Hungaroring to undergo ‘significant development’ as F1 agree new long-term deal

Sam Cooper
The race start of the 2022 Hungarian Grand Prix. Budapest, July 2022.

The race start of the 2022 Hungarian Grand Prix. Budapest, July 2022.

Hungary will be on the Formula 1 calendar until 2032 at the earliest after promoters agreed a new deal with FOM.

The Hungaroring was already on the calendar until 2027 but that deal has been extended following news that the track will undergo significant development and refurbishment in the coming years, including a new pit building and main grandstand.

These refurbishments are expected to be completed by 2026 according to the promoter and Hungary joins Bahrain, Australia, Miami, Canada and Qatar in having a contract go beyond 2030.

The circuit is just outside the Hungarian capital of Budapest and the 4.38km track has been part of F1 since 1986. It has also seen some historic wins with Michael Schumacher claiming victory on four occasions and Ayrton Senna winning three. Lewis Hamilton is the record winner having crossed the line first on eight occasions.

Stefano Domenicali, president and CEO of Formula 1, said: “It is great news to announce the extension of the Hungarian Grand Prix for an additional five years as we return for another action-packed weekend at the Hungaroring.

“It is a very special circuit next to the incredible city of Budapest and one all of the drivers and our fans look forward to on the calendar.

“To see the commitment from the promoter in Hungary to develop the facilities and further enhance the experience for fans is another important step and something we want to see all our events doing in order to continue to improve and make our races even better.”

Zsolt Gyulay, CEO and president of the Hungaroring, said: “We are proud and honoured to have agreed this contract extension. Given the astonishing rise in F1’s global popularity, which now sees more venues than ever before competing to join the calendar, today’s signing marks a hugely significant achievement for us.

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“Fittingly, the updates to our famous circuit – which include renovations to our Main Paddock Building, Main Grandstand and Spectator Zones – are expected to be completed by 2026.

“It will be a source of great satisfaction to host the teams and fans, who will always be our main priority, at a world-class venue that will reflect the high standards you come to expect for an F1 race weekend.

“My colleagues and I began work on this significant development project eight years ago and today’s announcement acts as the crowning accomplishment for our collective efforts. I would therefore like to thank everyone involved in getting us to this point today and look forward to many more years of premium F1 racing at the Hungaroring.“

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