BUDAPEST — To mark four decades of Formula 1 racing in Hungary, circuit officials at the Hungaroring have officially named all 14 of the track’s corners. Among the legendary figures etched permanently into the circuit’s history, seven-time World Champion Lewis Hamilton has been awarded Turn 2, cementing his legacy at the venue where he has enjoyed unprecedented success.
The naming initiative began as a fan vote during the 2025 Hungarian Grand Prix before being finalized by a panel of motorsport experts, media representatives, and circuit veterans who have been associated with the track since its inaugural 1986 race.
A Fitting Tribute for the King of the Hungaroring
No driver in Formula 1 history has dominated the twisty, high-downforce layout of the Hungaroring quite like Hamilton. Holding an unmatched record of eight victories and nine pole positions at the Budapest venue, Hamilton’s association with the track is legendary.
When news of the corner naming reached the paddock, Hamilton expressed deep gratitude:
“It’s a huge honour to know my name will become a permanent part of the Hungaroring,” Hamilton remarked.
In a touch of serendipity, Hamilton had previously mentioned in a past interview that if a corner were ever to bear his name at the circuit, the downhill, technical left-hander of Turn 2 would be his personal choice.
As part of the 40th-anniversary commemorations, Hamilton joined fellow grand prix winners Nigel Mansell and Jean Alesi in leaving his handprints in concrete, which will be permanently displayed in the circuit’s run-off areas.
Joining an Elite Club of Legends
Hamilton’s Turn 2 is part of a sweeping overhaul that sees several key sections of the 4.381km layout take on historic monikers:
- Turn 1 — Piquet: Honouring Nelson Piquet, winner of the first two Hungarian Grands Prix and creator of the iconic outside powerslide pass on Ayrton Senna in 1986.
- Turn 2 — Hamilton: Dedicated to the track’s most successful driver.
- Turn 4 — Mansell: Celebrating Nigel Mansell, who secured his 1992 World Championship at the track and drove from 12th to victory in 1989.
- Turn 11 — Alesi: Formalizing the fan nickname given to the corner after Jean Alesi’s memorable 1995 practice crash.
- Turn 12 — Schumacher: In honour of Michael Schumacher’s four victories and his 2001 title clinch in Budapest.
- Turn 13 — Senna: Dedicated to the inaugural 1986 pole-sitter and three-time Hungarian GP winner.
- Turn 14 — Szisz: Named after Ferenc Szisz, the Hungarian-born driver who won the very first Grand Prix in history in 1906.
A Permanent Monument to Speed
With the start/finish straight at Silverstone already named the Hamilton Straight, the newly designated Turn 2 at the Hungaroring marks another major milestone in Hamilton’s career—ensuring his name remains a core part of Formula 1 commentary for generations to come.
