Hungaroring Undergoes Renovation Ahead of Hungarian Grand Prix

Newsweek

13 hours ago

Based on facts, either observed and verified firsthand by the reporter, or reported and verified from knowledgeable sources.
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The Hungarian Grand Prix underwent renovations over the past year, transforming the track ahead of the 2025 race.
The refurbished circuit's changes focussed on the grandstands, giving the spectators a better view. There is a new terrace and commentator booths, along with a new media center.
The new adjustments provide a different view, which gives a better angle for those in attendance while giving the infrastructure a modern touch.
Max Verstappen of the Netherlands driving the (1) Oracle Red Bull Racing RB20 and Lewis Hamilton of Great Britain driving the (44) Mercedes AMG Petronas F1 Team W15 battle for track position round turn two...
Max Verstappen of the Netherlands driving the (1) Oracle Red Bull Racing RB20 and Lewis Hamilton of Great Britain driving the (44) Mercedes AMG Petronas F1 Team W15 battle for track position round turn two at the start during the F1 Grand Prix of Hungary at Hungaroring on July 21, 2024 in Budapest, Hungary. More
Photo byCEO of the Hungaroring Zsolt Gyulay touted the changes as putting the track on par with the newer tracks recently developed.
"The goal was to replace the outdated infrastructure with a modern, efficiently operated pit building that meets all professional requirements of motorsport," Gyulay told motorsportol.hu.
Additionally, the track authorities announced a new building that can hold 40 garages, administrative offices, a terrace, and a new storage facility.
This building is meant to provide a hub for race officials, the teams, and special guests.
"Starting next year, we will have a main building that meets all standards—not only for automotive and motorsport events, but also for conferences and large-scale gatherings," he added.
They plan to finish the building in April 2026. The outside of the building is already done, though the interior still needs work.
The Hungaroring was built in the mid-1980s and held its first race around the same time. It is a purpose-built track, meaning it stays a racing course all year round.
The track hasn't gone through major changes since its inception, but now it is getting some much-needed investment.
Given its long history in motorsport, the track is a hotspot for the country and generates a ton of revenue, according to Hungarian State Secretary for Sport, Ádám Schmidt.
"The circuit and the Hungarian Grand Prix have become integral parts of Hungary's recent history," Schmidt said.
"The event arrived with the winds of political change and over the decades has justifiably become a favorite venue for the stars of the F1 circus.
"The Hungarian Grand Prix is typically the most attended sporting event in Hungary. Last year, over 300,000 people visited the circuit, with around 80 per cent of spectators arriving from abroad.
"The total GDP impact of hosting the event exceeds 26 billion forints [$74.4 million].
"Every single forint [Hungarian currency] invested by the government into the Hungaroring has generated more than one and a half forints of revenue for the Hungarian economy."
Formula 1's deal with the Hungarian race runs until at least 2032.
The track has security heading into the foreseeable future, though upgrades like this will help the race stay on schedule going forward.