Budapest Local City Tips And Events

The history of the Hungarian Grand Prix and Hungaroring

The first Hungarian Grand Prix took place in 1936 in Budapest's Népliget park. However, it wasn't until several decades later, in the 1980s, that Hungary hosted a Formula One race again.

Negotiations took place during the 1980s to bring Formula One behind the Iron Curtain, and Budapest emerged as a suitable location. The construction of the Hungaroring circuit began in 1985, and the inaugural race was held in August 1986. It attracted a significant crowd of around 200,000 spectators, demonstrating the enthusiasm of the local authorities and motor enthusiasts for hosting a high-profile event.

Since then, the Hungarian Grand Prix has become a regular fixture on the Formula One calendar and continues to be held annually at the Hungaroring circuit.

Credits: en.wikipedia.org

Formula 1 Hungarian Grand Prix 2024

The Hungarian Grand Prix at the Hungaroring circuit indeed presents its own unique challenges due to its narrow track, numerous curves, and occasional dust accumulation. The limited overtaking opportunities make it crucial for teams to strategize effectively, particularly during pit stops.

An example worth to mention from the 1990 Hungarian Grand Prix between Thierry Boutsen and Ayrton Senna highlights the difficulty of overtaking on this circuit, as Senna couldn’t overtake Boutsen. In situations like these, pit stop strategies become crucial as teams look for opportunities to gain an advantage. The 1998 Hungarian Grand Prix is another notable example where Ferrari's mid-race strategy change helped Michael Schumacher secure a victory.

Beyond the excitement of the race, Budapest is indeed a beautiful city with a vibrant nightlife. Kimi Raikkonen's comment reflects the lively atmosphere and entertainment options available in Budapest, such as clubs and outdoor bars. It's a great destination for Formula One fans looking to combine their love for racing with exploring the city and enjoying its attractions.

Credit: Hungaroring.com

The Hungarian Grand Prix offers relatively affordable entry prices compared to other races on the Formula 1 calendar, making it accessible for a wide range of fans. Budapest, as a tourist destination, is known for its affordability while offering a wealth of cultural, sporting, and nightlife experiences.

The city's culinary scene is renowned, and Kimi Raikkonen's comment about the incredible food reflects the diverse and delicious options available in Budapest. Travelers visiting Budapest may find it difficult to resist indulging in the local cuisine.

For those arriving at Budapest Airport, it's helpful to know the best ways to reach the city center. There are various transportation options available, including taxis, shuttle services, public buses, and the convenient airport express train. Researching and planning your preferred mode of transport in advance can make your arrival and journey to the city center smoother.

Accommodation for the Hungarian Grand Prix in Budapest: Maverick Lodges

If you want to go see the formula one show, the best option is to stay at some of Budapest's best hostels: Maverick City Lodge and Maverick Hostel & Ensuites. The circuit is located about 20 km from the capital so it is relatively close to the capital of Hungary. Now we explain in more detail how to get to the GP circuit.

How to get to Hungaroring from Budapest

By Car: You can reach the circuit by car by taking the M3 highway northeast from Budapest. The journey typically takes around 30 minutes, depending on traffic conditions. Follow the signs to the Hungaroring or use GPS navigation to guide you.

By Shuttle Bus: The organizers of the Hungarian Grand Prix usually provide shuttle bus services from Budapest to the circuit. These services are available on race days and offer convenient transportation directly to the Hungaroring. It's advisable to check with the race organizers or official websites for specific details on shuttle bus schedules and pick-up points.

By Public Transportation: You can also use public transportation to reach the circuit. Take the subway (Metro Line 2, also known as the Red Line) from Blaha Lujza tér to Örs vezér tere station. From there, you can catch a special event bus (usually marked as "H") that operates during the race weekend and takes you directly to the Hungaroring.

By Taxi: Taxis are another option for traveling from Budapest to the circuit. You can book a taxi or use ride-hailing services such as Bolt to arrange transportation to the Hungaroring. It's recommended to confirm the fare with the taxi driver or use a reliable ride-hailing app for transparency.

When planning your journey, it's advisable to consider the traffic conditions and potential delays, especially during the race weekend. It's also a good idea to check for any special transportation arrangements or updates provided by the race organizers or official websites to ensure a smooth and convenient trip to the Hungaroring.

Extra tips:

Hungary indeed experiences hot weather during July, so it's important to take precautions to stay protected from the sun and hydrated throughout the event.

The Hungarian Grand Prix takes place near a water park, providing a fantastic opportunity to cool off and enjoy swimming in pools during breaks from the race. If you feel the need to escape the heat and take a refreshing dip, visiting the water park is a great idea. It's an excellent way to relax, have fun, and stay cool amidst the summer temperatures.

The Hungaroring circuit offers track days throughout the year for cars and motorcycles. It provides enthusiasts with the opportunity to experience the thrill of driving on the same track where Formula 1 races take place. Challenging yourself to beat Michael Schumacher's lap record is an exciting goal for those participating in track days.

Circuit Address:

2146 Mogyorod Pf. 10 Hungaroring Sport Rt Hungary Phone: (+36) 28444 444