Hungarian Grand Prix facts for kids
| Hungaroring | |
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| Race information | |
|---|---|
| Number of times held | 41 |
| First held | 1936 |
| Most wins (drivers) |  Lewis Hamilton (8) |
| Most wins (constructors) | McLaren (13) |
| Circuit length | 4.381 km (2.722 mi) |
| Race length | 306.630 km (190.531 mi) |
| Laps | 70 |
| Last race (2025) | |
| Pole position | |
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| Podium | |
| Fastest lap | |
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The Hungarian Grand Prix is a big car racing event. It happens every year at the Hungaroring racetrack. This track is just outside Budapest, the capital city of Hungary. The race has been a regular part of the FIA Formula One World Championship since 1986. It usually takes place in the middle of summer.
Contents
History of the Race
Early Days of the Grand Prix
The very first Hungarian Grand Prix was held on June 21, 1936. It took place on a track that was about 5 kilometers long. This track was set up in Népliget, a park in Budapest. Famous car teams like Mercedes-Benz, Auto Union, and Ferrari brought their cars to race. Many people came to watch this exciting event. However, because of world events and a big war, Grand Prix racing stopped in Hungary for fifty years.
Racing at the Hungaroring
The 1986 Hungarian Grand Prix was a huge deal. It was the first Formula One race ever held in a country that was part of the "Iron Curtain." This was a term for countries in Eastern Europe that were under Soviet influence. The race happened at the Hungaroring track, which is known for being twisty. It is located near Budapest. Since then, the race has always been on the Formula One calendar.
About 200,000 people watched the first race at Hungaroring. Even though tickets were expensive, many fans showed up. Today, people are still very excited about the race. Many visitors come from Germany and Finland to watch. The special trophies given to the winners are handmade. They are created by Herendi Porcelánmanufaktúra Zrt. It takes about six months to make each trophy, and they cost a lot of money!
The Hungaroring track is narrow and twisty. It can also be dusty because it is not used all the time. This makes it hard for cars to pass each other during the race. Sometimes, many cars follow closely behind one another, unable to get ahead. For example, in 1990, Thierry Boutsen kept his slower Williams car in front of Ayrton Senna. Senna, who was leading the championship, could not find a way to pass.
Because passing is so difficult, pit stop strategy is very important. In 1998, Michael Schumacher's Ferrari team changed his strategy during the race. Schumacher then built up a big lead after his pit stops and won. While passing is rare, there have been exciting moments. In 1989, Nigel Mansell started from 12th place. He passed many cars and took the lead when Ayrton Senna was slowed down by another car. The track was changed a little in 2003 to try and make it easier for cars to pass.
Memorable Races and Winners
Many drivers have achieved their first Grand Prix wins in Budapest. These include Damon Hill in 1993 and Fernando Alonso in 2003. Alonso was the first Spanish driver to win a Grand Prix. He was also the youngest winner at that time. Other first-time winners include Jenson Button in 2006, Heikki Kovalainen in 2008, Esteban Ocon in 2021, and Oscar Piastri in 2024.
In 1997, Damon Hill almost won in his Arrows-Yamaha car. It was not as fast as other cars. But his car lost power on the last lap, and he finished second. In 2014, Lewis Hamilton started from the pit lane. He still managed to finish third, just six seconds behind the winner, Daniel Ricciardo.
In 2001, Michael Schumacher won his 51st Grand Prix at the Hungaroring. This tied the record held by Alain Prost. This win also helped Schumacher secure his fourth Drivers' Championship. This also matched Prost's total championships.
The 2006 Grand Prix was the first time the race was held in wet conditions. Jenson Button started from 14th place and won his first race.
In 2020, Lewis Hamilton won the Hungarian Grand Prix for the eighth time. This tied the record for the most wins at a single Grand Prix. Michael Schumacher also won the French Grand Prix eight times. The next year had a very memorable race. Mercedes driver Valtteri Bottas was in a crash on the first lap in wet conditions. Many cars were involved, including Max Verstappen and Lando Norris. After a red flag stopped the race, Alpine's Esteban Ocon led most of the race. He went on to win, which was his team's first victory since 2013. Hamilton finished second. The 2022 race was won by Max Verstappen.
The Hungarian Grand Prix will continue to be held at the Hungaroring for many years. In 2013, it was confirmed that Hungary would host the race until 2021. The track was completely resurfaced in 2016. The deal was then extended for five more years, until 2026. At the 2023 Hungarian Grand Prix, the contract was extended even further, until 2032.
Race Winners
Drivers with Multiple Wins
Drivers in bold are racing in Formula One this season.
| Wins | Driver | Years Won |
|---|---|---|
| 8 | Lewis Hamilton |
2007, 2009, 2012, 2013, 2016, 2018, 2019, 2020 |
| 4 |  Michael Schumacher |
1994, 1998, 2001, 2004 |
| 3 |  Ayrton Senna |
1988, 1991, 1992 |
| 2 |  Nelson Piquet |
1986, 1987 |
| Damon Hill |
1993, 1995 | |
 Jacques Villeneuve |
1996, 1997 | |
 Mika Häkkinen |
1999, 2000 | |
| Jenson Button |
2006, 2011 | |
| Sebastian Vettel |
2015, 2017 | |
 Max Verstappen |
2022, 2023 | |
| Source: | ||
Teams with Multiple Wins
Teams in bold are racing in Formula One this season.
| Wins | Constructor | Years Won |
|---|---|---|
| 13 | McLaren |
1988, 1991, 1992, 1999, 2000, 2005, 2007, 2008, 2009, 2011, 2012, 2024, 2025 |
| 7 | Williams |
1986, 1987, 1990, 1993, 1995, 1996, 1997 |
 Ferrari |
1989, 1998, 2001, 2002, 2004, 2015, 2017 | |
| 5 | Mercedes |
2013, 2016, 2018, 2019, 2020 |
| 4 |  Red Bull |
2010, 2014, 2022, 2023 |
| Source: | ||
Engine Manufacturers with Multiple Wins
Manufacturers in bold are racing in Formula One this season.
| Wins | Manufacturer | Years Won |
|---|---|---|
| 15 | Mercedes * |
1999, 2000, 2005, 2007, 2008, 2009, 2011, 2012, 2013, 2016, 2018, 2019, 2020, 2024, 2025 |
| 9 |  Renault |
1990, 1993, 1995, 1996, 1997, 2003, 2010, 2014, 2021 |
| 7 | Ferrari |
1989, 1998, 2001, 2002, 2004, 2015, 2017 |
| 6 |  Honda |
1986, 1987, 1988, 1991, 1992, 2006 |
| Source: | ||
* Between 1999 and 2005 built by Ilmor, funded by Mercedes
Winners by Year
A pink background means the event was not part of the Formula One World Championship.
See also
In Spanish: Gran Premio de Hungría para niños
