Formula 1 returns this weekend with the Hungarian Grand Prix, the 11th round of the 2026 season and the last race before the sport’s three-week summer break. The Hungaroring, one of the most technical circuits on the calendar, hosts a race that could further shape the title battle as championship leader Kimi Antonelli looks to extend his advantage.
Antonelli arrives in Budapest on the back of Belgium triumph
Antonelli heads to Hungary after claiming victory at last weekend’s Belgian Grand Prix, his sixth Formula 1 win. The Mercedes driver converted pole position into another dominant performance, strengthening his grip on the championship.
Ferrari’s Charles Leclerc finished second at Spa-Francorchamps after briefly leading the race, while Red Bull’s Max Verstappen completed the podium.
The race also dealt another setback to Antonelli’s teammate George Russell, who retired after colliding with Lewis Hamilton on the opening lap.
Championship standings before Round 11
Antonelli now leads the drivers’ championship by 45 points over Ferrari’s Lewis Hamilton, who sits second after 10 rounds.
Russell’s retirement in Belgium has hurt his title challenge, while the other drivers like Charles Leclerc, Lando Norris, Oscar Piastri and Max Verstappen remains within are further away. With only one race remaining before the summer break, the Hungarian Grand Prix offers another opportunity for the leading contenders to gain ground before the championship pauses.
Read also : F1: Antonelli wins Belgian Grand Prix at Spa to extend championship lead
Hungaroring: A circuit that rewards precision
Located on the outskirts of Budapest, the Hungaroring has been part of the Formula 1 calendar since 1986. It is often described by drivers as " Monaco without the walls, " and with its narrow, twisty layout, there are few overtaking opportunities, which means qualifying is particularly important.
The 4.38-kilometre circuit features 70 laps for a total race distance of 306 kilometres. Lewis Hamilton holds both the lap record (1:16.627, set in 2020) and the records for the most victories (8) and pole positions (9) at the venue.
Who’s likely to win?
Antonelli enters the weekend as the driver to beat after winning in Belgium and maintaining consistent form throughout the season.
Mercedes is expected to perform well on a circuit that rewards strong balance and traction, although Ferrari could also be competitive thanks to its cornering speed. Leclerc showed encouraging pace at Spa, while Hamilton’s record in Hungary makes him another contender despite Ferrari’s inconsistent qualifying performances in recent races.
Verstappen, a two-time winner at the Hungaroring, will also be aiming to challenge for victory after another podium finish in Belgium.
Hungarian Grand Prix schedule (Morocco time)
Friday, July 24
- Free Practice 1: 12:30 - 13:30
- Free Practice 2: 16:00 - 17:00
Saturday, July 25
- Free Practice 3: 11:30 - 12:30
- Qualifying: 15:00 - 16:00
Sunday, July 26
- Grand Prix race: 14:00
