Traffic chaos, cashless payments: Everything you need to know about the 2025 Formula 1 Hungarian Grand Prix
Engines will roar once again in Mogyoród during the first weekend of August as the Hungarian Grand Prix returns to the Hungaroring for the 40th time. This anniversary race is not only a major sporting event but also presents significant transportation, logistics, and financial challenges. Organisers and authorities are urging heightened attention and cooperation from everyone involved.
Major traffic restrictions expected at Hungarian Grand Prix
The Pest County Police Headquarters has issued a warning: from 1 August through 4 August, there will be substantial traffic restrictions around the Hungaroring. No stopping zones will be in effect, and vehicles parked illegally will be towed. Motorists can only reclaim their vehicles after paying a fine and the towing fees, according to Turizmus.com.
Authorities are asking Mogyoród residents to drive only when absolutely necessary. Depending on post-race traffic conditions, certain roads may be temporarily converted to one-way routes, with police directing traffic as needed.
The easiest way to get to the track is via the H8 suburban railway line (HÉV): from the Kerepes stop, free shuttle buses will transport spectators directly to Gate 3 of the Hungaroring, from where all grandstands are accessible. After the race, the buses will return people to the HÉV and MÁV train stations.
This year’s Grand Prix goes completely cashless
The 2025 race weekend brings a major change: the Hungaroring will operate entirely with contactless payments, Turizmus.com reported earlier. Festipay Plc. will operate hundreds of payment terminals on-site, where payments can be made using bank cards, mobile phones, or Festipay cards. Those arriving with cash will need to load it onto a Festipay card, which can be refunded without any fees at the end of the event.
Organisers say the new system offers faster, more convenient, and safer transactions and enhances the modern, European-quality race experience.
Concession prices steep now—and they weren’t cheap in 1986 either
The cost of food and drinks at the Hungaroring has long been a topic of criticism. According to vezess.hu, prices were considered high even at the inaugural race in 1986: back then, a hot dog cost 16 forints, and a hamburger was priced at HUF 25. At the time, with a gross average monthly wage of HUF 6,435, one could buy up to 402 hot dogs.
Today? Based on the 2024 gross average salary of HUF 727,700, and using last year’s prices, one month’s pay would get you just 269 hot dogs, 207 hamburgers, or 559 cups of coffee—making the concessions far less “wallet-friendly” than they once were.
LEGO installation and a glimpse into 2025
A special LEGO installation will accompany the anniversary event, on display at the Allee Shopping Centre through 5 August. The exhibition is the result of a collaboration between Formula 1 and LEGO.
Read more Formula 1-related news on Daily News Hungary.
Read also:
- 1,500 police, drones, and patrol dogs deployed to keep Formula 1 fans safe in Hungary
- Going Cashless at the Hungaroring: Here’s What You Need to Know
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