2026 Hungarian Grand Prix: Grandstands, Prices & Fan Guide

The 2026 Hungarian Grand Prix takes place at the Hungaroring on 24 to 26 July, with the race starting at 15:00 local time on Sunday 26 July. Every grandstand at the circuit has been renamed following a €200 million rebuild, and the new covered main stand is the centrepiece of a dramatically redesigned venue. If you are heading to Budapest this weekend, here is what you need to know before you arrive.

When Is the 2026 Hungarian Grand Prix? Dates and Session Times

The 2026 Hungarian Grand Prix is Round 11 of the F1 World Championship, running across three days at the 4.381 km Hungaroring. All times are local CEST.

• Free Practice 1: Friday 24 July, 13:30 to 14:30
• Free Practice 2: Friday 24 July, 17:00 to 18:00
• Free Practice 3: Saturday 25 July, 12:30 to 13:30
• Qualifying: Saturday 25 July, 16:00 to 17:00
• Race: Sunday 26 July, 15:00

This is the 41st Hungarian Grand Prix, contested over 70 laps. The circuit's tight and twisty layout places a premium on downforce, traction and tyre management rather than raw power.

The Renovated Hungaroring: What Changed for Fans

Hungaroring organisers invested around €200 million in new circuit infrastructure ahead of the 2025 race, delivering a completely rebuilt main grandstand along with new pits and paddock buildings. The 2026 event is the second race at the transformed venue, but fans who last attended before 2025 will find very little looks the same.

The new covered main grandstand accommodates around 10,000 spectators and includes a new terrace and upgraded commentator booths. It replaces the old Super Gold stand and is now called the Hungaroring Grandstand, the only covered structure at the circuit. The cheaper lower rows of the old Super Gold stand, which were partially obscured by the pit wall and catch fencing, are no longer offered.

New Grandstand Name Changes: Old Name vs New Name

As part of the renovation, the entire grandstand naming system was replaced. Per the circuit's 2026 ticket listings, here is how the old names map to the new ones:

• Super Goldis now the Hungaroring Grandstand
• Bronze 1is now Chicane 1
• Bronze 2is now Chicane 2
• Gold 1is now Grid 1
• Silver 1is now Grid 2
• Gold 3 / Pit Exitis now Pit Exit 1 and Pit Exit 2
• Gold 4is now T1
• Silver 3is now Apex 1
• Silver 4is now Grand Prix 2
• Red Bullis now Grand Prix 1
• Silver 5is now Fan Grandstand

If your ticket still references an old grandstand name, use the list above to find your seat on arrival.

Best Grandstands to Watch the 2026 Hungarian GP

The Hungaroring is built in a natural amphitheatre, so most grandstands offer elevated sightlines over multiple corners. A few stand out for 2026.

T1 Grandstand (formerly Gold 4)

This stand overlooks Turn 1, the primary overtaking point at the Hungaroring, and also gives views of the race start. It sits close to the main fan zone and Gate 8, which makes leaving the circuit straightforward at the end of the day.

Apex 1 Grandstand (formerly Silver 3)

One of the most popular grandstands at the circuit, Apex 1 sits above Turn 14. Depending on seat position, fans see either Turns 12 to 13 and the pit entry, or the exit of Turn 14 and up the pit straight.

Grand Prix 2 Grandstand (formerly Silver 4)

Sitting on the hill behind Grand Prix 1, this stand offers elevated panoramic views of Turns 12 to 14 and the pit straight. It is rated as one of the recommended picks at the circuit for fans who want a wide view rather than a single corner.

Hungaroring Grandstand (formerly Super Gold)

The only covered grandstand at the circuit, divided into two tiers. The lower Hungaroring tier offers the bulk of the seats, while the Hungaroring Platinum deck sits higher, is fully shaded, and is limited to just five rows across sectors A to P. Given July temperatures in Budapest, the full shade on the Platinum deck makes it a practical choice.

One note of caution: some seats in Sector A of the adjacent Grid 1 grandstand have views partially compromised by the concrete wall of the new main stand to the left. Trackside Seats lists and compares grandstand views and prices side by side so you can check exactly what each seat sees before buying.

Ticket Prices and Availability: What Is Left

Prices for 2026 have risen by approximately 5% compared to last year, per the official promoter's listings. The 2025 race drew a sold-out three-day crowd of 300,000 fans, and demand for 2026 is running similarly high: the Max Verstappen Grandstand (Grand Prix 1, located on the right side of Turn 14 with views of the starting grid) sold out before the F1 season even began.

Current 2026 three-day price tiers:

• General Admission:€165
• Chicane 1 and Chicane 2 (formerly Bronze):€330
• Hungaroring Grandstand (formerly Super Gold):€660
• VIP Fan Lounge hospitality:€2,035
• Champions Club by F1 Experiences:€3,670
• Formula 1 Paddock Club:from €6,920

Hospitality Options at the Hungaroring

There are three hospitality tiers at the 2026 Hungarian GP, at significantly different price points and locations.

VIP Fan Lounge (€2,035, 3 days).Positioned at the top of the Hungaroring Grandstand in sector A on the left side. Catering on Saturday and Sunday includes buffet breakfast, lunch, snacks and an open bar serving coffee, tea, soft drinks, beer and wine.

Champions Club by F1 Experiences (€3,670, 3 days).Moved to a new location on the outside of Turn 2 for 2025 and remains there for 2026. The package includes all-inclusive food and drink, guest appearances, a grid walk and a guided paddock tour.

Formula 1 Paddock Club (from €6,920, 3 days).Located above the pits. Higher-priced Legend Ticket Packages within this tier include a VIP Paddock Pass for one day and priority access to the post-race podium.

General Admission at the Hungaroring: Is It Worth It?

General Admission is priced at €165 for three days, with early-bird discounts bringing the entry price to just over €100. Because the circuit sits in a natural bowl, GA areas between Turns 9 and 14 offer elevated, panoramic sightlines across a wide section of track. It is rated as some of the best-value General Admission on the F1 calendar, particularly for fans who want to move around the circuit across the weekend.

FAQ

What time does the 2026 Hungarian Grand Prix race start?

The race starts at 15:00 local time (CEST) on Sunday 26 July 2026.

What grandstands are still available for the 2026 Hungarian GP?

Several grandstands, including the Hungaroring main stand at €660 for three days, remain on sale via official outlets. The Max Verstappen Grandstand (Grand Prix 1, the former Red Bull area) sold out before the F1 season started. Availability is changing daily given the high demand, so check current stock before the weekend begins.

Is the Hungaroring a good circuit for spectators?

Yes. The circuit is built in a natural bowl, meaning most grandstands and General Admission areas offer elevated sightlines over multiple corners. This makes it one of the better spectator circuits on the F1 calendar.

Which is the best grandstand for overtaking at the Hungarian GP?

The T1 Grandstand (formerly Gold 4) overlooks Turn 1, the primary overtaking spot at the Hungaroring, and also provides views of the race start.

Why have all the grandstand names changed at the Hungaroring?

As part of the €200 million renovation completed ahead of the 2025 race, the pit and paddock buildings and grandstand layout were redesigned, requiring the entire naming system to be replaced. The new names took effect from 2025 and remain in place for 2026.

Is the Hungaroring main grandstand covered?

Yes. The rebuilt Hungaroring Grandstand (formerly Super Gold) is the only covered grandstand at the circuit, making it particularly valuable in July when Budapest temperatures can be extreme.