Qualifying was always important in Hungary and so Riccardo Patrese was delighted when he took pole position in his Williams-Renault, beating Ayrton Senna's McLaren and the remarkable Alex Caffi in his Dallara (Pirelli producing better and better qualifying tyres). Thierry Boutsen was fourth with Alain Prost (McLaren) fifth. Gerhard Berger was sixth ahead of Sandro Nannini's Benetton, Stefano Modena's Brabham (on Pirellis), Derek Warwick's Arrows and Pierluigi Martini's Minardi (another Pirelli runner). Nigel Mansell was a disconsolate 12th on the grid.

The start was vital but Patrese did not make a mistake and stayed ahead of Senna. Caffi was third but it was soon clear that the Pirelli runners would struggle in the race and he was soon overtaken by Berger, Prost and the flying Mansell. The order at the front was static but Mansell chipped away and moved gradually up to third and when Patrese went out with puncture radiator Mansell found himself second behind Senna. On lap 58 the pair came up to pass backmarker Stefan Johansson in his Onyx. The Swede was having gearbox trouble and just as the leaders arrived behind him the problem struck again and the Onyx slowed unexpectedly. Senna dived right but had lost momentum and Mansell, seeing his chance, went to the right of Senna. Mansell had the lead and went on to win. Senna was second with Boutsen third and Prost fourth. Eddie Cheever (Arrows) finished fifth with Nelson Piquet (Lotus) picking up a point for sixth place.