‘Why Hungary is the Best Grand Prix on the F1 Calendar’

‘Never a Dull Moment at the ‘Ring’

From her many visits to the Hungaroring, Renáta is the perfect person to describe what makes this venue so special. She agrees that it is an underrated race location, even if she struggles to understand why!

“I have been on many other racetracks and maybe I’m saying it because this is my home race, but it’s really unique!” she says.

“If you come here as a tourist, you can also enjoy one of the best cities of Europe, Budapest, as it’s so close to the track.

“If we look back to the race history there have also been many first wins here, for the likes of Damon Hill, Fernando Alonso, or Jenson Button.”

So Many Reasons to Love the Hungarian GP

The list feels never ending when I asked Renáta what makes the Hungaroring so special.

“There’s an exciting layout and great races, you get around the whole track with your tickets, good food, perfect organisation, a beautiful capital city nearby, kind people, calm but great fans, plus value for money.”

There is also lots of redevelopment that has been done ahead of this weekend’s race, including work to the main grandstand, the paddock and main building.

It has been a huge task for the circuit but will be great for both the fans, the teams, and members of the media as the championship will race there until 2032.

As for the best place to watch the action? Renáta says her favourite spot is the final corner - up on the hill, offering a view of over a third of the track.

Beautiful Valley Views

Although we have just come from Spa-Francorchamps, known for its incredible elevation change up Eau Rouge, the Hungaroring also allows the drivers to experience some high-speed undulation.

With the highest point being 238.9m above sea level on the start-finish straight, the track takes a dip to reach 204.2m just after turn 3 – a change of 34.7m.

“The best thing here at the Hungaroring is that the track is really diverse,” Renáta continues.

“It’s not flat, we have valleys, higher and lower points to watch the race. There are some trees around that are close to turns 10 and 11, but you will need to arrive early to find a spot.

“We also have a new main grandstand with a roof, good locations to eat where you can have a seat and you can even see the track actions.

“But of course I recommend drinking enough water, bringing a cap and sunscreen to have the best protection from the hot Hungarian sun!”

The Best of Budapest

With the track being around 30 minutes from the city centre by car, you can get from the circuit to the city in good time depending on the traffic.

Fans can also get a free bus, which departs from the suburban railway station to the entrance and takes just under an hour.

“The city of Budapest is loud and crowded during the Grand Prix weekend, because we have very cool nightlife with bars, ruined pubs, and restaurants with really good Hungarian food like the famous goulash!

“The best places are around Deák square and Váci street which are in the heart of Budapest.”

For fans that want to combine their F1 visit with a city tour, Renáta’s recommendations for places to visit include the parliament building, Citadel, chain bridge, Castle of Buda, Heroes square and St. Stephen’s Basilica.

‘I’ve Been There for All Mercedes’ Wins!’

Having been to the Hungarian Grand Prix every year since 2007, Renáta has enjoyed many memorable Mercedes moments at the circuit, including all five of our race victories – pretty good going for a big Silver Arrows fan!

“My favourite race weekend here was in 2018 because I won an exclusive three-lap long ride with an original two-seater by F1 Experiences.

Victory for Lewis in the race made the weekend even more perfect.

“This was a lifetime experience to just feel the speed of the G-Force and everything that the driver feels while being in the car.

I got to see the Hungaroring from a special point of view.

“I also had a chance to celebrate with Mercedes under the podium because they took me inside the paddock as they knew how big a supporter I am.”