Hungaroring in profile
Last Updated: 24/05/23 5:22pm
A curiosity in more ways than one, the Hungaroring boasts a unique piece of history in being the first circuit to have staged a Grand Prix behind the old 'Iron Curtain' in 1986.
Set in a valley, the circuit's original designers made full use of the natural terrain, using the bumps and crests to create a unique driving challenge. With 80 per cent of the track visible from certain spots in the grandstands, it's also great venue for spectators to attend.
Indeed, with the circuit situated close to tourist hotspot Budapest, fans from around the world travel each year and, with the entire area caught up with F1 fever, the result is a real party atmosphere. Indeed, with the successes of Mika Hakkinen and latterly Kimi Raikkonen, it has become something on an unofficial 'Finnish GP'.
Track length - 4.381km
Number of laps - 70
On paper, the track looks very difficult for overtaking, but the Hungarian GP has produced some exciting moments this century.
In 2006, Jenson Button won his maiden F1 race and five years later he won a mixed weather classic for McLaren. In 2014, Daniel Ricciardo produced a superb performance by overtaking Lewis Hamilton and Fernando Alonso in the closing stages for victory.
In 2019, Hamilton beat Verstappen in a battle of strategy and two years later, Esteban Ocon claimed an unexpected first win by holding off Sebastian Vettel following a chaotic start to the race which saw Valtteri Bottas and Lance Stroll take out both Red Bulls and Lando Norris. Then, Hamilton started the race by himself on the grid when the rest of the field pitted at the end of the formation lap for dry tyres.
The drama at the Hungaroring hasn't stopped there recently, as Verstappen started from 10th and had a spin on his way to a rollercoaster win in 2022.
