Williams expects two-stop race unless wear drops sharply

The Hungarian Grand Prix is expected to hinge on tyre management and strategy at the Hungaroring, where high temperatures, limited overtaking and a low-grip surface put a premium on track position. Williams chief trackside engineer Paul Williams said the Budapest circuit demands high downforce and strong rear-tyre control more than power or drag, and he said qualifying will be especially important at the 4.381-kilometer, 14-corner track, which is rated the third-hardest on the 2026 Formula 1 calendar for overtaking.

Pirelli has brought its softest range, the C3, C4 and C5, and says the compounds are likely to face overheating, wear, rear degradation and possible graining on the rougher parts of the circuit. Turns 1 and 12 have been resurfaced and are expected to increase track evolution, but the older sections should still stress the tyres if temperatures stay high. Pirelli says one-stop and two-stop strategies are close in total race time, while Williams expects a two-stop race unless tyre wear drops by about 20%, which could open the door to a one-stop plan. The estimated chance of a Safety Car or Virtual Safety Car is 20%.

The Hungarian Grand Prix, Round 11 of the season and the final Formula 1 race before the summer break, runs from July 24-26. Pirelli says the medium and hard tyres should suit longer stints, and after the race Aston Martin, Audi and Alpine will stay at the circuit for two days of tyre testing on Tuesday and Wednesday as part of Pirelli’s work for the 2027 season.