Hungarian Grand Prix 2026: Practice and Qualifying Times

The 2026 Formula 1 season heats up this weekend with the Hungarian Grand Prix, the thirteenth race of the year, held at the iconic Hungaroring circuit. Twenty-two drivers from eleven teams, including Argentina's Franco Colapinto driving for Alpine, will compete to achieve their individual and team objectives.

Last year's Hungarian Grand Prix saw Lando Norris of McLaren secure his first victory, narrowly beating his teammate Oscar Piastri by just 0.698 seconds. The most successful driver at Hungaroring is Great Britain's Lewis Hamilton, who has claimed eight wins between 2007 and 2020. Among the current 2026 championship contenders, six drivers have previously won in Hungary: Hamilton, Max Verstappen (2022, 2023), Fernando Alonso (2003), Esteban Ocon (2021), Oscar Piastri (2024), and Lando Norris.

Activity at the Hungarian track begins on Friday at 8:30 AM Argentina time with the first free practice session. During this session, Franco Colapinto is scheduled to relinquish his seat to Estonian reserve driver Paul Aron, a requirement mandated by regulations for two sessions per season. The second practice session will follow later that day at 12:00 PM, with the final practice session taking place on Saturday at 7:30 AM.

Qualifying, which determines the starting grid for Sunday's race, is set for Saturday at 11:00 AM Argentina time. The Grand Prix itself is scheduled to start on Sunday at 10:00 AM Argentina time. The event marks a crucial point in the season as teams and drivers vie for valuable championship points.