The Event
At the beginning this race was special for being the first behind the Iron Curtain. Now Hungaroring is among the traditional race tracks, and the third in the races, that have continuously featured in the racing calendar. Due to its technically challenging track it’s one of the most difficult venues of the series, but the drivers and teams like to come to us. This is partly because of our beautiful capital, Budapest, and partly because of the professional environment awaiting them.
This year
Hungaroring is preparing for its 30th Formula One race so we are hosting additional events for the ticket holders, such as a major concert on Friday evening with famous Hungarian bands and musicians. There will be exhibitions showcasing the past 30 years – and an exclusive additional race, which is still under wraps. Enough is said if I tell you that it will celebrate the 30th birthday of our race memorably.
Rub shoulders with
Celebrities are usually the guests of the teams or Bernie Ecclestone in the paddock, and their presence is a surprise in the teams’ garages or motorhomes, which makes it all the more exciting. Hungarian celebrities include Olympic champions, actors, singers, but we have seen Sylvester Stallone, Plácido Domingo several times, as well as Sam Worthington and Naomi Campbell – and of course Nicole Scherzinger came a few times with Lewis Hamilton.
After dark
After each race there is an after party, the venue of which – precisely due to the secretive world of Formula One – remains a secret until the last moment, so you’ll have to join us to find out. In Budapest, the slogan could be “The City That Never Sleeps”. Széchenyi Thermal Baths (+36 1 363 3210; www.szechenyibath.hu) welcomes visitors until 10pm, offering the charm of stargazing from a thermal pool. The street of Gozsdu Court, full of bars and restaurants, attracts not only Hollywood celebs but also Formula One pilots.
Formula 1 drivers accept their trophies on the podium
Stay
Four Seasons Hotel Gresham Palace Budapest (Széchenyi István tér 5-6; +36 1 268 6000; www.fourseasons.com/budapest) was opened in a beautiful, traditional old palace located on the Pest side of the city. It offers a breathtaking panorama, while their services represent exceptional quality. Aria Hotel (Hercegprímás utca 5; +36 1 445 4055, www.ariahotelbudapest.com) is another that truly caters to every need and is located near St. Stephen’s Basilica.
Dine
While we serve our VIP guests to the best of our abilities, we do not have restaurants. But in Budapest, if you are looking for a good restaurant or cake shop, there is the traditional Gundel (+36 1 889 8111; www.gundel.hu), where the first Formula One reception was held in 1986, or the deservedly famous cake shop, Café Gerbeaud (+36 1 429 9000; www.gerbeaud.hu) – or try one of the capital’s four Michelin-starred restaurants [Costes, Onyx, Borkonyha and Tanti].
Ornate ceilings decorate the Széchenyi Thermal Baths
Wear
There is no explicit dress code, but Formula One represents a rather special sporting event, so we recommend sporty elegance for guests of the Paddock Club. And of course fans will wear the colours of their favourite teams, signaling which pilot they support.
Must do
Fans love our retro-style race track and the chance to come to Hungary to see their favourites. The Thursday pit lane walk has become a tradition among all who possess any type of ticket for the weekend. This is an opportunity to look behind the scenes, to watch the teams practice tyre changing, and for the lucky ones, to get an autograph from their idols.
Engineers prepping on the tarmat at the Hungarian Formula One
Zsolt Gyulay is the president-CEO of Hungaroring Sport Zrt and an Olympic canoeing gold medallist. Visit www.hungary-grand-prix.com for more information.