On the occasion of the Hungaroring’s 40th anniversary and the upcoming 41st Hungarian Grand Prix, F1 CEO Stefano Domenicali gave a positive assessment in an exclusive interview with formula.hu. The modernized circuit has received international praise, and all signs point to a contract extension.
When Formula One first ventured behind the Iron Curtain in 1986, few could have predicted the success story the Hungaroring would go on to become. This year’s race weekend has seen the iconic circuit unveiled in a new light following extensive modernization works, leaving a lasting impression on Formula One’s management.
Ferrari’s British driver Lewis Hamilton during the first practice session ahead of the Formula One Hungarian Grand Prix at the Hungaroring in Mogyoród on July 24, 2026. Photo: MTI/Czeglédi Zsolt
Formula One CEO Stefano Domenicali praised the Hungarian organizers and decision-makers in the interview. “I am extremely proud of what the promoter and the government have achieved. They have fulfilled our agreement and provided us with infrastructure of the highest quality,” the 61-year-old Italian said.
The commitment of the operating company Hungaroring Sport Zrt. and the entire country also sends a “very positive” message internationally. According to Stefano Domenicali, Hungary is positioning itself as a showcase project in global sports.
The F1 boss underscored that this is by no means a given, pointing to the continuity on the ground. “We do not want to get into politics, but since 1986 we have seen an incredible commitment to Formula 1 here—completely regardless of who happened to be prime minister or in power at the time.
Hungary has always treated Formula 1 as its top priority when it comes to investments. We will not forget that,”
he emphasized.
Another cornerstone of this success, he noted, is the long-standing, stable partnership between Ariane Frank-Meulenbelt on the promoter’s side and Zsolt Gyulay, CEO of Hungaroring Sport Zrt.
The first Formula 1 race at the Hungaroring in 1986. Photo: Fortepan / Glósz András
The contractual situation for the historic Hungarian circuit is already solid. The current working agreement runs through 2027. But if Stefano Domenicali has his way, that is far from the end of the line. The successful renovations have laid the foundation for an even longer-term future.
“The Hungaroring has been on the calendar without interruption since 1986, which is the best proof of its loyalty to the Formula 1 World Championship. (…)
The modernization work is complete, and I think we are absolutely ready to discuss the even more distant future. Negotiations for an early contract extension are already underway,”
he explained.
Although the F1 boss remained tight-lipped about specific contract details, he held out the prospect of an additional highlight for Hungarian fans. Since Formula 1 wants to further expand the sprint weekend format (after six sprints this year, more are already planned for the coming season), the Hungaroring is at the top of the list for this.
“I can say this much: The Hungaroring is definitely one of the tracks where we are having very concrete discussions about a sprint weekend. We want to continue developing in this area, and Hungary is a clear candidate,” said Domenicali.
Before any future plans are finalized, however, the focus is on the current race weekend. After Friday’s free practice sessions and Saturday’s qualifying, the 41st Hungarian Grand Prix is set to take place on Sunday at 3:00 p.m.
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Via formula.hu, Featured image: MTI/Vasvári Tamás
