Is it possible? Hungary’s best-known motorsport team sets its sights on Formula 1

Zengő Motorsport, one of the most renowned teams in Hungarian motorsport, has taken a new direction: after success in touring car racing, it is now trying its luck in the world of formula racing. The team will make its Formula 4 debut this year, but its long-term goal is to reach the pinnacle of motorsport: Formula 1.

The big announcement and the new challenge

Zoltán Zengő, the team’s founder and leader, announced the breakthrough in a video message in February. Zengő Motorsport has achieved many successes in touring car racing, winning races and world championships and developing talents such as Norbert Michelisz, who is now a multiple world champion. However, they are now turning to new challenges and want to prove their skills in formula racing.

The first step: Formula 4

The team has already presented its first Formula 4 car, driven by Beni Gáspár, a young Hungarian talent. Formula 4 is the entry-level championship created by the FIA in 2014, allowing young drivers to develop their skills on a level playing field. The category is an ideal stepping stone to higher levels, such as Formula 3 and Formula 2.

The long-term goal: a Hungarian team in Formula 1

According to Zoltán Zengő, Hungary has the potential to establish an all-Hungarian team in Formula 1. However, this requires time, money, and an outstanding engineering and technical background. The team plans to participate in Formula 3 and Formula 2 first, with the ultimate aim of entering the premier class.

Why is this important for Hungary?

Although a Hungarian driver has already competed in Formula 1 — for example, Zsolt Baumgartner — no Hungarian team has ever taken part in the category. If this ambitious plan were to succeed, it would be a huge milestone for Zengő Motorsport and for Hungarian motorsport history. Zengő Motorsport’s move opens an exciting new chapter in motorsport.

Formula 1 is the pinnacle of motorsport, with enormous prestige and global recognition. It is the world’s most expensive and technology-focused motor racing series. A team needs substantial financial backing as well as significant infrastructure and engineering expertise. In Hungary, financial resources and the automotive industry background are relatively limited, so generating the necessary capital and technology is a significant challenge. Many multinational companies sponsor Formula 1, and the events are broadcast worldwide. For a Hungarian team to access these opportunities, attract international sponsors, and build a fan base would be a remarkable achievement. Such a project could also enhance Hungary’s reputation on a global scale.

The entry of any Hungarian interest into Formula 1 — whether a team, an engineering group, or a driver — would be a huge milestone not only for that entity but for Hungarian motorsport as a whole. The success of a Hungarian team could inspire further investment and talent discovery, which, in the long term, could support the development of the next generation. Competing in Formula 1 means facing the world’s biggest brands and best professionals in technical, sporting, and management areas. To be able to compete or succeed in this environment is a great honour. Furthermore, there is a strong enthusiasm for Formula 1 in Hungary, largely thanks to the Hungaroring, which has been hosting races for many years. The entry of a Hungarian team would further boost the sport’s popularity in Hungary, providing a massive source of motivation and fan support for the drivers and the entire team.

The road ahead will be long and challenging, but if anyone in Hungary can achieve this, it is Zoltán Zengő and his team. They have already taken the first steps; now, it is up to them to turn their dreams into reality.

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