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Ecclestone had explored the possibility of holding a race in the Soviet Union, but Hungary emerged as the more practical candidate. Compared with much of the communist bloc, the country was relatively open to Western business, tourism and popular culture, making Budapest an attractive bridge between the two sides of divided Europe. Early discussions considered a street circuit in the capital’s Népliget park, which had hosted the prewar Hungarian Grand Prix in 1936. The authorities ultimately opted for a purpose-built venue outside Budapest, near Mogyorod and the M3 motorway.
Construction of the Hungaroring began in October 1985 and was completed in roughly eight months, an exceptionally short timetable for a new Formula One circuit. The track was laid into a natural valley, allowing spectators on the surrounding hillsides to see much of the lap. By the summer of 1986, Hungary had created not only a racing venue but also a highly visible international showcase at a time when few major Western sporting events crossed the Iron Curtain.
Ayrton Senna on the main straight of Hungaroring in 1986. (Photo by András Glósz/Fortepan)
The inaugural Formula One Hungarian Grand Prix, held on August 10, was the first World Championship race staged behind the Iron Curtain. It attracted a vast audience, with estimates commonly placing attendance at around 200,000, including visitors from across the Eastern Bloc. For many spectators, it was a rare opportunity to see Formula One’s teams, technology and leading drivers in person rather than through limited television coverage or specialist publications.
The race delivered a suitably memorable contest. Ayrton Senna started from pole position in his Lotus, but Nelson Piquet eventually won for Williams after producing one of Formula One’s most celebrated overtaking moves, sliding around the outside of Senna at Turn 1 while fighting to keep the car under control. Piquet finished more than 17 seconds ahead of his Brazilian rival, with Nigel Mansell completing the podium.
The Hungaroring has remained on the calendar ever since. Its narrow, twisting layout is often compared with Monaco, albeit without the harbor, casinos or barriers lining almost every corner. Overtaking has traditionally been difficult, placing a premium on qualifying, strategy and patience. The 4.381-kilometer circuit also tends to become dusty away from the racing line, making ambitious passing attempts even more demanding.
Photo by Tamás Urbán/Fortepan
Despite that reputation, Hungary has repeatedly produced races that refuse to follow the expected script. Fernando Alonso took his first Formula One victory there in 2003, Jenson Button earned his maiden win in a rain-affected race in 2006, Esteban Ocon claimed his first victory in 2021, and Oscar Piastri joined the list in 2024. Lewis Hamilton, meanwhile, has turned the circuit into something resembling a second home, collecting a record eight Hungarian Grand Prix victories.
The event has also become one of Hungary’s most visible annual international sporting occasions. Each summer, Budapest fills with team shirts, paddock passes and visitors attempting to decide whether the suburban railway, shuttle bus or an optimistic taxi journey offers the easiest route to Mogyoród.
Four decades after Piquet and Senna fought for the first victory, the 2026 Hungarian Grand Prix showed that the circuit could still produce drama. Lando Norris started from pole and secured his first victory of the season, finishing ahead of Max Verstappen and championship leader Kimi Antonelli and ending McLaren’s winless run.
The machinery, regulations and political surroundings have changed enormously since 1986. The essential Hungarian Grand Prix experience, however, remains familiar: intense summer heat, packed hillsides, strategic tension and 20 drivers discovering that finding a way past another car at the Hungaroring is considerably harder than it may appear on television.
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