City: Budapest, Hungary
Circuit: Hungaroring
Date: July 24 – 26, 2026
The Hungaroring sits in a natural amphitheatre just outside Budapest and has been on the F1 calendar since 1986, when it became the first race behind the Iron Curtain. Tight, twisty and notoriously difficult to overtake on, it is often likened to Monaco without the walls, a circuit that puts driver skill and strategy front and centre. Race weekend in Budapest is as culturally rich as any on the calendar.
City Rating: ★★★★★ Race Experience: ★★★☆☆
Our Verdict: Go for the City
THE CITY
Budapest is one of Europe's most beautiful and most underrated capital cities. Split by the Danube River into Buda and Pest, it is a city of grand 19th-century architecture, thermal baths, ruin bars and an extraordinary food and nightlife scene. The Hungarian Parliament building is one of the most impressive in Europe. The Széchenyi thermal baths are a uniquely Hungarian experience. For African visitors, Budapest is an affordable, beautiful and surprising destination which is very different from Western European capitals. Lots of European and Hollywood films are shot in Budapest, so don’t be too gobsmacked if you bump into your favourite celebrity on the streets of Budapest.
PRACTICAL FOR AFRICAN TRAVELLERS
Late July in Budapest is hot, so you can expect 30 – 35°C. The city is compact and walkable. Hungary uses the Hungarian forint (HUF), not euros, which surprises some visitors. The Hungaroring is about 30 minutes from the city centre. Flights from Africa connect through London, Paris or Frankfurt, you can also find great connections through Istanbul.
WHAT TO EAT
Hungarian cuisine is rich and hearty. Try goulash, lángos (deep-fried flatbread with toppings), chimney cake, stuffed peppers and freshwater fish dishes. Paprika is in almost everything. The food is good, filling and very affordable.
THE RACE EXPERIENCE
The Hungaroring is often likened to Monaco (without the walls). It’s narrow, twisty and very difficult to overtake on. This tends to produce processional races that are won in qualifying or at the pit stop window rather than through wheel-to-wheel combat. The circuit itself is not particularly exciting to watch from. However, the race occasionally produces moments of genuine drama and the overall weekend is enjoyable. Looking for a post-race party? This is another great city where Gr1d Club hosts a lavish party.
THE HONEST WORD
If you are going primarily for the racing, Budapest may disappoint, as it is considered by racing purists to be one of the lower-quality race experiences on the calendar. If you are using the race as an anchor for a broader trip to a stunning city, it is an excellent choice. Ultimately, if you’re new to Formula 1, this truly shouldn’t matter. You’re pretty much guaranteed a phenomenal experience!