Hungarian Grand Prix 2006 - Race Schedule and Countdown

Jenson Button claimed a sensational and emotional maiden Formula 1 victory at the Hungarian Grand Prix, triumphing in treacherous wet conditions to give Honda their first win since returning to the sport as a constructor. The British driver's masterful wet-weather performance came after 113 frustrating races without a win and ended one of F1's longest victory droughts, while the championship contenders endured nightmare races that left Michael Schumacher still leading Fernando Alonso by two points after both failed to score.

Starting from 14th on the grid after a disastrous qualifying session, Button drove the race of his life in difficult mixed conditions at the Hungaroring. As rain fell and track conditions became treacherous, Button's car setup and tire choices proved inspired, allowing him to carve through the field with breathtaking overtaking moves. The British driver's racecraft and wet-weather skills were exceptional, and he seized the lead when the front-runners struggled with strategy and conditions. Button's emotion was palpable as he crossed the line - the victory vindicated his talent after years of struggling with uncompetitive machinery and silenced critics who had questioned his ability to win.

Pedro de la Rosa delivered an excellent performance to finish second for McLaren in place of the absent Juan Pablo Montoya, claiming his best F1 result. Nick Heidfeld completed the podium for BMW Sauber in third place. The race was chaotic, with both Schumacher and Alonso struggling in the conditions - Schumacher finished eighth while Alonso retired with technical issues, meaning neither scored points in the championship battle. Felipe Massa set the fastest lap but also finished outside the points. Button's fairy-tale victory provided one of the season's most uplifting moments and proved that even in Honda's disastrous 2006 campaign, moments of brilliance were possible when conditions leveled the playing field.