Hungary’s ambitious renovation of the Hungaroring has earned international praise, with Formula 1 President and CEO Stefano Domenicali calling it a benchmark for other countries to follow. Speaking to formula.hu during the Belgian Grand Prix weekend, Domenicali expressed admiration for Hungary’s dedication to upgrading its iconic racing venue.
‘Congratulations are in order for the promoter and the Hungarian government. Hungary is showing the world how it’s done,’ Domenicali said, noting that while he had not yet seen the renovations in person, the photos and videos have him eager to attend this weekend’s 40th Hungarian Grand Prix.
He emphasized Hungary’s long-standing importance to Formula 1, not only for its motorsport history but also for the city of Budapest itself. ‘It’s one of Europe’s most beautiful capitals, and fans don’t just come for the racing, they come for the experience. That contributes enormously to the event’s success,’ he said.
Domenicali highlighted that the decision to modernize the Hungaroring came at a time when many in the European press were lamenting a lack of investment due to economic challenges. ‘When we asked for better conditions for fans and the F1 community, the response from Hungary was simple: let’s do it,’ he noted. ‘They committed at the right time, and now we can all admire the results.’
The 1986-built Hungaroring is undergoing its most significant transformation in decades. Although the full renovation will be completed next year, fans and teams this weekend are already welcomed by a new main grandstand, paddock, and main building.
Domenicali stressed the importance of perfection at every F1 venue, saying Hungary consistently meets that standard. ‘The atmosphere is always fantastic, and the fans love coming here. This year will be sold out again, proving how vital this market is to F1.’ He added that the timing of the race right before the summer break only enhances the appeal. ‘Many will likely stay in Budapest for an extra week, maybe more,’ he said. Several international F1 promoters will also attend the Hungarian Grand Prix to study the renovation firsthand, viewing it as a model for similar upgrades elsewhere.
As for the Hungaroring’s long-term future, Domenicali confirmed that relations between Formula 1, the local promoter, and the Hungarian government are excellent. ‘We respected their timing and investment strategy, and we’ve worked out a realistic plan to finish the renovation by next year. That kind of mutual trust is key and it’s something the world can learn from,’ he said. The current race contract runs through 2032, but Domenicali said Formula 1 is open to talks about an extension.
He also hinted at broader motorsport opportunities. With Liberty Media, Formula 1’s parent company having acquired MotoGP’s organizing body, Dorna, Domenicali suggested the Hungaroring could one day host the motorcycle world championship as well. ‘This new setup allows us to think about what kind of synergy and added value both series can offer each other,’ he explained. In the meantime, MotoGP will return to Hungary later this August at the newly completed Balaton Park circuit in Balatonfőkajár.
The Formula 1 Hungarian Grand Prix runs from Friday to Sunday at the Hungaroring.
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