2026 Formula 1 Hungarian Grand Prix timetable

After the high-speed action at Spa-Francorchamps, the paddock remains in Europe for another iconic venue. The Hungarian Grand Prix will use the traditional weekend format, with two practice sessions on Friday, final practice and qualifying on Saturday, before Sunday's race.

The championship battle remains wide open heading into Budapest. Mercedes' Kimi Antonelli leads the drivers' standings by 45 points over Ferrari's Lewis Hamilton, while George Russell sits a further 50 points behind his teammate after failing to score at Spa-Francorchamps. With the Hungaroring's slow corners and limited overtaking opportunities, qualifying is once again expected to play a crucial role in determining the outcome of Sunday's race.

Recent history could also point towards a strong weekend for McLaren. The Woking-based team has enjoyed considerable success at the Hungaroring in recent years, making it one of the teams to watch as Formula 1 returns to Budapest. The circuit's technical layout and emphasis on aerodynamic performance could once again suit the characteristics of the McLaren.

At 4.381 kilometres, the Hungaroring is one of the shorter circuits on the Formula 1 calendar. Its narrow and twisty layout features a series of technical corners and relatively few long straights, earning it a reputation as one of the most challenging tracks for overtaking. The circuit is often compared to a karting track because of its rhythm and succession of corners, placing a premium on precision, consistency and mechanical grip.

Located just outside Budapest, the Hungaroring has been a permanent fixture on the Formula 1 calendar since 1986 and has hosted some of the most memorable races in the sport's history. With its passionate crowds, summer atmosphere and close proximity to the Hungarian capital, the Hungarian Grand Prix remains one of the most popular European stops of the Formula 1 season.

Below is the timetable of the Hungarian Grand Prix weekend in Central European Time (CET):

Friday, July 24

13:30 – 14:30 Free Practice 1
17:00 – 18:00 Free Practice 2

Saturday, July 25

12:30 – 13:00 Free Practice 3
16:00 – 17:00 Qualifying

Sunday, July 26

15:00 Grand Prix