22 July 2026 09:45 (UTC)
It is 40 years since the Hungarian Grand Prix joined the Formula 1 calendar, and there have been plenty of memorable moments across the four decades
When Formula 1 made its debut at the newly built Hungaroring in 1986, it was meant to be a focal point for the Championship in the region – and so it proved. Hungary has had one of the longest unbroken streaks on the calendar, and this season marks 40 years since the inaugural Grand Prix at the tight and twisty circuit, which is located in a natural valley.
To celebrate this milestone, we’ve looked back on our success at the Hungaroring over the decades.
Ayrton had been on Pole for Hungary’s inaugural Grand Prix in 1986, but he had to wait another two years for his first victory at the track, coming during his maiden campaign with McLaren. It was a pivotal win, as Ayrton fended off the threat from Nigel Mansell and team-mate Alain, finishing just half a second in front of the fellow McLaren car, putting him level on points with Alain in the Championship. Ayrton went on to score two further wins in Hungary, in 1991 and 1992.
Mika Häkkinen missed out in Hungary in 1998, despite leading for 46 laps, as Ferrari successfully adopted an alternate strategy, before a late driveshaft issue dropped him to sixth at the Flag. He made amends the following year with a straightforward lights-to-flag win in what turned out to be his second title-winning campaign. Mika was only third on the grid in 2000, but an electric start propelled him up into first place at the opening corner. From here, the Flying Finn dominated, leading every lap, save the first round of pit stops, to win by eight seconds.
2005’s MP4-20 was fast but fragile. In the hands of Kimi Räikkönen at the Hungaroring, its potential was firmly unleashed. Kimi bided his time during the early stints of the race, running behind Michael Schumacher’s Ferrari, but after using the undercut to take the lead, he flew clear of the pack, leaving no doubt over the outcome of the Grand Prix. Kimi put in a sequence of rapid laps on a baking hot afternoon at the Hungaroring to win by over half a minute.
Lewis claimed three victories with McLaren at the Hungarian Grand Prix, in 2007, 2009, and 2012. The success of 2009 came during a difficult season, with the MP4-24 initially proving problematic. However, a large upgrade package introduced in Germany, the round prior, raised hopes, and in Hungary Lewis flew. He took the lead during the opening laps and was untroubled up front thereafter. The improvements were so stark that Lewis’ visit to the top step was McLaren’s first appearance on the podium that year.
Heikki spent two years racing for McLaren. A popular and humble member of the team, he enjoyed his day in the sun in 2008. The Finn was running third during the opening stint of the race, behind Lewis and the Ferrari of Felipe Massa. Lewis suffered a tyre deflation, dropping him down the order, while leader Massa retired just three laps from home due to an engine failure. Heikki was thus promoted into the lead, and went on to capture his sole victory for McLaren, becoming the 100th different driver to win in Formula 1.
The Hungaroring was a happy hunting ground for Jenson, who scored a well-overdue maiden F1 win during a wet/dry race in 2006. Five years later, similarly changeable weather played into the Briton’s hands. Jenson was third, but an early switch to slick tyres on a drying track gave him second, ahead of Sebastian Vettel, and he battled against Lewis for the lead when the rain returned. While Lewis opted for Intermediates, Jenson stayed out on slicks, and was rewarded when the shower turned out to be brief. A fine way for Jenson to celebrate his 200th Grand Prix start.
By this stage in 2024, Oscar had been knocking on the door of the winners’ club for several rounds, and in Hungary he stamped his authority on the race by passing Lando into Turn 1. Oscar fronted Lando during the first round of pit stops, but ceded position through the second phase, after Lando was given the undercut to protect against the risk posed by the chasing pack. With a 1-2 safely secured, Lando allowed Oscar back into the lead to claim his maiden Grand Prix victory.
Lando initially looked out of contention for top honours in the early laps, but the team’s decision to adopt an alternative strategy – Lando made just one pit stop compared to the conventional two for his rivals – propelled him into the lead during the closing stages. He defended well from Oscar in the final laps to seal McLaren’s 200th Grand Prix win, and the team’s second successive 1-2 in Hungary. It would later prove to be a key win in a historic World Championship-winning campaign for both him and the team.
