With the 2021 Formula One season well underway, I've decided to make a quick post detailing my top five circuits that feature on the 2021 Formula One calendar and why I have chosen them as my favourite.
As we know, the race calendar has constantly been chopping and changing around due to the Coronavirus pandemic. But let's not lie, in some way, for Formula One, it has been a god-send. We have seen some excellent racing and battles as well the addition and re-addition of some fantastic circuits which has added to the excitement. Some of these circuits have given us mixed up grids and podiums as well as a championship battle we have craved for years. I, for one, cannot wait to see what the rest of the season holds. Before that though, lets talk favourite tracks.
5) - Suzuka International Racing Course, Japan
All the circuits that appear on this list are prestige, historic, old-school Formula One circuits and Suzuka in Japan falls nicely into that category.
Hosting it's first Formula One race in 1987, Suzuka is one of my firm favourites due to it's aggressive, high-speed and low-speed corners including 130R; one where I love to see a Formula One battle take place. It's also the only circuit on the calendar to be built in a "figure of eight" shape adding to it's already quirkiness. It's a unique circuit and I hope we can see it stick around for some time to come.
4) - Intercity Istanbul Park (or just Istanbul Park), Turkey
I am extremely grateful that I am able to be writing about this wonderful circuit. At the beginning of the season it was not apart of the calendar but will be rejoining the Formula One circus again, for the second consecutive year in a row in October replacing Singapore. Aren't we lucky?
A nostalgic circuit for myself, Istanbul first joined the Formula One calendar in 2005 and before last year, was last seen in 2011 due to a financial disagreement. What stands out for me at this circuit is the incredible Turn 8 (aka Diabolica), a long, high speed, left hand turn with four apexes which really challenges the drivers. I also like how the circuit lies over four different ground levels which can effect the cars in different ways with some acclimatising better to the higher ground than the lower, for example. The sad thing about this circuit is that from 2011 it fell into disuse and became a cafe. Yes, a cafe. With seating on the start/finish straight. Formula One has since saved and brought this fun yet tough circuit back to life.
3) - Circuit de Monaco, Monaco
I hate street circuits. But, I like Monaco. It's a shame that in this day and age, I'm one of only a handful of people who do like this circuit. Debuting it's first race around the principality in 1929, Monaco is one of the oldest circuits on the calendar which is why I love it so.
Probably the most prestige and historic circuit on the Formula One calendar, every driver wants to win Monaco. As time has moved forward and the cars have evolved, due to it's status as a street circuit it cannot move forward with everything else, as such. The cars have become to big and powerful meaning less overtaking and more "follow the leader" for 70 odd laps. But, that's ok. The 2022 cars will be more suited to this rollercoaster that splits the boys from the men and the girls from the women. Also, we still get to see the stunning, beauty that is Monaco. Again, I like it's uniqueness. It's a narrow circuit sitting at various meters above sea-level and it really tests a drivers focus and ability. As ex-Formula One driver Jolyon Palmer once said; "You must always be alert on a street circuit."
2) - Interlagos Circuit - Brazil
Every year I look forward to the Brazilian Grand Prix. It never fails to deliver. The Brazilian Grand Prix has been staged at Interlagos, a suburb of Sao Paulo, since 1972 on and off. In 1985, the circuit was renamed The Autodromo Jose Carlos Pace after local Formula One driver Jose Carlos Pace perished in a place crash.
I love this circuit because of the dramatic races that it can produce. Most notable was the 2012 Brazilian Grand Prix where that years title would go down to the wire. Similar to Suzuka, the track is anti-clockwise, one of only a few and is littered with high-speed corners making for some great overtaking and fast laps. I, along with many drivers and fans enjoy this circuit for it's hilly nature where it follows the Sao Paulo terrain up and down thus putting way more pressure on the car and making life a bit more tough for the drivers. Turns 1 and 2 aka The Senna S's are also some of the most famous in Formula One. After missing out on a slot in the calendar last year due to the Coronavirus pandemic, I am counting down the days F1 goes back here.
1) Circuit de Spa-Francorchamps, Belgium
Of course, the number one spot would go to the Circuit de Spa-Francorchamps in Belgium. The longest circuit on the Formula One calendar, I always look forward to the Belgium Grand Prix.
Some of the most famous corners in motor racing are here in Belgium including the aggressive and ability testing Eau Rouge. Can they take it flat out? Or will they need to lift?
Current Formula One driver Fernando Alonso explains Eau Rouge as:
"...You come into the corner downhill, have a sudden change [of direction] at the bottom and then go very steep uphill. From the cockpit, you cannot see the exit and as you come over the crest, you don't know where you will land. It is a crucial corner for the timed lap, and also in the race, because you have a long uphill straight afterwards where you can lose a lot of time if you make a mistake. But it is also an important corner for the driver's feeling. It makes a special impression every lap, because you also have a compression in your body as you go through the bottom of the corner. It is very strange – but good fun as well."
The circuit is just complete madness and I love it.
Since 1925 (the first F1 race) the circuit has gone through many renovations over the years including shortening it from 8 miles to 4 but still, has always been used as a "speed course" with a reputation of being very fast and dangerous with numerous fatalities over the years. But, thanks to the safety precautions taken by the circuit and the FIA, these are now very rare.
It's such an incredible circuit to watch a racing driver drive, especially as they tackle the likes of Eau Rouge, Raidillion and Blanchimont. I hope I get to visit this roller coaster of a circuit someday.
Well, there we have it; my top five circuits of the 2021 Formula One calendar. I almost feel bad for leaving some of my other favourites out including the Red Bull Ring in Austria, Monza in Italy and the Circuit of the Americas in the USA. Unfortunately, I couldn't include them all.
Out of those five, the Formula One circuit have only visited one so far this year; Monaco. I have so much to look forward to with the rest of this season. I can't wait!
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