Hungarian Grand Prix
30th July – 1st August 2021
In an era when European circuits were axed left right and centre to make way for new state of the art facilities in Asia and the middle east, it’s a wonder the unremarkable Hungaroring managed to cling on to a coveted spot on the F1 calendar.
And I’m very glad it has, as although races do tend to be a bit processional with little in the way of overtaking, as an F1 spectator attending the Grand Prix weekend in Budapest, it is an experience to remember.
Always in good spirits, a very international crowd takes advantage of the Grand Prix’ fairly central position in Europe and the F1 atmosphere infests the city over the three days as bars and restaurants in Budapest overflow with F1 fans in good cheer. Finns in particular have always made it seem like a home race for their drivers coming in their droves to support first Hakkinen and later Raikkenen. You can be almost sure of a sunny day at the races and if it all gets too hot for you a cold beer is never far away.
The Hungarian Grand Prix may not have the glamour of Monaco or the history of Silverstone; it doesn’t have Spa’s Eau Rouge or Monza’s tifosi. The Hungaroring doesn’t stand out like some venues but it doesn’t have to. It simply does what it’s been doing very well since 1986 in providing an all round great spectator experience, all on the doorstep of one of Europe’s historic and beautiful cities.
Hungarian Grand Prix F1 Spectator Tips
- The Hungaroring isn’t known as the dust bowl for nothing. Be prepared for some pretty intense heat over the weekend, bring an umberella for shade if you’re not in a covered stand but try not to block your fellow fans’ vision during track sessions.
- If you’re interested in getting a better deal on flights (who isn’t right?), look into flying to Vienna and going to the Hungaroring by rental car, train, bus or even boat.
- Commuting by car? For fans driving to the Hungaroring the premium Super Gold tickets give fans access to a priority lane as well as free car parking at the circuit (when 4 or more tickets are purchased).
Things to do in Budapest – Attractions away from the circuit
The Hungaroring is spitting distance from Budapest, a beautiful, world-class city steeped in history and culture. Hungary’s capital has plenty to interest F1 fans on those evenings away from the circuit or for an extended stay.
Architecture in Budapest is stunning with more examples of Art-Nouveou, Neo-classical, Barroque and Eclectic buildings than you could shake a selfie stick at.
Take in the city scape from the best view-point on Castle Hill. To relax, a visit to the bath house is a must and if you still crave entertainment after all the F1 you could do a lot worse than to take in a show at the Hungarian State Opera House.
Quick Facts and must-have Information
Currency | Forint (HUF) |
Time | UTC +1 |
Language | Hungarian |
It’s worth knowing that Budapest in the summer can get very hot. If you’re not used to it the heat can be oppressive so take this into account when you’re planning which grandstand to choose, how you’re getting to and from the circuit and what to wear and bring with you.
Hungarian Grand Prix Track Schedule 2019
Thursday 1st AUGUST | ||
Formula 1 | Press Conference | 15:00 - 16:00 |
Formula 1 | F1 Experiences - Pit Lane Walk (F1 Experiences Guests Only) | 15:30 - 16:00 |
Formula 1 | F1 Experiences - Guided Track Tour (F1 Experiences Guests Only) | 16:00 - 16:30 |
Promoter Activity | Public Pit Lane Walk for 3 Day Ticket Holders Only | 16:15 - 18:15 |
FRIDAY 2nd AUGUST | ||
FIA Formula 3 | Practice Session | 09:35 - 10:20 |
Formula 1 | First Practice Session | 11:00 - 12:30 |
FIA Formula 2 | Practice Session | 13:00 - 13:45 |
Formula 1 | Press Conference | 13:00 - 14:00 |
Paddock Club | Paddock Club Truck Tour | 13:50 - 14:20 |
Paddock Club | Paddock Club Pit Lane Walk | 13:50 - 14:45 |
Formula 1 | Second Practice Session | 15:00 - 16:30 |
FIA Formula 2 | Qualifying Session | 16:55 - 17:25 |
Porsche Mobil 1 Supercup | Practice Session | 17:50 - 18:35 |
Paddock Club | Paddock Club Truck Tour | 18:45 - 19:15 |
FIA Formula 2 | Press Conference | 19:00 - 19:30 |
SATURDAY 3rd AUGUST | ||
FIA Formula 3 | Qualifying Session | 09:00 - 09:30 |
FIA Formula 2 | First Race (37 Laps or 60 Mins) | 10:10 - 11:15 |
FIA Formula 2 | Press Conference | 11:30 - 12:00 |
Formula 1 | Third Practice Session | 12:00 - 13:00 |
Porsche Mobil 1 Supercup | Qualifying Session | 13:25 - 13:55 |
Paddock Club | Paddock Club Truck Tour | 14:00 - 14:30 |
Paddock Club | Paddock Club Pit Lane Walk | 14:00 - 14:45 |
Formula 1 | Qualifying Session | 15:00 - 16:00 |
Formula 1 | Press Conference | 16:00 - 17:00 |
FIA Formula 3 | First Race (22 Laps or 40 Mins) | 16:45 - 17:30 |
Promoter Activity | Memorial Lap (Low Speed) | 17:45 - 17:55 |
FIA Formula 3 | Press Conference | 17:45 - 18:00 |
Paddock Club | Paddock Club Pit Lane Walk | 17:45 - 18:15 |
Paddock Club | Paddock Club Truck Tour | 18:00 - 18:30 |
SUNDAY 4th AUGUST | ||
FIA Formula 3 | Second Race (22 Laps or 40 Mins) | 10:00 - 10:45 |
FIA Formula 2 | Second Race (28 Laps or 45 Mins) | 11:25 - 12:15 |
FIA Formula 2 | Press Conference | 12:30 - 13:00 |
Porsche Mobil 1 Supercup | Race (15 Laps Or 30 Mins) | 12:40 - 13:15 |
Paddock Club | Paddock Club Pit Lane Walk | 13:25 - 14:00 |
Paddock Club | Paddock Club Truck tour | 13:25 - 13:55 |
Formula 1 | Drivers' Track Parade (Truck) | 13:30 - 14:00 |
Promoter Activity | Starting Grid Presentation | 14:00 - 14:15 |
Formula 1 | National Anthem | 14:54 - 14:56 |
Formula 1 | Grand Prix (70 Laps or 120 Mins) | 15:10 - 17:10 |
featured image: © Dmitry Sumin | FLICKR