Just before the summer break, Formula 1 returns to the quintessential Hungaroring for the Hungarian Grand Prix this weekend.
With the championship battle continuing to heat up, several teams will be looking to build momentum before the summer break, while others hope to bounce back from disappointing recent performances.
Here’s everything you need to know ahead of the Hungarian Grand Prix, including the weekend schedule and what to expect from one of F1’s most narrow and twisty circuits.
Weekend schedule
The Hungarian Grand Prix is set to begin on Friday, July 24, with the first free practice scheduled to start at 12:30 BST, followed by another practice session at 16:00 BST.
The following day, viewers can watch FP3 at 11:30 BST before qualifying gets underway at 15:00 BST.
The main race will take place on Sunday, July 26, with lights out scheduled for 14:00 BST.
Race preview
Following another impressive win by Kimi Antonelli in Belgium last week, Formula 1 fans can expect to see standout drivers return to their screens.
Last year, the Hungaroring saw McLaren driver Lando Norris take victory, with team-mate Oscar Piastri and Mercedes’ George Russell joining him on the podium.
As McLaren have steadily improved in competitive ability despite their electrical issues and engine problems, this year’s Hungarian Grand Prix may see some of its previous winners return to the podium.
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Podium predictions at the Hungaroring
With many strong drivers ready to show their worth, this time around the Hungarian track is set to be a close race.
Here are some of the names we can expect to see on the podium this weekend.
1 – Lewis Hamilton (Ferrari)
Hamilton heads to Hungary as the most successful driver in the circuit’s history, having claimed eight victories between 2007 and 2020.
The seven-time world champion also arrives at the Hungaroring determined to succeed after moving up to second place in the Drivers’ Championship following a fourth-place finish at Spa-Francorchamps.
With Ferrari’s new-found ability to secure podiums, Hamilton will be looking to add a ninth Hungarian Grand Prix win to his impressive record at the track.
2 – Kimi Antonelli (Mercedes)
Antonelli enters the Hungaroring leading the 2026 Drivers’ Championship by 45 points after winning the Belgian Grand Prix last weekend.
The young Italian has left his mark on the paddock with a record-breaking F1 season so far, along with an ability to achieve under pressure and compete with senior drivers.
With his unstoppable form firmly on his side and the Mercedes engine continuing to dominate, Antonelli will be looking to strengthen his championship lead heading into the summer break.
3 – George Russell (Mercedes)
Russell has been a notable standout performer of the 2026 season, and yet he is showing signs of struggle, sitting third in the Drivers’ Championship due to a DNF last weekend.
The Brit has never claimed victory at Hungary but continues to extract the maximum from his Mercedes at every opportunity.
With the championship battle intensifying and the pressure to perform, Russell will be hoping to convert the strength of his Mercedes into a lump sum of points this race weekend.
4 – Max Verstappen (Red Bull Racing)
Despite his struggles this term, the Hungaroring has seen Verstappen as its winner twice before.
The processional nature of the track suits Verstappen’s strengths as a driver who qualifies strongly and can create massive first-place leads.
Mad Max also finds himself 12 points off a top-five position in the drivers’ standings, making the Dutchman hungry for a strong finish before the summer break.
Verstappen, having won in Hungary as recently as 2023, may be able to claim his third win at the track should he be able to qualify in the top three.
5 – Lando Norris (McLaren)
Norris arrives in Hungary looking to reignite his championship challenge after an inconsistent run of results compared to the start of the season.
The Brit has previously excelled at the Hungaroring, where McLaren’s strong performance through medium-speed corners has often made the team a genuine contender for podium finishes.
With every point becoming increasingly valuable before F1 heads into its summer break, Norris will be aiming to maximise McLaren’s pace and return to the podium in Budapest.
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SportJustSport writers 
Aidan Leo