Hungarian Grand Prix 2024: 6 drivers who won their first F1 race - Who achieved historic maiden wins?

Over nearly four decades, the Hungarian Grand Prix at the Hungaroring has been a stage for many thrilling races and unexpected victories. This twisty circuit has seen several drivers claim their maiden Formula 1 win, cementing their names in the sport's history.

Here are six such drivers who achieved their first F1 triumphs at the Hungaroring:

1. Damon Hill (1993)

Damon Hill, son of world champion Graham Hill, secured his first F1 victory at the 1993 Hungarian Grand Prix. Hill, who had never raced a car until he was 24, joined Williams as a test driver before racing alongside Alain Prost in 1993. After near misses in Spain, Great Britain, and Hockenheim, Hill finally took advantage of Prost’s grid stall and Ayrton Senna’s retirement to win at the Hungaroring.

2. Fernando Alonso (2003)

Racing for Renault Fernando Alonso dominated the 2003 Hungarian Grand Prix to secure his first F1 win. Starting from pole, Alonso led almost the entire race, finishing 16 seconds ahead of Kimi Raikkonen and even lapping Michael Schumacher’s Ferrari. At 22, Alonso became the youngest F1 winner at the time, a record since surpassed but a testament to his skill and promise.

3. Jenson Button (2006) 

Veteran F1 driver Jenson Button's maiden victory came in his seventh season during the wet 2006 Hungarian Grand Prix. Despite a 10-place grid penalty dropping him to 14th, Button excelled in the wet conditions, overtaking key competitors including Michael Schumacher. He took the lead when Fernando Alonso retired with a wheel nut issue, securing an emotional and long-awaited first win.

Also Check: Top 3 Drivers with most wins at Hungarian Grand Prix

4. Heikki Kovalainen (2008) 

Heikki Kovalainen’s first and only F1 win occurred at the 2008 Hungarian Grand Prix. Starting second, Kovalainen benefited from mishaps with Lewis Hamilton and Felipe Massa. With Hamilton suffering a tyre failure and Massa retiring with three laps to go, Kovalainen inherited the lead and claimed his unexpected victory, much to the delight of McLaren’s Ron Dennis.

5. Esteban Ocon (2021)

Esteban Ocon’s path to his first win in the 2021 Hungarian Grand Prix was marked by early career struggles. Starting P8, Ocon took advantage of a chaotic race start that saw several front-runners eliminated. With strategic errors from Mercedes and strong defensive driving from teammate Fernando Alonso, Ocon held on to win, marking a significant milestone in his career.

6. Oscar Piastri (2024)

In a thrilling display of skill and strategy, Oscar Piastri secured his first Formula 1 victory at the Hungarian Grand Prix, marking a significant milestone in his racing career and adding his name to the list of distinguished Australian F1 drivers.

Piastri started from pole position and maintained the lead until the final pit stops, where McLaren's strategy to pit Lando Norris first allowed Norris to undercut Piastri. Despite initial resistance, Norris complied with team orders on the penultimate lap, slowing down to let Piastri reclaim the lead. This act ensured Piastri's maiden win, joining Australian F1 legends like Sir Jack Brabham, Alan Jones, Mark Webber, and Daniel Ricciardo.