Formula 1 teams tested upgrades during the second practice session of the 2026 Hungarian Grand Prix on Friday, July 24 [1].
This session serves as a critical benchmark for teams to refine their car setups before qualifying. Because the Hungaroring is known for its technical nature, the data gathered during this window often determines the competitive hierarchy for the race weekend.
The session was defined by challenging environmental factors that hindered performance across the grid. McLaren Racing said, "Wind continued to prevail, which combined with the low‑grip conditions, caused most drivers on the grid problems" [4]. These conditions forced engineers to adjust aerodynamic settings to maintain stability in the high-speed corners.
McLaren drivers focused on maximizing their track time to evaluate recent technical updates. Lando Norris completed 30 laps during the session [2], while Oscar Piastri finished 28 laps [3]. Both drivers utilized the time to gather data on how the chassis responded to the fluctuating wind speeds.
Other teams followed a similar pattern, prioritizing the fine-tuning of upgrades over raw lap speed. The low-grip surface of the circuit made it difficult for drivers to find a consistent rhythm, a common struggle during the early stages of the Hungarian Grand Prix weekend.
As the event progresses toward qualifying, teams will rely on the telemetry from Friday to determine if their current aerodynamic packages can withstand the unpredictable weather patterns of Budapest [1].
“Wind continued to prevail, which combined with the low‑grip conditions, caused most drivers on the grid problems.”
The struggle with low grip and wind during FP2 suggests that mechanical stability will be the deciding factor for the 2026 Hungarian Grand Prix. Teams that can quickly adapt their suspension and wing angles to these specific atmospheric conditions will likely hold a significant advantage during qualifying and the main race.
