The FIA and Hungaroring carried out emergency asphalt repairs after Formula 1 drivers criticized track conditions during Friday’s practice sessions. Recently resurfaced sections showed undulations, inconsistency, and signs of deterioration under the cars’ load.
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The main problems appeared at Turn 1, an important overtaking point, and in the final corners, where some drivers had to avoid the apex to stay on a more stable surface. George Russell described the work as very poor and lamented the situation at a circuit he considers one of the most enjoyable on the calendar.
“It’s very bumpy. We saw a lot of people locking up their tires at Turn 1, and the track was breaking up in the last corner,” said the Mercedes driver. Oscar Piastri also noted differences in grip on the new sections, while Franco Colapinto lost the rear of his Alpine and crashed in the final corner during FP2.
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After an inspection led by race director Rui Marques on Friday night, the FIA confirmed intervention in two areas, one on the normal racing line and another to the right, where a car would pass in an overtaking attempt. Hungaroring explained that it used infrared technology to soften the asphalt again before correcting the surface with compaction.
Pirelli had already been warned that the surface was breaking up after other categories competed at the venue. Simone Berra explained that the condition could reduce grip, increase sliding, and raise tire overheating. In FP3, however, the repaired sections showed improvement, with fewer lock-ups and signs of wear, although overall grip still remained low as the track accumulated rubber.
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