Williams Racing: Hungary F1 GP

July 23, 2023

WILLIAMS RACE DAY HOSPITALITY: Hungary F1 GP 2023

On 23rd July 2023 we were back at the Williams Experience Centre for ‘Race Day Hospitality’. This week was for the Hungary F1 GP.

The only Formula 1 race to be held behind the Iron Curtain, the Hungarian Grand Prix has been staged at the Hungaroring circuit outside of Budapest every year since 1986.

The first Hungarian Formula 1 Grand Prix, held in August of 1986, was the culmination of Bernie Ecclestone’s desire for the sport to venture beyond the Iron Curtain. After considering Moscow, the initial Hungarian plan was for a race to be held on the streets of the capital Budapest.

In the end, the communist authorities in Hungary decided to construct a purpose-built track 19km outside of the capital. The Hungaroring circuit was completed in just eight months and the first race drew an estimated 200,000 fans from all over the Eastern Bloc.

*** CLICK HERE for more information about our Scalextric hire and branding options for your event ***

The tight, twisty Hungaroring circuit is located in a valley, which provides excellent visibility for fans. From higher vantage points, it’s possible to see around 80% of the circuit. At 4.381km, the Hungaroring is the third shortest Formula 1 circuit on the current calendar and the second slowest after Monaco. The tight layout of the circuit makes overtaking difficult, one reason why many drivers and fans don’t rate the track highly. The race is held each year at the height of the European summer, often in stifling heat. Since the race was first held over thirty years ago, rain has only fallen during the race three times, in 2006, 2011 and 2014; while the 2020 race began in damp conditions.

Estimated race-day crowds have hovered around the 100,000 mark in recent years. During Robert Kubica’s first stint in F1, the Hungarian event became the defacto Polish Grand Prix, with as many as 25,000 Polish fans making the trip to the race each year. With his return to the grid in 2019, the figure once again grew by around 20,000 compared to the previous year. The Hungarian Grand Prix attracted a weekend crowd of 290,000 in 2022.

Hungary remains a popular F1 destination for fans from all over Europe. A contract extension was signed in 2016 which guaranteed the Hungaroring’s place on the Formula 1 calendar until at least 2026. The contract was recently extended to 2027, due to the 2020 race being held without spectators.

The 2020 Hungarian Grand Prix was moved forward two weeks from its provisional date and held behind closed doors as a result of the coronavirus pandemic. It was won by Lewis Hamilton, who secured a record-breaking eighth win at the venue. One year later, with fans back in the stands, Esteban Ocon secured his maiden Grand Prix victory in a chaotic wet to dry race.

*** CLICK HERE for more information about our Scalextric hire and branding options for your event ***

Williams Racing welcomes you to enjoy a Grand Prix Race Day at the Williams Experience Centre. The day includes a review of qualifying with an exclusive live link up to one of the drivers, live control room link up, VIP guest appearance with interview, refreshments and lunch followed by the live race screening. There is also the opportunity to browse the Williams Grand Prix Collection with a tour guide, as well as testing your speed on our 20 x F1-style driving simulators, our Super-Size Scalextric Track and other activities on the day.

WHAT’S INCLUDED DURING ‘RACE DAY HOSPITALITY’:

ACTIVITIES

Unlimited use of the Esports lounge, with 20 state of the art simulators
Our Think Scalextric Bespoke Super-Size Scalextric Track (click the link for more info about out track)
Batak
Museum Tour
In addition you will have the opportunity to browse their shop with exclusive merchandise and 20% off

FOOD

Breakfast
Lunch
Unlimited soft drinks

Why not book up on a ‘Race Day Hospitality Experience’ at the Williams Racing Experience Centre. For info visit: williamsf1.com/experience-centre.

LEARN MORE (click below to open pdf)