We all know Formula 1 drivers like Lewis Hamilton, Sebastian Vettel, and Kimi Raikkonen. But what about the racetracks that make the premier class on four wheels, but also other world-famous motorsport races, possible in the first place? Today I present to you the 10 best racetracks in the world.
Formula 1 only celebrated its 1,000th anniversary at the China Grand Prix in Shanghai in the spring of this year and can now look back on a 69-year history. Formula 1 legends such as Michael Schumacher and Lewis Hamilton have firmly established themselves here and will not be forgotten, but the racetracks are also of great importance. They are fast-paced, challenging, and simply spectacular. Let yourself be carried away into the world of motorsport and come along to the 10 best racetracks in the world, which not only attract with holy asphalt but also with a unique environment and exciting sights.
The 10 best racetracks in the world
Monaco-Circuit de Monaco
The Circuit de Monaco in sunny southern France is undoubtedly one of the most well-known and oldest racetracks. The street circuit is only a temporary race track that is closed off every year for the legendary Formula 1 race, but that doesn’t make the Circuit de Monaco any less spectacular. With a total length of 3.3 kilometers, tight curves, and a fantastic backdrop on the Mediterranean coast, it has been a source of excitement since the beginning of Formula 1 in 1950 for legendary races that will never be forgotten. But of course, that’s not all the principality has to offer: Expensive yachts, white villas, and a world-famous casino – welcome to the home of the rich and beautiful.
Le Mans-Circuit Bugatti
While we’re in France, we can also go a little further to the northwest of the country. Here you will find the city of Le Mans, which has around 143,000 inhabitants and has become world-famous for its motorsport events. As early as 1906, the first Grand Prix race in the world took place here, at that time, still on public roads just outside the center. Since the late 1960s, motorcycle world championships have also been held here, such as the 24-hour race in Le Mans.
My tip: Last year, part of the filming of the movie ” Le Mans 66 – Against Every Chance “, directed by James Mangold, took place in Le Mans. Based on a true story and the biography ‘Go Like Hell: Ford, Ferrari, and Their Battle for Speed and Glory at Le Mans’ by AJ Baime, the film stars Oscar® winners Matt Damon and Christian Bale occupied. The focus is on the competition between Ford and Ferrari at the Le Mans race in 1966 and the special friendship between the American sports car manufacturer Carroll Shelby and the British racing driver Ken Miles, who, despite resistance, cling to their shared vision. The film will start in German cinemas on Thursday, November 14th, 2019.
Nurburg – Nurburgring
The Nürburgring in the Eifel is the longest permanent racetrack and was even considered the most dangerous racetrack in the world in the 1970s. The most famous part of the Nürburgring is the traditional Nordschleife, which was closed to Formula 1 due to safety deficiencies and after Niki Lauda’s serious fire accident in 1976.
Nevertheless, this unique place still attracts numerous visitors and, after several renovations and conversion work, still serves as a venue for various races, sports, and music events. A visit to the world of experience ring°werk is also worthwhile; a cool museum that promises a real motorsport adventure for young and old with its many simulators, among other things.
Spa – Circuit de Spa Francorchamps
Just 20 kilometers from the German-Belgian border, in the Walloon region, and in the middle of the Ardennes, you will find the Circuit de Spa-Francorchamps. With its countless curves and a considerable difference in altitude of around 100 meters, the approximately seven-kilometer race track is often referred to as the “Ardennes roller coaster.”
The circuit was opened in 1921 and has also been used as a Formula 1 venue since the 1950s. Due to its picturesque and almost fairytale-like surroundings, it is also known as one of the most beautiful racetracks in the world. So take a little more time and go on a discovery tour in the Ardennes!
Montreal – Circuit Gilles-Villeneuve
In the Canadian city of Montréal, on the Île de Notre-Dame, you will find the temporary, 4.36-kilometer Circuit Gilles-Villeneuve race track, which has also served as a Formula 1 venue since 1978. The island is known among connoisseurs, above all, for its elongated shape, which promises the pilots up to 60% full throttle and thus an average speed of up to 207 km/h.
But that’s not all: visitors who make the long journey to Canada are, of course, also attracted to the city itself with its exciting sights, including a huge underground city. Montréal also knows how to enchant a very special atmosphere and lively inhabitants.
Bahrain-Bahrain International Circuit
The Bahrain International Circuit is one of the most important sights in the country and is still one of the youngest racetracks in the world. The 5.4-kilometer race track was opened in 2004 for the first Bahrain Grand Prix, which, by the way, was won by Formula 1 legend Michael Schumacher. If you want to step on the accelerator yourself, then the go-kart track right next to the Bahrain International Circuit is a good place to go, which is open to visitors daily from 4 p.m. to midnight.
Singapore – Marina Bay Street Circuit
The Marina Bay Street Circuit in Singapore is also one of the more recent Formula 1 venues – the temporary circuit celebrated its opening in 2008. The route, which is just over 5 kilometers long, is particularly popular for its unique location, as the course is in the port area, right in Marina Bay.
But the racetrack has another special feature: With a total of 26 curves, including several 90-degree curves, it is the racetrack with the most curves in the Formula 1 calendar. So the Singapore Grand Prix demands a lot from the Formula 1 drivers. If you plan to visit at this time, then look forward to a fast-paced and really challenging race. My tip: Take a look at my tips for your Singapore vacation beforehand to experience a lot more in the top-class metropolis in addition to the circuit.
Melbourne-Albert Park Circuit
The Australian metropolis of Melbourne replaced the Adelaide Street Circuit in 1996 with the opening of the Albert Park Circuit and has been the venue for the Australian Grand Prix ever since. The 5.3-kilometer semi-permanent race track is located in the middle of Albert Park, where it circles the lake of the same name and traditionally even serves as the start of the Formula 1 season.
While the races are really hot here, you can also spend relaxing hours in the park and enjoy a great view of Melbourne’s skyline. In general, be sure to allow yourself enough time to discover this fascinating city by day and by night. In addition to exciting sights such as Federation Square and the Eureka Tower, cool street art, legendary rooftop bars, and of course, lots of culinary highlights await you. How about planning a road trip along the Great Ocean Road in the beautiful state of Victoria from here?
Abu Dhabi – Yas Marina Circuit
The emirate of Abu Dhabi not only impresses with endless desert, beautiful beaches, and modern skyscrapers but also with lots of action. In addition to attractive offers such as diving, wakeboarding, and flyboarding, motorsport is also a big topic, which can be seen above all in the Yas Marina Circuit, which was only built in 2009 and is a permanent racetrack on the natural island of Yas Island. The 5.5-kilometer track awaits its pilots with some challenging curves and is also known for the fact that a Formula 1 race was started here in daylight for the first time and ended under artificial light.
My tip: If you’re already there, it’s also worth visiting Ferrari World and Yas Waterworld, which is close to the famous and luxurious Yas Hotel. Get even more Abu Dhabi tips in my detailed article, and have a great time.
Suzuka-Suzuka International Racing Course
The last famous circuit in my list takes us to the Japanese main island of Honshū, near the city of Nagoya. The Suzuka International Racing Course is 5.8 kilometers long and, with its various changes of direction and a wide variety of curves, is one of the most demanding racetracks in the world. The permanent race track was opened in 1962 and is celebrated among connoisseurs, above all for Michael Schumacher’s first title with Ferrari. Fun Fact: In close proximity to the Suzuka Circuit, you will also find a popular amusement park, Motopia Park, which was originally built for employees and their families. For this reason, the racetrack is often referred to as the ” Formula 1 fair “.
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