1. Interlagos Circuit, Brazil
A Track Brilliantly Crafted
Interlagos Circuit, located in the heart of São Paulo, Brazil, is a staple of the Formula 1 calendar and a favorite among drivers and fans alike. With a clever use of elevation changes, altering cambers, and natural flow, it offers a thrilling challenge to both engineers and drivers.
Not too short and not too long, Interlagos strikes a perfect balance in terms of length. The circuit is renowned for producing brilliant wheel-to-wheel racing, making it a model for any new addition to the Formula 1 calendar.
2. Circuit de Spa-Francorchamps, Belgium
A Masterclass in Track Design
Circuit de Spa-Francorchamps is considered a treasure by the global racing fraternity. Nestled in the heart of the Belgian Ardenne, the circuit's charm is so overwhelming that some may argue about it being ranked the second-best in the current F1 calendar.
The circuit has evolved over the years, but it has never lost its allure. Spa-Francorchamps is home to the Eau Rouge/Raidillon complex, a challenging section that demands respect and precision from the drivers. The rest of the circuit is a masterclass in utilising the local topography and smart design, making it one of the greatest permanent racing circuits in the world.
3. Red Bull Ring, Austria
A Testament to Simplicity and Speed
On paper, the Red Bull Ring might appear simple, but this Austrian circuit has a reputation for producing some brilliant racing. The long straights and heavy braking zones make it well-suited to modern machinery, while its position in the Austrian hills introduces exciting elevation changes.
The lap is short and punchy, with a focus on thrill over frills. The Red Bull Ring's appeal lies in its simplicity, proving that keeping it simple can often yield the best results.
4. Baku City Circuit, Azerbaijan
Street Racing at Its Finest
The Baku City Circuit, the finest street circuit on F1's calendar, offers a unique blend of tradition and unpredictability. By discarding preconceived notions of what makes a good track, Baku City Circuit has stumbled upon genius.
The circuit features incredibly long straights leading into 90-degree bends, creating opportunities for some great racing. The castle complex adds a touch of contrivance, but overall, the circuit is an unfiltered display of racing insanity.
5. Suzuka International Racing Course, Japan
An Ode to Beautiful and Flowing Race Tracks
Suzuka International Racing Course stands as a tribute to beautiful and flowing race tracks. In modern F1 cars, it offers a seriously fast challenge, and the 130R ranks among one of the best individual corners of the entire year.
Where Baku City Circuit defies traditional circuit design, Suzuka is an embrace of the harmonious blend of speed and flow that makes F1 racing such a spectacle.
6. Istanbul Park, Turkey
A Boon for Drivers and Fans Alike
Hermann Tilke, the man behind many modern circuit designs, often faces criticism. However, even critics find little fault with Istanbul Park.
Regarded as Tilke's masterpiece, Istanbul Park rejoined the F1 calendar to the delight of drivers and fans. The circuit is flowing, challenging, and unique, offering plenty of opportunities for good racing. It's a testament to the potential of modern circuit design when done right.
7. Algarve International Circuit, Portugal
The Thrill of Elevation Change
It's a pity that it took so long for F1 to race at the flowing Portuguese circuit, Algarve International Circuit. The track is known for its wild climbs and drops, which add a layer of excitement and challenge to its 4.6km route.
While the current crop of cars may be a bit too aerodynamically dependent for the racing to be truly exceptional, the sheer insanity of the layout earns it a top spot on our list.e
8. Yas Marina Circuit, Abu Dhabi
Night Racing Extravaganza
The Yas Marina Circuit, with its backdrop of Abu Dhabi's bright lights, offers a unique spectacle as the only circuit in the F1 calendar to transition from daylight to nighttime during the race.
While the circuit design might not be as popular among fans, the spectacle of cars speeding under the night lights adds a mesmerising layer to the race, making it an unforgettable experience.
9. Circuit de Monaco, Monaco
A Crown Jewel in the F1 Calendar
The Monaco Grand Prix is undeniably the crown jewel of the Formula 1 calendar. The street circuit, nestled in the heart of the glamorous city-state, offers an unparalleled racing experience.
While modern grand prix cars may have outgrown the circuit, its glamour, prestige, and the sheer challenge it poses to the drivers make it a must-see for all F1 fans.
10. Circuit of the Americas (COTA), USA
A Blend of Innovation and Challenge
The Circuit of the Americas, located in Austin, Texas, has quickly become a favorite among drivers, teams, and fans since its introduction to the F1 calendar in 2012.
The track features an innovative uphill run to the first turn and a flowing, technical layout that challenges the drivers. Coupled with Austin's famous nightlife, it offers an all-round entertainment package for F1 fans.
While the above ten circuits are the top picks, there are many other circuits like the Albert Park in Australia, Hungaroring in Hungary, and the Silverstone Circuit in the UK that also offer a fantastic Formula 1 experience. Each of these circuits has its own unique charm and challenges that add to the thrill and excitement of the sport. Whether you are a die-hard fan or a newbie to the sport, visiting these circuits should be on your bucket list.