Lewis Hamilton is the most successful winner in the history of the Hungarian Grand Prix, while other drivers on the grid arrive at the Hungaroring seeking to add to their own chapters on one of Formula 1’s most traditional circuits.
The Hungaroring holds a special place in the Formula 1 calendar. Since hosting its first race in 1986, the circuit on the outskirts of Budapest has solidified itself as one of the sport’s most technical tracks and has been the stage for some of the most memorable victories in the recent history of the sport.
For many drivers on the current grid, racing in Hungary means returning to a track where they have already secured important triumphs. For others, it represents the opportunity to write a new chapter on a layout that tends to reward precision, consistency, and strategic intelligence.
Lewis Hamilton: the King of Budapest
No driver has built a stronger relationship with the Hungaroring than Lewis Hamilton. The British driver is the all-time winner of the Hungarian Grand Prix, with eight wins, along with numerous poles and podiums throughout his career.
Now racing for Ferrari, Hamilton returns to the circuit in the best form of his career since joining the Italian outfit. The victory secured in Barcelona and the Scuderia’s progress in recent events place the seven-time champion among the natural favorites for a top-placement finish.
Max Verstappen seeks to extend his story
After years in which Red Bull faced difficulties in Hungary, Max Verstappen managed to turn the Hungaroring into another circuit favorable to the team in the recent era.
The Dutch driver has accumulated two consecutive wins in 2022 and 2023, and also won in 2024, making him one of the most successful drivers on the current grid in Budapest after Hamilton. In 2026, he arrives aiming to close the gap to Mercedes in the standings and keep alive the dream of another title.
Fernando Alonso and the start of a historic journey
Fernando Alonso also has a special connection with Hungary. It was precisely at the Hungaroring that the Spaniard clinched his first Formula 1 victory, in 2003, becoming, at the time, the youngest winner in the sport’s history.
More than two decades later, the two-time world champion remains on the grid and continues to draw on his experience at a circuit that traditionally rewards drivers who can manage tires and strategy.
Charles Leclerc seeks his first win
Charles Leclerc already has a record of strong performances in Budapest, including poles and podiums, but is still chasing his first victory at the Hungarian Grand Prix.
In good form with Ferrari and coming off a second place in Belgium, the Monegasque arrives at the event believing that the Hungaroring could offer yet another opportunity to contend directly for the win.
Norris and Piastri aim to confirm McLaren’s strength
McLaren tends to perform well on high-downforce circuits, which raises expectations for Lando Norris and Oscar Piastri.
Although their track record at Budapest isn’t as substantial as Hamilton’s, Verstappen’s, or Alonso’s, both have already shown competitiveness on the circuit and arrive looking to reestablish the British team in the fight for the leading 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 historic dimensions.
After the victory in Belgium, the Italian lands in Hungary as one of the favorites and will try for the first time to win the Hungarian Grand Prix, further strengthening the excellent campaign he is delivering in his debut season with Mercedes.
Gabriel Bortoleto also arrives in good form. The Brazilian has scored points in the latest rounds and seeks his best result at the Hungaroring, defending Audi, on a track where qualifying and strategy can favor mid-pack 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 of overtaking, tire wear, and the need to get the strategy right make experience a decisive factor.
That is precisely why drivers like Hamilton and Alonso have built such consistent 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 on one of Formula 1’s most traditional circuits.
