Hungarian GP 2026 schedule: Qualifying, race start time and TV channel
Everything you need to know about the Hungarian Grand Prix 2026, including the full weekend schedule, qualifying, race start time and how to watch live in the UK.
Formula 1 heads to the Hungaroring this weekend for the final race before the summer break, with championship leader Andrea Kimi Antonelli looking to extend his advantage at the top of the drivers’ standings on the back of yet another win.
The Mercedes rookie arrives in Hungary full of confidence after winning last weekend’s Belgian Grand Prix, his sixth victory of an incredible debut campaign at just 19 years of age.
The Italian now leads the World Drivers’ Championship on 204 points, ahead of Ferrari’s Lewis Hamilton (159) and Mercedes team-mate George Russell (154).
The Hungarian Grand Prix promises to be yet another pivotal weekend in the 2026 Formula 1 season, with Ferrari in desperate need of responding after falling further behind Mercedes.
Here’s everything UK fans need to know about the Hungarian GP 2026 schedule, including practice, qualifying, race start time and TV coverage.
Hungarian GP 2026 schedule
The Hungarian Grand Prix takes place across Friday, July 24, to Sunday, July 26, with two practice sessions on Friday before qualifying on Saturday and the race on Sunday.
| Session | Date | UK start time |
|---|---|---|
| Practice 1 | Friday, July 24 | 12:30pm |
| Practice 2 | Friday, July 24 | 4:00pm |
| Practice 3 | Saturday, July 25 | 11:30am |
| Qualifying | Saturday, July 25 | 3:00pm |
| Race | Sunday, July 26 | 2:00pm |
All times BST.
What time does the Hungarian Grand Prix start?
The Hungarian Grand Prix gets underway at 2:00pm BST on Sunday, July 26.
The race will be held over 70 laps of the Hungaroring, a tight and technical circuit located just outside Budapest. The testing track is often described as “Monaco without the barriers”, and is one that rewards precision, tyre management and qualifying performance, and overtaking is traditionally difficult.
That makes track position particularly valuable, making Saturday’s qualifying session arguably more important than on most other tracks.
What time is Hungarian GP qualifying?
Qualifying takes place on Saturday, July 25, beginning at 3:00pm BST.
As with every Formula 1 weekend, the session will follow the Q1, Q2 and Q3 knockout format, with the fastest ten drivers battling for pole position in the final segment.
With overtaking opportunities at the Hungaroring few and far between, securing pole position generally tends to be a big advantage in Hungary. Teams are therefore expected to place significant emphasis on qualifying pace throughout Friday practice.
Fans can also check the latest Hungarian GP 2026 weather forecast before qualifying, with temperatures often playing a major role in Budapest.
How can you watch the Hungarian Grand Prix in the UK?
Sky Sports F1 will broadcast every session of the Hungarian Grand Prix live, including all three practice sessions, qualifying and Sunday’s race.
Highlights are also expected to be shown on Channel 4 later on Saturday and Sunday for viewers without a Sky Sports subscription.
Live coverage begins with Practice 1 on Friday and continues throughout the weekend from the Hungaroring.
What should fans look out for at the Hungaroring?
All eyes will be on championship leader Andrea Kimi Antonelli after another dominant display at Spa-Francorchamps where he came out on top.
The 19-year-old holds a commanding lead in the standings and will be aiming to carry that momentum into one of Formula 1’s most technical circuits. He has proven that nothing fazes him this season, and so another win is more than possible.
The Ferrari pair of Lewis Hamilton and Charles Leclerc are expected to provide his biggest challenge, while George Russell will also be looking to close the gap after another consistent campaign. Max Verstappen is enduring a rocky campaign but his technical ability means he can never be ruled out.
Tyre management is traditionally one of the biggest strategic factors in Hungary, particularly if temperatures reach 30°C or beyond during the weekendin Budapest. Teams must carefully manage pace with tyre condition over long stints, making the off-track battle just as crucial.
Anyone looking at the latest Hungarian GP 2026 tips, odds, and predictions or best bets should also monitor Friday practice, as long-run pace at the Hungaroring often provides the clearest indication of race-day performance.
