The Hungarian Grand Prix was particularly appreciated by many drivers, who regained more natural driving sensations thanks to the characteristics of the Hungaroring.
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Unlike other circuits on the calendar, where energy management plays a major role, the Hungarian track allows pushing the car further without being constantly limited by hybrid systems.
Oliver Bearman acknowledged that his preferences have considerably evolved with the 2026 regulations: “If you had asked me last year, I would have said Spa. This year, I would probably say Hungary and Austria rather than Silverstone and Spa. It sounds crazy, but that’s the reality. ”
Ocon on his favorite ground
His teammate at Haas, Esteban Ocon, also appreciated this greater freedom at the wheel: “Being able to choose the gearbox ratios and the driving style we want to adopt is really nice. It reminds me a bit of the old days. ”
The Frenchman did not hide his attachment to the Hungaroring, the scene of the greatest achievement of his career when he won with Alpine in 2021: “This circuit remains my favorite. I love it. I had a smile from the start to the end of the weekend, and it’s really pleasant.”
At Audi, Gabriel Bortoleto explained that Hungary was one of the circuits where drivers have a sufficient energy reserve, which completely changes the course of the races: “Today, it was a bit like last year. It’s a circuit where you have a good energy reserve, so you don’t find yourself limited on the straights.”
According to the Brazilian, this reduces the speed gaps between cars and favors overtaking: “There isn’t a huge speed difference between the cars. This year, it probably gave us more overtaking opportunities.”
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A more classic F1
Red Bull and Racing Bulls drivers, Isack Hadjar and Liam Lawson, also shared this enthusiasm.
For Hadjar, Hungary allowed a return to a much more traditional driving style: “It’s nice to reach top speed at the end of the straights. We find a more classic Formula 1.”
The Frenchman nevertheless regrets that drivers are now led to rank circuits according to their level of energy management: “It’s a bit sad that today we consider the best circuits as those where we have a lot of energy. That’s how we rank them now. Spa is one of the most beautiful circuits in the world, but it was one of the most unpleasant to drive with this regulation.”
The same observation for Liam Lawson, who directly compared Hungary to Spa-Francorchamps: “We went from what is probably the worst circuit to one of the best. In terms of energy management, it was much more pleasant than last week. Overall, the race was much more enjoyable to compete in.”
These testimonies illustrate the criticisms made by several drivers regarding the 2026 cars. The Hungaroring, less demanding in terms of energy management, allowed them to regain a more instinctive driving style closer to that of previous generations of Formula 1.
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