Hungarian Grand Prix 2024

In 1986, Hungary expanded the horizons of the Formula 1 Grand Prix when it opened Hungaroring, a 4.381 km circuit that held the first Grand Prix behind the Iron Curtain of Europe. Sights had been set on the USSR, but the race ultimately landed at Mogyorod, Hungary and has been a staple of the season ever since. Since the 1986 race, there has not been an F1 Grand Prix season that hasn’t featured the Mogyorod circuit.

The track has been a favorite of United Kingdom driver Lewis Hamilton, who’s taken first place 6 times over the 11 years he’s been racing. The 2018 race was especially kind to him as he finished first more than 17 seconds ahead of Sebastian Vettel of Germany. Over the course of the 70-lap race, there were only 3 retires, none of which having to do with collisions on the track. There was minor contact between Daniel Ricciardo and Valtteri Bottas, but both finished in the top 5.

According to Max Verstappen, Hungaroring is a “very difficult to master” circuit due to its complicated start at Turn 1. “It begins with very hard braking into Turn 1 before an off camber Turn 2 which tries to push you off from the inside,” Verstappen explained leading into the 2018 race. Hungaroring is all about precision and awareness, especially due to Turn 4, which the Dutch driver described as “blind.”

As for the spectators that oversee the excitement of the August 4, 2019 race, Mogyorod is a great place to celebrate the spectacle. With a population of just under 6,000 people, the Hungarian village is not big by any standards, but that doesn’t stop it from bringing the excitement for the 2019 race weekend.

Even when it’s not about the race, spectators can enjoy some of the nearby sites and attractions that the Hungarian village has to offer. There are plenty of parks to enjoy the tempered weather and the vibrant beauty of Mogyorod along with a 5.5-hectare farm and petting zoo that’s sure to delight animal lovers. Medveotthon doubles as a bear farm and also features wolves, reindeer, and raccoons, all of which have grown accustomed to the presence of people over the years.

Just outside of Mogyorod is a metropolis filled with lodging, restaurants, and attractions, like the Chocolate Museum, Pirate Cave, and the exciting Capital Circus of Budapest. Access to Budapest comes easy thanks to a local train that takes spectators on an hour-long ride through the beauty of Hungary. With access to the train and plenty of public transportation in Budapest, there is little reason to have to rent a car to enjoy oneself during the  Hungarian Grand Prix.