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Hungary: The Final F1 Stop Before the Summer Break
Formula 1 prepares for the Hungarian Grand Prix, the final showdown before the well-earned summer break begins.
By Michael de Vries - 2026-07-22T06:20:29.000Z - 3 min read
The Formula 1 circus pitches tent at the Hungaroring this weekend for the Hungarian Grand Prix, the final race before the well-earned summer break begins. With its twisty layout and notoriously high temperatures, this circuit presents a tough test for cars and drivers alike. It marks a crucial conclusion to the first half of the season, where teams aim to bag points one last time before locking up their factories for two weeks.
The race weekend kicks off on Friday, July 24, with two free practice sessions. The first session starts at 12:30 PM (Dutch/UK time) and lasts an hour, after which teams prepare for the second session starting at 4:00 PM. These practice sessions offer the opportunity to fine-tune setups and gather data on the technically demanding circuit near Budapest.
Saturday, July 25, is traditionally dedicated to final preparations and qualifying. Free Practice 3 starts at 11:30 AM, giving drivers one last chance to find their rhythm. The real spectacle begins later that day when the battle for pole position erupts at 3:00 PM. At the Hungaroring, a good grid position is paramount given the tight, overtake-unfriendly nature of the track.
The climax comes on Sunday, July 26, with the Hungarian Grand Prix itself. The lights go out at 2:00 PM for the race that concludes the first half of the Formula 1 season. Fans can look forward to a tense race where tyre management and a robust strategy often prove decisive due to limited overtaking opportunities.
For British Formula 1 enthusiasts, there are several ways to follow the action. Sky Sports F1 will broadcast every session live, including the Formula 2 and Formula 3 support races. Channel 4 will also provide live coverage of the Formula 1 sessions, broadcasting qualifying highlights on Saturday at 7:30 PM, followed by comprehensive race highlights on Sunday at 6:30 PM.
Listeners in the UK can also tune in to BBC Radio 5 Live and BBC Radio 5 Sports Extra for live commentary of all sessions. These can also be followed via BBC Sounds and the BBC Sport website and app. After the race, the popular 'Chequered Flag' podcast will be available to watch visually for the first time on BBC iPlayer and YouTube for extensive post-race analysis.
Across the Atlantic in the United States, Apple TV becomes the new home for Formula 1 fans in 2026. Subscribers will have access to a dedicated F1 channel broadcasting live every minute, with catch-up options and highlights. Apple TV will also offer pre- and post-race shows alongside supplementary live feeds, including onboard cameras for all 22 drivers, live timing, and driver trackers.
The weekend at the Hungaroring also serves as a showcase for up-and-coming talent in Formula 2 and Formula 3. In particular, the performance of drivers like Andrea Kimi Antonelli will be closely scrutinized following his strong displays earlier this season. The outcome of this final race before the break could deliver a significant psychological boost heading into the second half of the season.