At a recent press conference in Budapest, Zsolt Gyulay, CEO of Hungaroring Sport Zrt., outlined the latest developments and the expanded programme planned for the race weekend.

Among the more unusual additions, the opening day of practice will feature a first in the circuit’s history: the corners of the Hungaroring will receive official names.

The initiative follows a fan campaign launched last year, with the final selection made by a panel of experts. Gyulay described the move as a long-overdue step, adding that several of the individuals after whom corners have been named are expected to attend the event.

Significant upgrades have also been completed at the circuit itself. The fully renovated main building will be officially inaugurated during the race weekend, while a new, state-of-the-art race control centre and media centre will begin operating from their permanent facilities.

Growing demand for Formula 1 is reflected in expanded hospitality capacity, with the exclusive Paddock Club increasing from 950 to more than 3,800 seats.

Safety measures have also been strengthened, including the installation of additional debris fencing at Turns 3, 11 and 14, developments that were already tested during a recent GT Open weekend.

With spectator numbers reaching capacity in recent years, organisers are once again extending the Formula 1 atmosphere beyond the track and into Budapest.

As in previous years, an installation will be set up at Heroes’ Square, while a specially decorated Hungaroring-themed passenger boat will operate on the Danube in the lead-up to the race weekend, hosting a range of related events.

Across the city, bridges will be lined with flags, and misting installations will be put in place to help visitors cope with the summer heat while enhancing the overall race atmosphere.

At the circuit, the programme has also been broadened. Fans will have the opportunity to enter the pit lane on Thursday, before on-track action begins.

A newly introduced Fan Zone Ticket, priced at €35, with discounted tickets available for children at €10, provides access to the festival-style area around the main stage ahead of the first practice sessions.

Ticket demand remains strong. Sunday tickets have already sold out, while a limited number of passes are still available for Friday and Saturday.

Reflecting on last year’s success, Gyulay noted that the Hungaroring set a high standard after receiving the Fan Experience Award ahead of established venues such as Melbourne and Silverstone, adding that maintaining this level remains a priority.

One of the Hungarian Grand Prix’s most recognisable traditions continues to be its trophies, produced by the Herend Porcelain Manufactory.

CEO Attila Simon explained that each piece requires approximately six months of handcrafted work. This year’s design once again draws on traditional Hungarian folk art, while introducing a completely new motif.

The winner’s trophy stands 53 centimetres tall and weighs three kilograms, while the constructors’ trophy has a diameter of 52 centimetres.

A notable change has been introduced for the second-place trophy, which is now plated with platinum instead of silver. Unlike silver, platinum does not oxidise and retains its shine over time.

Herend’s porcelain trophies have become a distinctive feature of the Formula 1 paddock, a status reinforced in part by four-time world champion Sebastian Vettel, who previously voiced criticism when the traditional Hungarian trophies were absent from a podium ceremony.

Since then, Formula 1’s promoter has treated the handcrafted Herend pieces as an integral element of the Hungaroring’s identity.

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