The Hungaroring circuit underwent urgent repairs overnight following concerns raised by several drivers about the track surface breaking up and low grip levels during the initial practice sessions of the 2026 Formula 1® Hungarian Grand Prix weekend. The issues primarily affected key sections of the track, prompting the FIA to intervene ahead of further sessions.
After the first day of practice, drivers from teams including Ferrari, McLaren, Mercedes, and Alpine reported difficulties with the track surface, especially at Turn 1. The racing line in this area was breaking up, leading to bumps and reduced grip. Despite some parts of the Hungaroring having been resurfaced within the last two years, the hot and dry summer conditions contributed to sub-surface settlement, which worsened the track’s condition. Additional problematic sections were identified at Turns 12 and 13, where the surface was worn and slippery.
Drivers described the track as challenging under these conditions. George Russell of Mercedes called it “super bumpy” and “quite strange to drive on,” while Alpine’s Franco Colapinto suffered a crash at Turn 12 due to the slippery resurfaced section. McLaren’s Oscar Piastri also noted the worn and low-grip nature of the newer track areas. Pirelli confirmed that grip levels were lower than expected, even falling below those recorded during the previous year’s event.
In response to these concerns, the FIA mandated overnight repairs focusing on Turn 1, a critical overtaking spot on the circuit. Two areas on and near the racing line were patched to improve safety and driving conditions ahead of the third practice session and qualifying. Drivers who had missed the earlier rookie sessions found adapting to the track particularly difficult due to the surface issues.
The repairs aimed to address the immediate safety risks and improve grip, though the overall impact on the weekend’s sessions was not detailed in the reports. The situation highlighted how environmental factors such as weather can affect track surfaces, even on circuits that have been resurfaced relatively recently.
The Hungaroring’s track condition during the 2026 Hungarian Grand Prix weekend serves as a reminder of the challenges faced by teams and officials in maintaining optimal racing surfaces under varying climatic conditions. The FIA’s prompt action to repair the track overnight reflects the priority placed on driver safety and race integrity in the championship.
