F1 tracks are some of the most iconic sports locations in the world. There are countless tracks throughout the world, each with their own unique history and stories to tell. Though Formula 1 may not be as old as some of our more common sports, it is nonetheless one of the most storied, and the most famous F1 tracks are some of the most well-known of any sports stadiums. These days F1 threatens football in terms of how much sponsorship and money is involved. Most betting companies based in the UK and abroad over the F1 circuit and this is no surprise when you consider the international viewership it attracts.
Today, we’re going to look at some of the most famous of them all, and a bit of their history. Let’s get started.
- Monza Circuit
Found north of Milan, in Italy, named for the nearby city of Monza, first we have the historic Monza Circuit. The track is 3.6 miles long, and was originally built in 1922, when motor racing was first taking on its modern form and popularity. At the time, it was only the third purpose built motor-racing track in the world, and is the oldest in mainland Europe today.
The biggest event held at the Monza Circuit is the Italian Grand Prix, one of the most prestigious races in the world. Since 1949 every Italian Grand Prix has been held there, with the exception only of the 1980 race. It also, of course, hosts the Formula One and the 1000km Monza, which is an endurance race.
It has a huge capacity of around 118,000 spectators, and is one of the most famous and well-known F1 tracks in Italy and the whole world.
- Circuit de Monaco
Where the Monza circuit can be found high up in the mountains of Italy, our next track is tucked away neatly into the streets of the Principality of Monaco. It is laid out in Monte Carlo and Le Condamine around Monac’s harbour, and though its location might seem impractical, it has made it one of the most iconic F1 locations in the world.
It is used every year in April-May for the Formula One Monaco Grand Prix, and this is its biggest event. Though it houses only 37,000 spectators, it is no doubt one of the most famous F1 tracks in the world. Indeed, victory in the Monaco Grand Prix is one of the three races needed for the Motorsport Triple Crown.
- Suzuka Circuit
Moving out of Europe now, next we have the Suzuka Circuit, in Japan. Found in Ino, Suzuka City, it is operated by a subsidiary of the Hondo Motor company, and has a huge capacity of 150,000. It was decided that a permanent motor circuit would be built for the region in the 1950s, and it has been modified and renovated as many as eight times since it was completed.
It was opened in September of 1962, and its biggest event is certainly the Japanese Grand Prix. It has hosted this F1 race over many years, missing out on only a handful of the races between 1987 and 2022.
Its main circuit also sits at just over 3.6 miles long.
- Silverstone
No list of famous F1 tracks would be complete without England’s own Silverstone Circuit. It is the official home track of the British Grand Prix, and has hosted the event since the 1948 Grand Prix. It rotated between a few tracks over the years, but by 1987, Silverstone was the permanent home of the British Grand Prix.
It has a capacity of 150,000, and is found in the city of Silverstone, Northamptonshire. It is currently owned by the British Racing Drivers’ Club, and hosts all sorts of events other than the Formula One Grand Prix. It has also hosted motorcycle racing Grand Prix, as well as F2 and F3 competitions.
Silverstone is without doubt one of the most famous F1 tracks in the world.
- Circuit Gilles Villeneuve
Finally, we have Canada’s Circuit Gilles Villeneuve, in Montreal, Quebec. It is the annual home of the FIA Formula One Canadian Grand Prix, and has also hosted events like the FIA World Sportscar Championship, the Champ Car World Series, and even NASCAR events. It has a capacity of 100,000.
The Canadian Grand Prix has been held there most years since 1978, when it was opened in October of that year. Its main circuit, the Grand Prix Circuit, is 2.7 miles long, featuring 14 turns. It is still owned by the City of Montreal, and is without doubt the most famous F1 track in Canada and among the most famous in North America.
Motor racing is one of the most beloved sports in the world, and the circuits reflect that. They are such unique and beautiful locations that it’s impossible not to be enchanted by them. The circuits we’ve looked at here are certainly among the most special and famous of all F1 tracks, but don’t doubt there are countless more just as rich in history as these.