Hamilton honored as Hungaroring renames corners after F1 greats

Formula 1 drivers have spent four decades trying to conquer the Hungaroring. From this weekend onward, they may also have to remember who they're driving past.

To celebrate the 40th anniversary of the Hungarian Grand Prix, the circuit has officially christened all 14 of its corners, replacing anonymous turn numbers with a roll call of Formula 1 royalty, Hungarian heritage and local landmarks.

The result is a layout that reads less like a track map and more like an all-time Hall of Fame. And yes, Lewis Hamilton has earned a prime piece of real estate.

The Ferrari star now lends his name to Turn 2, a fitting tribute for the driver who has turned the Hungaroring into something approaching his personal playground.

With nine victories and nine pole positions at the Budapest venue, no driver has enjoyed greater success around its tight, twisting ribbon of asphalt.

It also means future team radio messages could sound a little more dramatic.

"Traffic ahead into Hamilton."

"Copy. Which one?"

A lap through Formula 1 history

The tour begins at Turn 1, now known as Piquet, honoring Nelson Piquet, winner of the first two Hungarian Grands Prix. It was also the scene of the Brazilian's unforgettable around-the-outside pass on Ayrton Senna, one of the sport's most iconic overtakes.

Turn 3 becomes Spring, acknowledging the Valley of the Three Springs that surrounds the circuit, before Turn 4 takes the name Mansell, commemorating Nigel Mansell sealing his long-awaited world championship in Hungary in 1992.

Turn 5 celebrates the neighboring town of Mogyoród, while Turns 6 and 7 are collectively named Driving Centre, recognizing Hungary's pioneering driver-training facility that opened in 1998.

The circuit then takes a scenic detour through the capital. Turns 8 and 9 become Buda and Pest, with Turn 10 named Danube, paying tribute to the river that divides Budapest.

The final sector is reserved for more racing legends. Turn 11 becomes Alesi, recalling Jean Alesi's spectacular 1995 crash from which the Frenchman fortunately escaped unhurt.

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Turn 12 bears the name Schumacher, honoring Michael Schumacher's fourth world title triumph in 2001, while Turn 13 celebrates Senna, who claimed the circuit's first-ever pole position in 1986.

The lap concludes at Szisz, named after Hungarian-born Ferenc Szisz, Renault's pioneering engineer who won the very first Grand Prix in 1906.

The corners themselves haven't changed. But thanks to the Hungaroring's anniversary makeover, every lap around Budapest now doubles as a drive through Formula 1 history.

And for anyone fortunate enough to clip the apex at Turn 2 perfectly, they'll now be able to say they absolutely nailed Hamilton.

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