Lewis Hamilton arrives at his happiest hunting ground this weekend hoping to close the 45-point gap to championship leader Kimi Antonelli. The Hungarian Grand Prix, round 11 of the 2026 season, is the final race before the customary summer break, and for the seven-time winner in Hungary, it represents a crucial opportunity.
Antonelli, who has won six races this season, extended his lead with victory at Spa-Francorchamps, winning from pole position after teammate George Russell crashed out on the opening lap. The young Mercedes driver now has 204 points, while Hamilton, his closest contender, could only finish fourth in Belgium. Ferrari's Charles Leclerc took second and Red Bull's Max Verstappen third.
“Hamilton seeks to reduce 45-point deficit to Antonelli at Hungarian GP, final race before summer break.”
Reigning world champion Lando Norris won last year's race in Budapest ahead of McLaren teammate Oscar Piastri. But attention is firmly on Hamilton, who has triumphed seven times at the Hungaroring. The Briton will be aiming to close the 45-point deficit to Antonelli — a gap that could prove decisive if he fails to cut it before the summer pause.
Coverage of Sunday's race begins at 12:30pm (BST) live on Sky Sports. Sky subscribers can watch via the Sky Go app, while non-subscribers can purchase a NOWTV Day Pass. In the United States, every session is streamed on Apple TV, which offers a seven-day free trial.
The championship standings show Antonelli on 204 points, George Russell third on 154, and Charles Leclerc fourth with 126. Hamilton trails but knows that Budapest has often been his stage — and another win there would keep his title hopes alive.
