It is race week, and this time, Formula 1 heads to Budapest for the Hungarian Grand Prix 2025 right before the summer break. Last weekend, Oscar Piastri went back to first place after the Spanish Grand Prix on June 1, and now will have the opportunity to repeat last year’s victory when he debuts with his maiden victory in Formula 1 in a race where Lando Norris was obliged to give Piastri first place. This season’s circumstances do not need to put one McLaren driver over the other, and the internal competition is intensifying race after race, especially after Belgium, which has once again opened a 16-point gap between the two. Let’s see which driver is the favorite for this race with us at PayPerHead.
On the other hand, Max Verstappen appears to be settled a little behind, having fewer points than the required to engage in a battle for the championship title, while Charles Leclerc fights for third place, having secured his fifth podium of the season. The other Ferrari driver, multiple champion Lewis Hamilton, appears to continue his struggle after the Belgian Grand Prix, as he was eliminated after two qualifying sessions and finished seventh in the race. However, he is looking forward to bouncing back in Budapest on a track where he has won eight times.
2025 Hungarian Grand Prix: Complete Race Weekend Schedule
- Practice 1: Friday, August 01
- Practice 2: Friday, August 01
- Practice 3: Saturday, August 02
- Qualifying: Saturday, August 02
- Race: Sunday, August 03
A Deep Dive into the F1 Hungarian Grand Prix Circuit
The town of Mogyoród, 20 km from Budapest, became a new Formula 1 circuit on June 21, 1986, when the British entrepreneur Bernie Ecclestone organized the Hungarian Grand Prix, which was held over a 5-kilometer course, establishing itself as one of the most important races in the Formula 1 calendar, reaching its 40th anniversary this year. This event traditionally takes place between mid-July and late August and is one of the driest races ever, with just one wet race in 2006.
Its curious karting-like form makes this circuit very peculiar. The lack of straights, combined with several series of corners, makes it a challenge for many drivers, as the lack of good rhythm often prevents any pilot from taking the lead. This is the reason behind the nickname ‘Monaco without the barriers’ due to the difficulty of overtaking. However, the Hungaroring has witnessed some impressive performances, including Michael Schumacher’s win in 1998, with a great display of strategy, Jenson Button’s maiden victory in 2006, Oscar Piastri’s last year, and Esteban Ocon’s unbelievable triumph for Alpine in 2021.
F1 Hungary GP Last Five Years’ Race Winners & Results
| Year | Driver | Team | Time | Margin |
| 2020 | (GBR) Lewis Hamilton | Mercedes | 1hr 36m 12.473s | 8.702s |
| 2021 | (FRA) Esteban Ocon | Alpine-Renault | 2hr 04m 43.199s | 1.859s |
| 2022 | (NLD) Max Verstappen | Red Bull-RBPT | 1hr 39m 35.912s | 7.834s |
| 2023 | (NLD) Max Verstappen | Red Bull-Honda RBPT | 1hr 38m 08.634s | 33.731s |
| 2024 | (AUS) Oscar Piastri | McLaren-Mercedes | 1hr 38m 01.989s | 2.141s |
Formula 1 Standings Update: Driver & Team Battles Heading to Hungaroring
Oscar Piastri strengthened his first position in the general standings after earning 25 points in the Belgian Grand Prix, enlarging the gap with his teammate Lando Norris by 16 points after two races, where the British Norris seemed to close the distance to just 8 points. This situation in the drivers’ championship only consolidates McLaren as the number one racing team in the constructors’ championship, with 516 points, more than half of its closest pursuer, Ferrari, which has 248 points.
Now, at the Hungarian Grand Prix, they will have the opportunity to continue their historical winning streak in Budapest, being the team that has beaten the circuit the most times (12), followed by Williams and Ferrari with seven each. On the other hand, Max Verstappen will continue in third position with 185 points, followed by George Russell (157), Charles Leclerc (139), and the most successful driver in the Hungarian Grand Prix, Lewis Hamilton, with 109 points and having won this track eight times (2007, 2009, 2012, 2013, 2016, 2018, 2019, 2020).
Hungary Grand Prix 2025 Prediction: Who Takes the Win?
The 70-lap Hungarian circuit will likely see Piastri and Norris fight for first place, just as they did last year, with the difference that this time, Norris will not give up anything. Both drivers have proven to be in their best shape this season, and it is unlikely to change anytime soon. The real battle is for that third spot, with Verstappen fighting race after race, Leclerc earning podium spots, and Russell trying to keep up, accumulating good points. Any surprise is welcome, such as Kimi Antonellu or Nico Hülkenberg; otherwise, everything indicates the same top-elite drivers securing the privileged positions.
