7 each.
• Ferrari tops the podium count at the venue with 29 appearances, ahead of McLaren (25) and Williams (18).

Notably, two current drivers earned their maiden F1 wins at this venue: Fernando Alonso in 2003 (Renault) and Esteban Ocon in 2021 (Alpine)—both driving for the same Enstone-based team under different names.

What’s Next?

After this weekend’s Grand Prix and Pirelli’s two-day tyre test, Formula 1 will resume post-summer break with the Italian Grand Prix at Monza in September. Pirelli’s tyre testing will continue with six more days spread across Monza, Mugello, and Mexico City, shaping the future of F1 rubber for the 2026 season.