F1 Hungarian Grand Prix 2025: Key Storylines

The 2025 Hungarian Grand Prix at the Hungaroring, the final race before the Formula 1 summer break, is shaping up to be a pivotal weekend. From Fernando Alonso’s absence in FP1 to McLaren’s dominance, Kimi Antonelli’s struggles at Mercedes, and Max Verstappen’s future confirmation with Red Bull, here are the key storylines to watch.

FP1 Drama: Alonso’s Absence and McLaren’s Pace

The first practice session (FP1) at the Hungarian Grand Prix was marked by drama at Aston Martin and a commanding performance by McLaren. Two-time world champion Fernando Alonso was forced to sit out FP1 due to a muscular back injury sustained after the Belgian Grand Prix. Aston Martin confirmed that Alonso, who has been managing the injury since Spa, continued treatment on Friday morning, leading to the decision to prioritize recovery time over the least critical session. Team chief trackside officer Mike Krack emphasized that the reduced lap count in FP1 made it the ideal session to skip, with a decision on Alonso’s participation in FP2 and the rest of the weekend to be made later.

Stepping in for Alonso was Aston Martin’s reserve driver, Felipe Drugovich, the 2022 Formula 2 champion. Drugovich, who has previously filled in during pre-season testing and simulator work, seized the opportunity to showcase his talent. Alonso himself praised Drugovich’s potential, noting his “incredible talent” and consistent performance in limited F1 outings. While Drugovich’s FP1 performance was steady, he focused on providing valuable data for the team rather than chasing headline times. His calm approach under pressure further solidified his reputation as a reliable reserve, though the spotlight remains on whether Alonso can return for qualifying and the race.

Meanwhile, McLaren sent a strong message in FP1, with Lando Norris setting a blistering pace to top the timesheets. The Briton’s lap underlined McLaren’s dominance, building on their imperious 2025 campaign, which has seen them win 10 of 13 races and lead the constructors’ championship with 516 points. Norris’s performance, combined with teammate Oscar Piastri’s strong showing, suggests McLaren could be untouchable on the tight, twisty Hungaroring, where their car’s superior handling and tyre management shine. The papaya squad’s FP1 pace sets the stage for a potential 200th Grand Prix victory, following their 199th win at Spa.

Antonelli’s Struggles: Mercedes’ Rookie in Crisis

Mercedes’ teenage rookie Kimi Antonelli is enduring a torrid debut season, and the Hungarian Grand Prix weekend brings fresh challenges. Technical director James Allison admitted that Antonelli’s recent struggles—scoring points only once in the last seven races—are partly due to Mercedes’ developmental missteps. The team’s decision to abandon a suspension upgrade for the second time this season has compounded Antonelli’s difficulties, leaving him grappling with a car that lacks rear-end stability.

Antonelli’s confidence took another hit after a poor qualifying performance at the Belgian Grand Prix, where he started from the pits. He conceded a lack of confidence in the W16’s handling, a sentiment echoed by teammate George Russell, who noted that neither driver felt comfortable with the car’s balance at Spa. Ahead of Hungary, Mercedes called a performance meeting to address these issues, with Russell hoping to resolve the team’s “downward spiral” through engineering discussions. The Hungaroring’s demanding layout, often compared to “Monaco without the walls,” will test Antonelli’s resilience as he aims for a reset before the summer break.

Lewis Hamilton has stepped in to support the 19-year-old, offering a pep talk to bolster Antonelli’s morale. However, with Mercedes languishing third in the constructors’ standings, 28 points behind Ferrari, the pressure is on to stabilize their season. Antonelli’s ability to navigate this crisis could define his rookie campaign and Mercedes’ prospects for the second half of 2025.

Verstappen’s Future: Locked in at Red Bull for 2026

Amid speculation about his future, Max Verstappen confirmed he will remain with Red Bull for the 2026 season, putting an end to rumors of a potential move to Mercedes or elsewhere. A performance clause in his contract, which could have allowed him to leave if he fell outside the top three in the drivers’ championship, has now lapsed, ensuring his commitment to the Milton Keynes squad. Verstappen’s decision aligns with Red Bull’s preparations for the new era of F1 regulations in 2026, when they will debut their own Ford-backed powertrains.

Despite trailing McLaren’s Oscar Piastri by 65 points in the 2025 drivers’ championship, Verstappen remains optimistic about Red Bull’s long-term prospects. He praised McLaren’s “incredible” performance beyond just tyre management, acknowledging their edge while vowing to fight back. The Hungarian Grand Prix offers Verstappen a chance to close the gap before the summer break, though Red Bull’s fourth-place position in the constructors’ standings—56 points behind Ferrari—highlights the challenge ahead.

Verstappen’s confirmation provides stability for Red Bull, allowing new team boss Laurent Mekies to focus on convincing the four-time champion to stay beyond 2026. The Hungaroring, where Verstappen won in 2022 and 2023, could be the perfect stage for a statement performance to reignite his title challenge.

What to Watch at the Hungaroring

The Hungarian Grand Prix promises a thrilling conclusion to the first half of the 2025 F1 season. Will Fernando Alonso recover in time to race, or will Felipe Drugovich get an unexpected Grand Prix debut? Can McLaren maintain their dominance and secure a landmark 200th win, with Lando Norris or Oscar Piastri leading the charge? Will Kimi Antonelli overcome his confidence crisis to deliver for Mercedes, and can Max Verstappen keep Red Bull competitive against the McLaren juggernaut?

With the championship battles heating up and the summer break looming, the Hungaroring’s 70 laps on Sunday, August 3, will deliver drama, strategy, and defining moments. Follow all the action live on ESPN and ESPN+ in the U.S., Sky Sports F1 and BBC Radio 5 Live in the UK, or through ESPN’s F1 team on social media for updates from Budapest.

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