The Grand Spectacle: F1's Finest Tracks

There is the argument that every Formula One circuit should be on the calendar, however this just isn’t possible. The season has already been extended, adding many races which all complete the 24-race season. Over the past 73 years we have seen Grand Prix’s held in a variety of countries spread over six of the seven continents, but which tracks have been the favourites and why?

These are a handful of my all-time favourite F1 tracks and why i believe they deserve to hold a permanent position on the Formula One calendar.

Firstly, I will start at the very beginning, the very place the first ever Formula One Grand Prix was held, Silverstone. Built in 1943 for the purpose of war-time training, Silverstone Circuit has changed beyond recognition over its many years of use. Corners and straights were named after local landmarks and locations. For example, Stowe is named after Stowe school positioned south of the circuit. The Hangar Straight was named after two large aircraft hangars which the track ran between, unfortunately they have since been demolished.

Aside from its bizarre names, Silverstone is an incredibly traditional racetrack. However, it has taken over 60 years for the circuit to develop in such a way that suits the ever-changing formula one cars. With exceptional racing and a truly unique atmosphere, Silverstone has remained one of the world’s greatest racetracks. Without showing too much bias, I believe this historic circuit deserves to have a permanent place in the Formula One Championship.

Secondly, I will cross the Atlantic Ocean and head to Interlagos, located in the sprawling suburbs of Sao Paulo.

Apart from a break in the 1980’s, the Autodromo Jose Carlos Pace has been a regular host to the Brazilian Grand Prix since 1973. After the rise of Sao Paulo native Emerson Fittipaldi, it was only a matter of time before the first Brazilian Grand Prix was held. But after a rise in complaints regarding the tracks inherit dangers, The Jacarepaguá track was favoured from 1981. This was until a new hero from Sao Paulo was born, that being formula one legend, Ayrton Senna. Senna prompted a $15 million facelift for Interlagos which spawned a return of formula one to the track in 1990.

Interlagos has always provided exciting racing and has frequently decided the formula one championship. The circuit truly tests the strength and integrity of all the drivers, that being due to the anti-clockwise direction the track follows, testing all the muscles in the body. Despite promises of a rebuild, the cramped garages and packed paddock remain, and I for one hope it will for many years to come.

Thirdly we will head back across the waters, to the heart of Italian motorsport, Monza. A true theatre, set in a park in northern suburb of Milan. Monza oozes tradition, character and superb racing. When building began in 1922, many locals felt unsettled with the idea that a large racetrack was to stand in-between a natural park beside a local village. However, the protest didn’t stop over 3,000 men getting to work to build what would later be one of the most favoured racetracks of all time.

The original circuit consisted of a singular oval shape with an extremely steep banking which curved throughout the park. However, after a large amount of racing incidents that led to many unfortunate deaths, the organisers were forced to abandon the original banked combination. After the 1938 Italian Grand Prix, a major reconstruction of the Monza Circuit begun. This meant the definitive end of the original circuit.

Since then, the circuit has welcomed truly incredible racing and Grand Prix wins In front of the ever-passionate Tifossi.