EXPLAINED: Why did the Hungaroring name Turn 2 after Lewis Hamilton?

Ahead of this weekend's Formula 1 Hungarian Grand Prix, the Hungaroring has unveiled a unique tribute to the circuit's rich history by officially naming all 14 of its corners for the first time.

The new corner names celebrate a blend of legendary drivers, iconic moments, Hungarian heritage, and local landmarks, creating a lasting connection between one of Formula 1's most beloved venues and the stories that have defined it since the inaugural Hungarian Grand Prix in 1986.

Turn 1 – Piquet
The opening corner is named after Nelson Piquet, winner of the first two Hungarian Grands Prix. It was also the setting for one of Formula 1's most unforgettable overtaking moves, when the Brazilian swept around the outside of Ayrton Senna during the inaugural 1986 race in a spectacular display of car control.

Turn 2 – Hamilton
No driver has mastered the Hungaroring quite like Lewis Hamilton. With a record eight victories and nine pole positions at the circuit, it is fitting that the second corner now bears the name of the seven-time World Champion.

Turn 3 – Spring
The Hungaroring sits in the picturesque Valley of the Three Springs, making "Spring" an appropriate tribute to the circuit's natural surroundings and the landscape that has hosted Formula 1 for nearly four decades.

Turn 4 – Mansell
Nigel Mansell's relationship with Hungary was filled with both heartbreak and triumph. In 1987, he looked destined for victory before a loose right-rear wheel nut forced him into retirement. Two years later, he produced one of the greatest drives in Hungaroring history by charging from 12th on the grid to victory. In 1992, he also secured the World Championship at the circuit, making Turn 4 a fitting tribute.

Turn 5 – Mogyoród
Turn 5 takes its name from the village of Mogyoród, home to the Hungaroring. The corner lies closest to the municipality, recognising the local community that has welcomed Formula 1 since the circuit opened.

Turns 6 & 7 – Driving Center
The double-apex complex honours the Hungaroring Driving Center, Hungary's first dedicated driver training facility, which opened in 1998 and has played an important role in developing road safety and driver education.

Turns 8 & 9 – Buda/Pest
The flowing middle sector celebrates Budapest itself. Named "Buda" and "Pest," the two corners recognise the historic halves of Hungary's capital, a city that has become an integral part of the Hungarian Grand Prix experience for drivers, teams and fans alike.

Turn 10 – Danube
Flowing through the heart of Budapest, the Danube River is one of Hungary's defining landmarks. Turn 10 now carries its name in honour of the river that connects the capital's two historic districts.

Turn 11 – Alesi
For many long-time Formula 1 fans, Turn 11 has unofficially been known as "Alesi" for years. The nickname has now become official, commemorating Jean Alesi's dramatic crash at the corner during practice for the 1995 Hungarian Grand Prix.

Michael Schumacher's remarkable success at the Hungaroring is recognised with Turn 12. The German won four Hungarian Grands Prix and clinched his fourth World Championship at the circuit in 2001, cementing his place among the venue's greatest champions.

The penultimate corner honours Ayrton Senna, who claimed pole position for the inaugural Hungarian Grand Prix in 1986. The Brazilian legend would go on to win three World Championships and become one of the most iconic figures in motorsport history.

The final corner pays tribute to Hungarian motorsport pioneer Ferenc Szisz. Born in Hungary, Szisz served as an engineer and Renault's head of testing before making history by winning the world's first Grand Prix, held in France in June 1906.