Jennie Gow F1 predictions: Hungarian GP betting tips, odds and race preview

Formula One state of play 

Two races in two weeks, and with the summer break looming, Hungary is calling. 

One of the races I recommend the most for fans to go and experience. Budapest is a great drivers track, sitting in the undulating Hungarian countryside, and with the whole paddock residing downtown, it’s a great place to go star-spotting. 

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Not to mention the great food and drink and a fascinating history – Hungary is one of my favourites. 

Oscar Piastri won last time out in Belgium, pipping his teammate to the top step of the podium in a rain delayed race. Another McLaren 1-2, the 6th of the year, sees both McLaren and Piastri extend their lead at the top of the championships. 

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The Aussie’s lead is now 16 points and psychologically, having the advantage going into the break, is a real boost. McLaren’s advantage is now a stunning 268 points over Ferrari. No-one is going to catch them now, even if mathematically, it can be done.

Hungarian Grand Prix odds

Hungarian Grand Prix predictions 

This will be the 40th Hungarian Grand Prix, with 16 won from pole. The circuit is narrow, twisty and short and sometimes referred to as 'Monaco without the walls'. 

There are 14 corners. Overtaking has proved difficult in the past. Likely a two-stop race, with Pirelli bringing the C3, C4 and C5, but again there is a slight threat of rain in the air, so it could throw expected strategies up in the air.

Every race we go to now it’s a no brainer to predict a McLaren 1-2. They are in such impressive form and are so dominant, leading the rest of the field home by over 20 seconds, and with the points advantage previously mentioned, no-one can match the car/driver performance. 

They also hold the record for most constructors wins in Budapest, with 12 to their name.

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In the battle for best of the rest four drivers stand out – Max Verstappen, Charles Leclerc, Lewis Hamilton and George Russell. 

If we look at past form for these four drivers around Hungary, Hamilton shines the brightest. He won in his debut season in 2007 and has won seven more times.

In contrast Verstappen has only had two wins, Russell’s highest finish was third in 2022, and Leclerc has finished fourth twice. 

The way Hamilton came through the field in drying conditions in Spa, was testament to his talent and potentially feeling a bit more comfortable in the prancing horse. 

Add to that his dazzling pole record at the Hungaroring – a record breaking nine poles – although it might seem unlikely, he’d be my tip to take the final podium spot. (Bearing in mind Leclerc has had five podiums this season, against the odds, it must be Hamilton’s turn!

FIRST’s top tip for Hungarian GP 

Norris has two second place finishes in Hungary compared to Piastri’s one win (last year) from second. 

After his success in Spa, I feel like he has a slight advantage over his teammate this weekend. It’s marginal but I think Piastri is in a stronger place going into this round.

Pick: Lando Norris to win Hungarian GP - 7/5 (Ladbrokes)

Extra tips 

Ollie Bearman: Eleventh place for a record-equalling four races in a row, no-one has finished 11th five consecutive times. Surely it can’t happen again in Hungary.

Points win prizes: Another points-paying finish for Sauber last weekend but the gap between them in sixth place and Haas in ninth is SLIM. 

Pick: Nico Hulkenberg - points finish - 7/4 (10bet)

Pick: Gabriel Bortoleto - points finish - 7/4 (Ladbrokes)

Sauber 43, RB’s 41, Aston Martin 36, Haas 35. Bearing in mind there’s roughly £10m per constructor’s place, that is a massive difference in finishing sixth or ninth. 

Sauber are turning into Audi at the end of the year and they look to have hit a sweet spot. I back them to outscore their nearest rivals this weekend.

Yuki Tsunoda back in the points: With a new (and gentler) boss at the helm, Tsunoda was unlucky not to score points last time out. Maybe this time he’ll get some points on the board. Something he’s only managed once in the last six races.

Pick: Yuki Tsunoda - points finish - 7/4 (10bet)

Lewis Hamilton at Hungaroring: Apart from his DNF in 2010, Hamilton has always finished in the top six at Budapest. 

Pick: Lewis Hamilton - top six finish - 2/5 (10bet)

2025 Formula 1 driver standings

2025 Formula 1 constructors standings

FIRST’s recommended Formula 1 Hungarian GP betting sites 

FIRST's expert team have put their heads together to come up with three of the best Formula 1 bookmakers to make their move on the Hungarian Grand Prix this weekend.

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Odds correct at the time of writing.