APEX RACEWIRE Newsroom
Hungaroring asphalt under fire: 'They made a total mess of it'
The asphalt at the Hungaroring is facing fierce criticism from Formula 1 drivers, who roundly condemn the state of the circuit surface.
By Hans van den Broekma - 2026-07-26T12:39:35.000Z - 2 min read
The Hungaroring, a circuit often described as 'Monaco without the walls', is usually a tricky yet respected challenge for Formula 1 drivers. This time, however, the buildup to the race weekend is dominated by far less complimentary comments regarding the condition of the track surface. Several drivers appear to be anything but impressed by what awaits them there.
The criticism is harsh. Both behind closed paddock doors and in public, drivers have made it clear that recent modifications or maintenance to the asphalt are far from a success. One of the most striking summaries reads: 'They made a total mess of it.' This unvarnished verdict leaves little to the imagination.
Such a statement usually points to irregularities that directly affect the driving experience. Think of unpredictable grip levels, bumps, or a lack of consistency across the entire track. For drivers operating down to the millimeter, this is no minor detail but a fundamental issue that makes car control difficult and driving frustrating.
These kinds of problems can significantly complicate preparations for a Grand Prix. Teams are forced to adjust their setups for a surface that may not meet the high standards expected of a top-tier circuit. Furthermore, it can create unexpected challenges regarding tire wear and behavior, unpredictably putting race strategy on a knife-edge.
It is remarkable for a Formula 1 venue to face such scathing criticism, especially given the investments typically associated with hosting a Grand Prix. The question naturally arises as to who was responsible for the asphalt's quality control. Drivers simply expect a safe and fair surface to compete at the highest level.
This weekend, eyes will not only be on the track action but also on the drivers' reactions after their first laps on the new surface. This public discontent promises to add an extra layer of conversation in the paddock. It will be interesting to see whether the criticism fades as the weekend progresses or swells even further.