2024 was the 75th edition of the Formula 1 championship, and to mark the (almost) end of the season, I’d like to pay tribute to the 5 most-used circuits in Formula 1 history.
Suzuka circuit (Japanese Grand Prix)
- Number of times used: 32
- Lenght: 3,60 mi
- Number of corners: 18
- First edition: 1987
The Suzuka circuit is one of the most legendary in the world, thanks to its unusual layout. Shaped like an 8 and featuring a series of “S” bends, it was built in 1962 by Honda as a test track. With the exception of visitor facilities, the circuit has remained virtually unchanged since the 1960s.
It has been the scene of some memorable confrontations, such as Alonso’s incredible overtake on Schumacher in the 130R corner, or Alain Prost’s collision with Ayrton Senna in 1989.
Spa-Francorchamps circuit (Belgian Grand Prix)
- Number of times used: 56
- Lenght: 4,35 mi
- Number of corners: 19
- First edition: 1950
Built in 1921, the Spa-Francorchamps circuit might be the longest Formula 1 circuit still used. Imagine a forest, throw in a few straights, some fast technical corners and you’ve got one of the world’s best-known circuits. This is where you’ll find the most famous series of bends: Eau Rouge and Raidillon. Since its creation, it has been modified to enhance driver safety.
Spa-Francorchamps has been the scene of many spectacular races, such as the 1998 Belgian Grand Prix crash involving over 13 F1 cars, but also of sad tragedies such as the loss of French Formula 2 driver Anthoine Hubert in 2019.
Read more:
- How Daniel Ricciardo’s Formula 1 career was derailed?
- No more Renault F1 engines in 2026. What does this mean?
Silverstone circuit (British Grand Prix)
- Number of times used: 58
- Lenght: 3,66 mi
- Number of corners: 18
- First edition: 1950
The Silverstone circuit was built on a former World War II airfield. It is probably one of the oldest circuits, having hosted the very first Grand Prix in Formula 1 history. Resurfaced in 2010, its impressive sequence of Maggots, Becketts and Chapel corners can almost be passed flat out by today’s F1 cars.
Recently, we’ve witnessed some spectacular races, including the crash of Chinese driver Guanyu Zhou in 2022, Carlos Sainz’s first win in the same year, and Lewis Hamilton’s first home victory since 2021. What an emotional podium!
Monte-Carlo urban circuit (Monaco Grand Prix)
- Number of times used: 69
- Lenght: 2,07 mi
- Number of corners: 19
- First edition: 1950
Monaco… Formula 1’s most legendary circuit. A must-see event of the season, it is reputed to be the most technical and the most difficult track. Imagine racing through an entire city, taking tight corners between safety rails and mega yachts.
There, it’s the qualifying session that’s most important. For while the lavish event is impressive, the race is usually far less so. Today’s cars are too wide to fight it out on the principality’s streets. Ayrton Senna holds the record of 6 victories in Monaco. And for the first time in history, a Monegasque driver won the Monaco Grand Prix this year. Charles Leclerc won on home soil with a masterful qualifying session and a controlled race. The pride of Scuderia Ferrari fans and of his country!
Monza circuit (Italian Grand Prix)
- Number of times used: 74
- Lenght: 3,60 mi
- Number of corners: 11
- First edition: 1950
Built in 1922 and little modified since, the Monza circuit is one of the oldest circuits still in operation, and perhaps my favorite. Known as the “Temple of Speed”, it features numerous straights and some more recent chicanes introduced for safety reasons. A speed oval was even built but later abandoned.
Here, too, we’ve seen some interesting races and notable victories, such as the french Pierre Gasly in 2020, and Daniel Ricciardo in 2021. With 74 uses, Monza is an iconic circuit that has seen almost every Formula 1 season.
The 5 most frequently used circuits in Formula 1 since 1950 are Monza, Monaco, Silverstone, Spa-Francorchamps and Suzuka. 4 of these circuits are European logicaly given that the sport was born in Europe.
