Auto Focus: Hungary’s Formula 1 Grand Prix 2017

The Hungaroring racetrack
Known as one of the safest raceways in the F1 circuit, the world-class Hungaroring track is in continual operation as the host venue for the Formula 1 Hungarian Grand Prix since 1986. However, this doesn’t mean that the course is an easy one to race on – the Hungaroring doesn’t feature many straight sections, and the winding track can make overtaking a challenge. Compared with other major raceways around the world, due to the limited number of straightaways throughout the speedway, drivers can zip through the course at a top speed of “only” about 320 kilometers per hour. Happening during the peak of summertime, the Hungarian Grand Prix is usually held in hot and dry weather conditions, which are again predicted for this weekend, meaning that the track will likely be dusty and the drivers will face the threat of dehydration, increasing the challenge.

Hungaroring is built in the middle of a broad valley, and approximately 80% of the course is visible from every seat, making it ideal for spectators. As of press time, tickets are sold out in many sections, particularly in the less-expensive seats – however, standing tickets remain available. Check the English-language official ticketing website for complete details, along with the official race guidebook for comprehensive Grand Prix information.

Getting to Hungaroring
Located at Mogyoród – an ordinarily quiet municipality found a little less than 20 kilometers away from central Budapest – Hungaroring becomes the most popular destination in Hungary this weekend, with plenty of transit options available. Depending on your budget, getting there from downtown Budapest can cost as much as over 40,000 forints per person (by helicopter) to as little as under 1,000 forints (by public transportation) – here is a rundown of options:

Helicopter: Combine deluxe sightseeing with a quick and comfortable ride from Budapest Prestige Heliport (located on the Pest riverfront in District XIII) directly to the track at prices from 43,000 forints per person one-way; chopper service is also available from the Budapest Airport to the track. Check out this website for complete details.

Taxi: For reaching the track from Budapest, the taxi companies recommended by Hungaroring management are 6x6 Taxi, Taxi 2000, and City Taxi. While fares vary depending on the exact pick-up point, an average price for reaching Hungaroring from central Budapest is 33 euros, while service from the Budapest Airport should cost approximately 50 euros.

Public Transportation: During July 28-30, Grand Prix ticketholders are entitled to free coach-transfer service from the bus station by Árpád Bridge in Pest’s District XIII, near the “Árpád híd” M3 metro stop; buses depart every few minutes. Alternatively, anyone with Budapest’s BKK public transportation tickets or passes can reach Hungaroring by taking the M2 metro to the Örs vezér tere terminus and transferring to the H8 suburban train toward Gödöllő, then disembarking at either the Szilasliget stop (followed by a 30-minute walk to Hungaroring) or the Mogyoród stop.

By car: Traffic jams are notoriously bad on the roads that surround Mogyoród during the race weekend, and parking at Hungaroring’s free parking spaces is a particularly daunting prospect – however, if you must bring a car, the directions to Mogyoród from central Budapest are fairly straightforward. Drive up Andrássy Avenue towards and into City Park, passing around Heroes’ Square and through the park to the on-ramp to motorwayM3, which will take you directly to Mogyoród – but you must buy a motorway pass to use the M3, and make sure to fill up the tank before you go in case of a traffic jam.

For more information about reaching Hungaroring, check out this webpage.

Watching the race
Plenty of engine-revving attractions await ticketholders at Hungaroring throughout Friday, Saturday, and Sunday (the day of the big race, starting at 2pm) – and ticketholders are welcome to a public pit walk on Thursday, July 21st from 4pm to 7pm. The complete timetable for major race events is available here.

For those who can’t make it to the races, the Grand Prix is broadcast live at numerous hangouts around Budapest, including the city’s open-air Champs Sziget Beer Garden on Margaret Island, but we can also catch the race in real time on multiple TVs at downtown’s John Bull Sport Pub, just steps away from the Chain Bridge.

After the winners are doused with champagne on Sunday, two upscale celebrations welcome the public that night to join reveling drivers and celebrities. Just like every year, Symbol Budapest hosts their exclusive Grand Prix after-party that lasts until late into Monday morning. Meanwhile, downtown’s Buddha-Bar Budapest welcomes prominent Formula 1 drivers and Hollywood stars to their posh post-race party, featuring international music mixers and unlimited drinks included with the entry fee; prices start from 120 euros per person.