Aug.6 - Hungary has secured its long-term future on the Formula 1 calendar.

The country's national innovation minister Laszlo Palkovics was at the Hungaroring last weekend for talks with F1 CEO Stefano Domenicali.

Incredibly, although the race near Budapest already had a contract until 2032, that has now been extended for a further five years - all the way to 2037.

"I assured Stefano Domenicali that the Hungarian government wants to continue hosting F1 in Hungary," said Palkovics.

"We have a financial agreement until 2032 and I suggested that we would like to extend it for five or ten years. It was accepted that after 2032 we have this option until 2037, and therefore we would like to have F1 in Hungary until 2037."

FIA president Jean Todt even met with controversial Hungarian prime minister Viktor Orban in the previous days.

Local reports suggest part of Hungary's new deal with Formula 1 involves substantial upgrades to the facilities at the 35-year-old circuit in Mogyorod, 20kms from Budapest.

"Of course there is a lot to do, as this track was built in 1986 and is a relic of the past," said the minister. "It is no longer up to modern standards."

Circuit boss Zsolst Guylay said the renovation works, including a new main grandstand and paddock, will begin soon.

Minister Palkovics, meanwhile, says he has asked Formula 1 to look into whether a self-driving Mercedes safety car could even lead the field in 2022.

"As autonomous driving is important for Hungary, I made that suggestion," he confirmed.

"Obviously we would have to work that out, but the manager of the Mercedes plant in Kecskemet was previously head of AMG, so it could be done."


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12 F1 Fan comments on “New paddock and fifteen year F1 deal for Hungaroring

  1. shroppyfly

    lol having holidayed three times near lake balaton , trust me self driving cars is not a good thing for Hungary , terrible roads.

    Very odd, other countries in Europe either cant afford a gp or get a short term deal even rich germany gp ?? Hungarian government deep pockets or fairly small race fee ?

    Reply
    • ReallyOldRacer

      A little bit of Googling will explain why it's the former, not the latter. If you are a young person and looking for a lucrative career, build yourself an autocracy.

      Reply
      • shroppyfly

        Ah right , usually i do try and google things to get facts, if that doesnt sound too wrong!!!.??? Nice then to see the less wealthy Eastern european governments supporting motorsport,....... and in Britain Silverstone gets sod all cash to help it hold a race, ....Home of Modern GP Racing...... my arse..

        Reply
        • ReallyOldRacer

          Truthfully, I thought that was already the case. The team has been labelled Arrow McLaren SP Racing for two seasons and is commonly id'd simply as McLaren. Been a fan since the 70's. Interesting quickie: Johnny Rutherford (their driver) along with Mario hit on my wife while she was running the pit board for me in a support race. I took it as a compliment. lol

          Reply
          • shroppyfly

            ah right , i knew theyd tried the 500, but obv not with intended results, you asked what the end game is, well there you go Zaks handed over the $$ and bought into the team.

            What cads MA and JR are, dont worry though ive just edited there wiki pages to take your version of events into the history books, NO theres no need to thank me honestly, it was my pleasure,I expect Marios lawyers to come after me so i put Jaxes address down for that eventuality .

          • ReallyOldRacer

            Shrop' I was just thinking (it's a challenge), there are now no British F1 teams remaining in our sport. That is sad. Colin and Ken are nose to nose in heaven arguing over who is to blame. Colin blames Sir Frank, but Ken claims it all goes back to Bernie. Frank says FU, I took the $$$, and Bernie just smiles and hugs his five decades younger wife and infant son.

    • ReallyOldRacer

      "lol having holidayed three times near lake balaton , trust me self driving cars is not a good thing for Hungary , terrible roads."

      Missed this before. Could it be because they drive on the correct side of the road? lol One question about these self drivers. I understand that they stay between painted lines. How is that going to get me out of the drive, to the grocery and home again?

      Reply
      • shroppyfly

        There's a correct side to drive on ?, that message has not reached Italy yet...!!.... correct side of the road , ill forgive you for that Ror , just this once ...lol

        Reply
        • ReallyOldRacer

          LMAO You are #1. Can't compete. Thx for the absolution. BTW, I could be a snark and say that NOTHING has reached Italy for at least seven centuries except for syphilis, tuberculosis, malaria, cholera, and dysentery...oh, and gelato. Sheesh, now I've pissed off the Italians.

          Reply
  2. shroppyfly

    Imagine if Ron was still at Mclaren he would be unbearable with his special Ronspeak driving everyone nuts.... , but yeah its a shame but what can you do , as you rightly say some took the $$ , none more than Ron .

    Reply

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