Hungarian Grand Prix 2004 - Race Schedule and Countdown

Michael Schumacher clinched his seventh World Championship with a commanding victory at the Hungaroring, wrapping up the title with four races remaining in the most dominant season performance in Formula 1 history. The German controlled the Hungarian Grand Prix from pole position, leading every lap as Rubens Barrichello completed Ferrari's seventh one-two finish of the season. Fernando Alonso claimed third for Renault, while Schumacher's championship coronation came with a record four races still to run - the earliest title clinch since the current points system was introduced.

The race unfolded as a Ferrari procession, with Schumacher managing the tight Budapest circuit expertly while Barrichello followed obediently behind. The German's flawless performance sealed his seventh world title, moving him two championships clear of Juan Manuel Fangio's legendary record and cementing his status as the greatest driver in Formula 1 history. The Hungarian crowd applauded Schumacher's achievement even as they witnessed another processional race, Ferrari's dominance so complete that the championship had become a mathematical formality weeks earlier.

Schumacher's record-breaking seventh title represented the pinnacle of his extraordinary career and the peak of Ferrari's modern dominance. His twelve victories from thirteen starts established benchmarks that would stand for over a decade, while his 104-point championship lead over Barrichello underlined the season's one-sided nature. The German celebrated emotionally on the podium, his achievement surpassing Fangio's 48-year-old record in a campaign that had transformed 2004 into the most dominant individual performance motorsport had witnessed. Four races remained, but the championship story was complete.