Lewis Hamilton is the greatest winner in the history of the Hungarian GP, while other drivers on the grid arrive at the Hungaroring trying to expand their own chapters in one of Formula 1’s most traditional circuits.
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The Hungaroring holds a special place on the Formula 1 calendar. Since hosting its first race in 1986, the circuit on the outskirts of Budapest has established itself as one of the most technical tracks in the category and has been the scene of some of the most remarkable victories in the sport’s recent history.
For many drivers on the current grid, racing in Hungary means returning to a circuit where they have already achieved important triumphs. For others, it represents the opportunity to write a new chapter on a track that usually rewards precision, consistency, and strategic intelligence.
Lewis Hamilton: the king of Budapest
No driver has built as strong a relationship with the Hungaroring as Lewis Hamilton. The Briton is the greatest winner in the history of the Hungarian GP, with **eight victories**, in addition to numerous pole positions and podiums throughout his career.
Now defending Ferrari, Hamilton returns to the circuit experiencing his best moment since joining the Italian team. The victory achieved in Barcelona and the Scuderia’s evolution in recent races make the seven-time champion one of the natural candidates for the top positions.
Max Verstappen seeks to extend his history
After years where Red Bull encountered difficulties in Hungary, Max Verstappen managed to transform the Hungaroring into another favorable circuit throughout the team’s recent era.
The Dutchman has **two consecutive victories** in the 2022 and 2023 editions and also won in 2024, becoming one of the most successful drivers on the current grid in Budapest after Hamilton. In 2026, he arrives trying to reduce Mercedes’ advantage in the championship and keep the dream of another title alive.
Fernando Alonso and the beginning of a historic trajectory
Fernando Alonso also has a special connection with Hungary. It was precisely at the Hungaroring that the Spaniard achieved his **first Formula 1 victory** in 2003, becoming, at the time, the youngest winner in the category’s history.
More than two decades later, the two-time champion remains on the grid and continues to use all his experience on a circuit that traditionally rewards drivers capable of managing tires and strategy.
Charles Leclerc seeks his first victory
Charles Leclerc already has good performances in Budapest, including poles and podiums, but is still looking for his first victory at the Hungarian GP.
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Experiencing a good phase with Ferrari and coming from a second place in Belgium, the Monegasque arrives at the event believing that the Hungaroring can offer another opportunity to fight directly for victory.
Norris and Piastri want to confirm McLaren’s strength
McLaren usually performs well on high-downforce circuits, which raises expectations for Lando Norris and Oscar Piastri.
Although they do not yet have as impressive a track record as Hamilton, Verstappen, or Alonso in Budapest, both have already demonstrated competitiveness on the circuit and arrive trying to put the British team back in contention for the top positions.
Antonelli and the new generation
For Kimi Antonelli, leader of the 2026 season, the Hungaroring represents another opportunity to expand a trajectory that is beginning to take on historical contours.
After the victory in Belgium, the Italian arrives in Hungary as one of the favorites and will try to win the Hungarian GP for the first time, further reinforcing the excellent campaign he is having in his debut season with Mercedes.
Gabriel Bortoleto also arrives on a high. The Brazilian scored points in the last races and is looking for his best result at the Hungaroring defending Audi, on a track where qualifying and strategy can favor midfield teams.
A circuit where experience makes a difference
Over the decades, the Hungaroring has shown that speed is only part of the equation. The difficulty in overtaking, tire wear, and the need for the right strategy make experience a decisive factor.
That’s precisely why drivers like Hamilton and Alonso have built such consistent track records in Budapest. At the same time, the 2026 edition offers a new opportunity for names like Antonelli, Leclerc, Norris, Piastri, and Bortoleto to write their own chapters in one of Formula 1’s most traditional circuits.
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