Trophy mishaps, Qualifying confusion, and iconic driver arguments – memorable moments from past Hungarian Grands Prix

This year marks the 40th anniversary of the first Hungarian Grand Prix, and what an addition to the Formula 1 calendar it has been. Dubbed ‘Monaco without walls’, the tight and twisty track consistently provides thrilling Qualifying sessions, along with some quite unforgettable racing.

From Qualifying confusion, trophy trouble and iconic driver arguments, here are some memorable off-track moments from the Hungaroring that we won’t be forgetting any time soon...

Lando's trophy mishap

The Hungarian Grand Prix trophies are up there with the best – the intricate ceramic design is truly a collector's item.

Unfortunately, they can also be quite fragile, as Max Verstappen found out in 2023. After taking another victory at the Hungaroring, the Dutchman was enjoying his rostrum celebrations until he noticed his trophy had snapped in two... The culprit? Lando Norris.

The Briton had attempted his classic celebration of slamming his champagne on the floor to start the spray, but in doing so, knocked Verstappen's prize to the floor. The McLaren driver apologised for the incident, while Verstappen saw the funny side, eventually getting a new trophy which he was warned to keep away from Norris.

In 2025, the 26-year-old had learned his lesson, moving his ceramic piece away from the podium before commencing the celebrations.

Qualifying confusion

Fernando Alonso's pole position in his midfield Renault car during 2009 Qualifying was a surprise to many, but it was especially surprising to the man himself.

While the shootout took place, a broken cable meant the timing tower couldn't display the grid positions, leaving ten very confused drivers in Parc Ferme.

The Spaniard set about asking each driver to find out whether his time was the quickest, getting plenty of shocked responses as each one realised the two-time World Champion had beaten them.

Eventually the correct order was shown on the screen, with Alonso, Sebastian Vettel and Mark Webber confirmed as the top three. A fun way to find out you are the polesitter, if not a bit more stressful for the paddock.

Hulkenberg and Magnussen's spat

Nico Hulkenberg and Kevin Magnussen spent a couple years forming a solid team mate partnership at Haas a few seasons ago, which came as a surprise given their infamous incident at the Hungaroring in 2017.

Late on in the race, the Dane ran Hulkenberg very wide at Turn 2, causing the then-Renault driver to take to the grass – an action the German did not appreciate.

He found Magnussen performing his media duties to get his point across, calling him 'the most unsporting driver on the grid', which drew a memorably spiky response from the Haas driver.

You would think the animosity would last, but after the pair smoothed things over during Hulkenberg's substitute appearances in 2022, they were all good by the time they became Haas team mates in 2023 – time seems to heal all wounds.

Sainz's steward sadness

It was a rollercoaster Grand Prix weekend for most during the 2021 Hungarian Grand Prix, but certainly for Carlos Sainz.

Firstly, a crash in the second session of Qualifying left Sainz down in P15 for the race, before a wild race allowed the Spaniard to cross the line in fourth.

But it was during a post-race interview where an iconic meme was born, as Will Buxton told Sainz that he'd been summoned to the stewards for team radio communication on the formation lap. The then Ferrari man gave him the most exasperated look of the weekend before trudging off to learn of his fate with his head held low.

Fortunately, Sainz wasn't punished for the incident, instead walking away from the Hungaroring with a P3 trophy after Vettel's disqualification, and a hilarious image that has followed him around ever since.

Further photobombing from George

George Russell developed quite the reputation for turning up in other people's photos and videos.

Whether it is during the Drivers' Parade or in the pit lane, no-one is safe from a Russell photobomb, especially on the podium.

Fans were quick to point this exact phenomenon in 2025, as the Briton expertly swept through a shot of the McLaren boys Norris and Oscar Piastri enjoying their 1-2. Will we see another textbook photobomb in 2026?

Hadjar meets a Hungarian hero

Andras Arato is unlikely to be a name that means much to you, or Isack Hadjar, but we're sure you would recognise his face anywhere.

Arato became famous as 'Hide the Pain Harold', thanks to his range of amusing stock images that went viral, so when the Hungarian was invited to his home race, a few of the drivers were very keen to get a picture from the man himself.

Hadjar was the most excited of all, exclaiming that it was "the meme guy," before posing with Arato's classic thumbs up and smile combination – a treat for the Frenchman.