Fans attending the Hungarian Grand Prix are being forced to pay outrageous prices at the food stalls around the circuit. A major redevelopment has taken place ahead of this year’s race, with the main building and main grandstand being completely revamped. The old paddock building and media centre have also been rebuilt from the ground up.
The crowd got their first taste of the refurbished Hungaroring on Friday, with thousands of people flocking in to watch practice. However, the food prices on display raised more than a few eyebrows. Fans were forced to pay eye-watering amounts to satisfy their hunger, with vendors charging more than they have done in previous years.
For example, a ‘giant hamburger’ was listed for sale at a whopping 14,800 forints (£32.39), according to Hungarian outlet Blikk. Those looking for a healthier option can buy a Greek salad in exchange for 4,500 forints (£9.85).
A hot dog with fried onions is usually a safe bet for those after a cheap snack, but at the Hungaroring it costs 7,500 forints (£16.41). Gyros, either in a pita or a bowl, is priced at 7,900 forints (£17.29).
Drinks are more reasonably priced but cannot be described as cheap, with half-litre soft drinks coming in at 1,500 forints (£3.28) and lemonade costing 2,100 forints (£4.60). Beer, which is served in half-litre glasses, is priced at 2,400 forints (£5.25).
It is usually expensive to attend an F1 race no matter where you go, but some of the prices on display at the Hungaroring are truly something else.
Fans will be hoping for the on-track action to make it worthwhile, with Lando Norris and Oscar Piastri set for another titanic battle. They dominated in practice on Friday and will be looking to make their speed count in qualifying and the race.
Max Verstappen, meanwhile, will be hoping to upset the odds after escaping a bizarre penalty in FP2. He was spotted throwing a small white towel out of his cockpit at Turn Three, prompting an investigation from the stewards.
The verdict arrived shortly after the end of the session, with Red Bull being handed a formal warning. The stewards ruled that Verstappen’s car was released in an unsafe condition after the towel slipped off his lap and into the cockpit.
Speaking after the session, Verstappen explained: “It was just a towel that you normally wipe your face with when you come back in.
“It was still in the car when I went out, so instead of it maybe flying between my feet, which is the dangerous part, I drove off the line and got rid of it in the safest way possible. I think the stewards understand that.”
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