Following numerous criticisms made on Friday, the FIA and the Hungaroring carried out overnight repairs on several sections of the circuit before FP3.
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The Hungarian Grand Prix was almost disrupted by the condition of the Hungaroring’s surface. On Friday, several drivers alerted the FIA to the rapid degradation of certain recently resurfaced track sections, which were deemed particularly bumpy and uneven.
Problems emerged from the very first free practice sessions. Under the stresses imposed by Formula 1 cars, several areas of the new asphalt began to deteriorate, offering highly variable grip levels from one corner to the next.
The most affected sectors were notably at the first corner, the main overtaking point on the circuit, as well as in the final sequences, where some drivers preferred to avoid the apex to stay on a more stable section of the track.
Russell and Piastri highly critical
George Russell did not hide his dissatisfaction at the end of the second free practice session. The Mercedes driver regretted the quality of the work done during the resurfacing.
“It’s a bit of a shame, because Budapest is one of the most enjoyable circuits to drive. They redid about a third of the track and, unfortunately, the work really wasn’t done well.”
The Briton also highlighted the numerous wheel lock-ups observed at the first corner as well as the degradation of the surface in the final sector.
“The track is very bumpy. We saw a lot of drivers locking their wheels at the first corner, and the surface is degrading in the last corner. Some are now going through the middle of the corner instead of hitting the apex, which is quite strange.”
Oscar Piastri shared the same observation, mentioning a particularly uneven surface on the recently renovated sections.
“The surface is quite strange in some places. The new sections are very uneven, especially where the asphalt has already degraded and where strips have been added.”
The FIA intervenes overnight
Following numerous reports from drivers, FIA Race Director Rui Marques inspected the circuit on Friday evening with Hungaroring officials. Max Verstappen also raised the issue during the drivers’ meeting.
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Following this inspection, the FIA confirmed that corrective work had been carried out overnight to secure the most problematic areas.
“The track was inspected and repairs were carried out overnight. Two areas were treated: one on the ideal racing line and the other to its right, where an overtaking car is likely to pass.”
The Hungaroring specified that these interventions concerned the recently renovated sections of the track as part of its extensive modernization program.
Infrared technology to correct the asphalt
The Hungarian circuit explained that turns 1, 2, 12, 13, and 14, as well as several run-off areas, had been resurfaced in the spring with the help of international experts.
Following the criticisms made on Friday, technical teams intervened using infrared technology to heat the surface before re-compacting it with rollers.
This method aimed to eliminate the irregularities that appeared on the start-finish straight and in several other sensitive sectors of the circuit.
Encouraging initial results
Pirelli had, however, been warned even before the start of the weekend that the new asphalt could pose problems. Its chief engineer, Simone Berra, had indicated that he had received information reporting surface degradation during other competitions held at the Hungaroring.
The Italian manufacturer particularly feared a drop in grip and increased tire overheating, with slides likely to increase over the laps and even more so during the race.
However, FP3 held on Saturday morning delivered initial reassuring signs. Drivers reported far fewer wheel lock-ups, and the repaired areas seemed significantly more stable than the day before, even if the overall grip level remained limited on a constantly evolving track.
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