The Hungarian Grand Prix sits ahead of a one month break on the Formula 1 calendar, putting Max Verstappen in a strong position as the World Championship leader. Ferrari faces pressure to respond, with Carlos Sainz and Fernando Alonso among the top contenders to mount a challenge. If the weekend shakes out as forecast, rain could add an extra layer of drama and surprise to the action on the track.
Last season delivered one of the sport’s most memorable moments, culminating in a dramatic finale in Abu Dhabi that decided the World Championship. Going into Hungary, Verstappen holds a solid advantage, with 233 points on the board and Charles Leclerc 63 points behind. The grid is ready for another intense contest as teams push to gain momentum before the mid-season pause.
Date-driven motivation surrounds Fernando Alonso, who is turning 41 this week. Alpine celebrated a landmark victory last season at the Hungarian circuit through Esteban Ocon, and the team will be aiming to recapture that form as the calendar approaches the summer recess. A string of strong performances has him positioned as a threat in the championship narrative, building on a recent run that has shown his enduring speed and experience on all kinds of track surfaces.
Meanwhile, Carlos Sainz, coming off a return to form for Ferrari, will also be keen to press his case ahead of the break. The Madrid native recently swapped engines but still managed a fifth-place finish on race day. His championship prospects remain open, with the battle heating up just behind the leaders as drivers jostle for points that could tilt the balance in the final stretch of the season.
Hungarian GP qualifying schedule 2022
Saturday, July 30
- Classification: 16:00
Where to watch Formula 1 Hungarian GP
The race can be watched live on DAZN. If Movistar+ is available, F1 can also be viewed on the DAZN F1 channel, offering fans comprehensive coverage of practice, qualifying, and the race itself.