The Hungarian Grand Prix, the 14th round of the 2025 Formula 1 season, takes place from August 1 to 3 at the Hungaroring Circuit in Budapest, marking the final race before the summer break. The main race, on Sunday at 10 a.m. (Brasília time), will be broadcast live on Band, BandSports, and F1TV. Gabriel Bortoleto, a young Brazilian driver with Sauber, stands out after scoring points in two consecutive races, reigniting national pride in the category. Alongside F1, the weekend features crucial Formula 2 and Formula 3 races, with Rafael Câmara vying for the F3 title. The full schedule promises excitement, with practice sessions, qualifying, and races broadcast across multiple platforms.
The Hungaroring, with its technical 4.381-km layout, demands precision and well-executed strategies, especially in tire management and qualifying. McLaren, leading the Constructors’ Championship, is the favorite, but Bortoleto’s progress and upgrades from teams like Ferrari and Red Bull could shake things up.
- Hungarian GP full schedule:
- Friday, August 1: Free Practice 1 (8:30 a.m., BandSports, F1TV); Free Practice 2 (12 p.m., BandSports, F1TV)
- Saturday, August 2: Free Practice 3 (7:30 a.m., BandSports, F1TV); Qualifying (11 a.m., Band, BandSports, F1TV)
- Sunday, August 3: Race (10 a.m., Band, F1TV)
The weekend will be pivotal in shaping the championship, with Bortoleto aiming to solidify his rise in the category.
Where to watch the Hungarian GP live
Coverage of the Hungarian GP will be extensive, with broadcasts on free-to-air TV, cable, and streaming. Band, on free-to-air TV, will show qualifying on Saturday and the race on Sunday, at 11 a.m. and 10 a.m., respectively. BandSports covers all practice sessions and qualifying, while F1TV provides full streaming, including on”}
System: on-board cameras and exclusive analysis. An F1TV subscription costs around $5.19 per month or $39.99 per year, ideal for fans seeking in-depth coverage.
Additionally, Rádio Bandeirantes and BandNews FM will provide live coverage with expert narration and commentary. For post-race analysis, Motorsport.com’s YouTube channel offers programs like “Telemetria” and “Pódio,” featuring detailed discussions and interviews. Bandplay, a free streaming platform, also broadcasts the main sessions live, ensuring accessibility for all audiences.
- Channels and platforms to watch:
- Band: qualifying (Saturday, 11 a.m.) and race (Sunday, 10 a.m.).
- BandSports: practice sessions, qualifying, and race.
- F1TV: streaming of all sessions with exclusive content.
- Bandplay: free streaming of key sessions.
- Rádio Bandeirantes and BandNews FM: live coverage.
The variety of options ensures fans can follow every moment, from practice to the race, with a special focus on Bortoleto.
Gabriel Bortoleto: Brazil’s new hope
Gabriel Bortoleto, 21, has been a standout in the 2025 Formula 1 season. After debuting with Sauber, the Brazilian ended a seven-year points drought for the country, finishing eighth in the Austrian GP (4 points) and ninth in the Belgian GP (2 points). With 6 points, he sits 19th in the Drivers’ Championship, but his consistency on technical tracks makes him a contender at Hungaroring.
Bortoleto, the 2024 Formula 2 champion, has shown rapid adaptation to F1. In Belgium, he started 10th and outperformed teammate Nico Hülkenberg in wet conditions. His skill in challenging conditions and technical circuits raises expectations for the Hungarian GP. “We’re learning and improving every race,” Bortoleto said after Belgium.
- Bortoleto’s 2025 highlights:
- Eighth place in Austrian GP, scoring 4 points.
- Ninth place in Belgian GP, scoring 2 points.
- Best qualifying in Spain (12th), surpassing 13th in Miami.
- Strong performance on technical tracks, suited for Hungaroring.
Brazilian fans hope Bortoleto will continue his upward trajectory, bringing the country back to F1 prominence.
Support series schedule
The Hungaroring weekend also includes Formula 2 and Formula 3 races, with Rafael Câmara leading the F3 championship with 126 points. Câmara, 28 points ahead of Nikola Tsolov, could clinch the title early with a strong performance. Formula 2, featuring drivers like Isack Hadjar, also promises exciting races, broadcast on BandSports and F1TV.
The support series schedule is:
- Formula 3:
- Free Practice: Friday, 4:55 a.m. (BandSports, F1TV)
- Qualifying: Friday, 10 a.m. (BandSports, F1TV)
- Race 1: Saturday, 5:05 a.m. (BandSports, F1TV)
- Race 2: Sunday, 3:30 a.m. (BandSports, F1TV)
- Formula 2:
- Free Practice: Friday, 6:05 a.m. (BandSports, F1TV)
- Qualifying: Friday, 10:55 a.m. (BandSports, F1TV)
- Race 1: Saturday, 9:15 a.m. (BandSports, F1TV)
- Race 2: Sunday, 5 a.m. (BandSports, F1TV)
The support series are critical for developing talents like Bortoleto and Câmara, representing Brazil’s next generation in motorsport.
Hungaroring challenges and strategies
The Hungaroring Circuit, with 14 corners and a 4.381-km layout, is one of Formula 1’s most demanding tracks. Dubbed “Monaco without walls,” its tight, twisty design limits overtaking, making Saturday’s qualifying critical for race success. The abrasive track surface increases tire wear, making pit stop strategy a key factor.
In 2024, McLaren dominated with a Piastri-Norris one-two finish, but rain added unpredictability. For 2025, weather forecasts suggest possible rain, which could disrupt strategies. Teams like Ferrari and Red Bull, with aerodynamic upgrades, aim to challenge McLaren, while Bortoleto relies on consistency to score points.
- Strategic factors at Hungaroring:
- Qualifying: critical for a front-row start.
- Tire management: abrasive track demands precise choices.
- Weather: rain could alter race dynamics.
- Team upgrades: Red Bull and Ferrari introduce 2025 improvements.
The technical track promises strategic battles, with Bortoleto as a key figure to watch.
Weekend expectations
The Hungarian GP is a pivotal moment in the 2025 season, with McLaren aiming to cement its Constructors’ Championship lead. Oscar Piastri (266 points) and Lando Norris (250 points) dominate the Drivers’ Championship, while Max Verstappen (185 points) seeks to close the gap. Sauber, despite trailing in the standings, sees Bortoleto as a chance to shine on a track that rewards precision.
Brazilian fans are also focused on Rafael Câmara in Formula 3, who could secure the title on Sunday. The combination of F1, F2, and F3 races, alongside extensive coverage by Band and F1TV, ensures an action-packed weekend. The Hungaroring’s history and challenges set the stage for a thrilling prelude to the summer break.