F1 has been home to countless circuits in its long racing history. What began as a five-race championship in 1950 at Silverstone now stretches to 24 different races every season. There have been over 75 other tracks that Formula has ever raced on in the past seven decades. While historical ones, including the likes of Monaco, Monza, and Spa-Francorchamps, are still used, the sport bid farewell to quite a few.
Undoubtedly, some tracks have had a special status. This was primarily because of their layout and location. It is quite apparent that not all circuits provide strong racing. Current tracks like Circuit de Barcelona – Catalunya (Spain) or Monaco don’t provide an entertaining race. While the issue with the latter is largely because of its narrow streets, Barcelona does not provide many overtaking zones.
But there were tracks previously on the Formula 1 calendar that were famous amongst fans for giving thrilling races. Let us take a look at some of those.
Why does F1 stop racing on certain tracks?
There can be many reasons why the authorities would decide not to extend a track’s contract. Most of the time, the reason can be narrowed down to the profit margins that the sport gains from a race. Other issues, such as safety and taxation, also contribute to the shutdown of a particular Grand Prix.
So let us take a look at the top five tracks that F1 has stopped racing on in the past.
#5 Hockenheim (Germany)
The Hockenheimring, or just Hockenheim, was one of the oldest Formula 1 circuits in history. Located in The 6.790 km (4.219 miles) circuit used in the 1970s consisted of 14 corners. However, it was shortened to just 4.574 km (2.842 miles) in 200,2 but with 17 corners. Kimi Raikkonen set the lap record on the layout in 2004 at a 1:13.780.
The last F1 race on the track was held in 20,19, which saw Max Verstappen win. Home hero Sebastian Vettel took second place, and Daniil Kvyat completed the podium. The race was hampered in 2020 because of the COVID-19 pandemic and was ultimately canceled for several reasons. These included financial restraints and the decline in popularity.
#4 Nürburgring (Germany)
Nurburgring is perhaps one of the most popular racing tracks in the world. It was home to the Formula 1 German Grand Prix in the 1950s. The track had a whopping distance of over 22 kilometers, and it was nicknamed “The Green Hell.” Niki Lauda warned the drivers to boycott the race in 1976 because of the mixed conditions on the track, but the race went ahead anyway. He crashed on the second lap, leaving him in a life-threatening situation. Although he recovered, the F1 race was never held on the full circuit again, citing safety issues.
The race did return on the track, however, on a much shortened GP track at just 4.5 kilometers. This was renamed the European Grand Prix and was home to the race between 1999 and 2007.
#3 Buddh International Circuit (India)
The Buddh International Circuit was the only track to ever host a Formula 1 race in India. The 5.125 km (3.185 miles) circuit featured 16 turns and a long straight with challenging corners. This was quite a competitive track, but it only saw Sebastian Vettel win all three races between 2011 and 2013. Although F1 still had a contract for 2014, there were taxation issues with the Uttar Pradesh Government, which hampered the race. The Indian GP hasn’t been held since. The track was most recently used for MotoGP in the 2023 season.
#2 Kyalami Grand Prix Circuit (South Africa)
The Kyalami Circuit was home to the South African GP. The 4.1-kilometer (2.5-mile) circuit was a short one and featured only nine turns. Keke Rosberg’s lap from 1985 still holds the lap record at 1:08.149. Formula 1 refused to race in the country because of apartheid. Racing returned to the country for two years in 1992, but the race was never featured again. There have been talks of a possible return, but nothing has been finalized. Moreover, the track is being prepared to be upgraded to the FIA Grade 1 category.
#1 Sepang International Circuit (Malaysia)
The Sepang International Circuit is perhaps the most missed circuit by F1 fans. It was home to the Malaysian Grand Prix between 1999 and 2017. Although Formula 1 had raced in Malaysia previously, it was in 1999 that they would first race at Sepang. The race was immensely popular amongst the fans and drivers owing to the circuit’s layout. The 5.5-kilometre (3.4-mile) circuit featured double straights and several fast-paced corners along with tight ones.
The race was canceled after the 2017 season because of the decline in ticket sales. Moreover, Khairy Jamaluddin, Malaysia’s youth and sports minister at the time, had also mentioned that the race should no longer be held. He mentioned the high running costs and not enough returns as a reason.
