Jonas Leo
The Formula 1 calendar has expanded to an unprecedented 24 circuits, presenting a diverse array of challenges and experiences for drivers, team personnel, and media alike. With no two tracks being identical, a panel of F1 writers has undertaken the task of ranking all current venues – excluding Madrid, slated for its debut in 2025 – based on four critical criteria: layout, history/atmosphere, location, and facilities. Their collective assessments offer a comprehensive insight into what makes a Grand Prix circuit truly stand out, judged on the entire experience it provides.
1. Best Circuit Layout
The circuit layout is arguably the most complex criterion to evaluate. It necessitates a balance between providing exceptional racing and offering a supreme test of driver skill. Recent seasons have demonstrated that these two objectives do not always align perfectly, especially with the evolving characteristics of modern F1 machinery. The writers aimed for a balanced outcome by considering both aspects.
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Filip Cleeren championed Interlagos in Sao Paulo, asserting that it possesses all the desired attributes. "Sao Paulo’s Interlagos circuit is one of a few that manages to do both," Cleeren stated, referring to the blend of challenge and action-packed racing. He highlighted its unique bowl-shaped design, which incorporates camber to facilitate multiple racing lines. This, combined with a lengthy main straight and the potential for rain, frequently delivers an "entertaining cocktail that seldom disappoints." Cleeren placed Monza as a close second, acknowledging Suzuka’s outstanding layout despite its occasional lack of overtakes. He noted his unique exclusion of Bahrain from his top ten, while surprisingly including Las Vegas for its entertainment value.
Conversely, Oleg Karpov prioritized "good racing" above all else. "For me, what matters far more is whether a track provides good racing to watch," Karpov explained, suggesting that simpler layouts often yield better spectacles. He posited that features such as chicanes, hairpins after long straights, and multiple overtaking opportunities are "simple, but very efficient tools to provide a good spectacle." For Karpov, the Bahrain International Circuit stands out, particularly its first sector, which he described as "a perfect arena for proper wheel-to-wheel battles, with different lines and opportunities to retake the position." The Red Bull Ring in Austria and Circuit Gilles Villeneuve in Canada were also lauded for their similar capacities to produce thrilling racing.
Stuart Codling approached the layout assessment with a pragmatic view, acknowledging that "great driver circuits don’t always make for compelling racing." He cited Suzuka as an example, noting the passing of the 20th anniversary of its last truly memorable Japanese Grand Prix (Kimi Räikkönen’s charge from 17th to victory in 2005). As such, he "downgraded that venue." Codling awarded top marks to Spa-Francorchamps, which, despite not always delivering a classic race, "does so often enough – usually with the assistance of the fickle Ardennes microclimate." He also praised Spa for offering more challenging sections accessible to spectators compared to Suzuka. Silverstone, despite its origins as a "drab, windy old airfield," was credited for delivering both challenge and spectacle. Interlagos, the Circuit of the Americas (COTA), and Circuit Gilles Villeneuve also featured prominently in his ranking, with Montreal noted for its ability to "make things happen" despite a "ho-hum" actual track layout. Codling humorously questioned Karpov’s high ranking for Bahrain, despite acknowledging its "compact, clever layout" and improved racing under night conditions.
Ronald Vording echoed the sentiment that "an iconic layout and good racing have proven to be two (completely) different things." He argued that Silverstone uniquely "ticks both boxes," being both an iconic venue (host of the first F1 World Championship race in 1950) and a consistent producer of good races in recent history. Vording also placed Sao Paulo highly for similar reasons, while Spa-Francorchamps and Suzuka were recognized for their spectacular layouts. He noted that Bahrain, though not iconic in layout, offers "enough ingredients for good racing," referencing the memorable 2022 battle between Charles Leclerc and Max Verstappen.
2. History and Atmosphere
The second category delves into the rich tapestry of Formula 1’s 75-year history, the palpable atmosphere at race weekends, and the overall fan experience. While deep historical roots are highly valued, the dynamic growth of F1 has also seen newer races quickly establish a vibrant fan culture and atmosphere, proving that tradition and contemporary appeal can coexist effectively.
Oleg Karpov highlighted the diverse "flavours" of atmosphere across the F1 calendar. He described Monaco as "truly unique" for its harbour setting, road closures, and complex logistics. Zandvoort and Silverstone were praised for their "music-festival atmosphere," while the Mexican Grand Prix paddock was noted for its "craziness." However, for Karpov, nothing surpasses the Italian Grand Prix at Monza. He cited "the charm of the Parco di Monza and the passion of the tifosi" as unparalleled. The Red Bull Ring in Austria also ranked highly, having been transformed in recent years by the fervent support of Max Verstappen’s Dutch fanbase, creating an atmosphere akin to a "Dutch province for a week," complemented by the scenic Styrian mountains.
Ronald Vording singled out Japan for its "unmatched" fan enthusiasm and experience. Japanese fans are renowned for their respectful nature and "most creative ways" of dressing up, making the event "an experience in its own right." Vording also acknowledged the deep history and passion of the tifosi at Monza and the unique setting of Monaco. As a journalist, he particularly values the trackside experience at Monaco, where a photographer’s tabard allows unparalleled proximity to the action, a "personal highlight of the F1 season every single year."
Stuart Codling declared Monza as unsurpassable for both history and atmosphere. He vividly described its "parkland setting, whispering trees, crumbling concrete banking, elderly timing towers and supremely passionate fans." Codling evoked the ghosts of F1 legends, stating, "Walk behind the grandstands and it’s easy to imagine the likes of Fangio, Farina and Ascari roaring past on the other side. It’s an utterly magnificent venue." He notably excluded Austria from his top ten due to reported "safeguarding issues and general boorishness in recent seasons," emphasizing the importance of an inclusive atmosphere.
Jake Boxall-Legge, while acknowledging Monza’s "exceptional atmosphere and over a century’s worth of history," aligned with Vording in choosing Suzuka. He contrasted Monza’s Ferrari-centric "sheen of Rosso Corsa" with Suzuka, which "feels more like a celebration of Formula 1 as a whole, rather than just one team or driver," citing even safety car driver Bernd Maylander receiving a dedicated banner. Further down his list, Spa-Francorchamps was recognized as a "popular pilgrimage for fans," and Sao Paulo for its "Senna-influenced magic," which recently reached new heights with significant Latin American support for drivers like Gabriel Bortoleto, Franco Colapinto, and honorary citizen Lewis Hamilton.
3. Location
The third criterion focuses on the broader appeal and context of the circuit’s location, which significantly enhances the overall experience for both fans and F1 personnel. This includes assessing what the Grand Prix host city or region offers beyond the racetrack itself.
Filip Cleeren found Melbourne to be the standout in this category, slightly edging out Sao Paulo and Singapore. He praised its blend of city life and nature, diverse food scene, and relaxed lifestyle. Cleeren noted his personal connection, having moved to Barcelona after a Spanish Grand Prix, and identified Melbourne as another city he could envision relocating to. The central location of Albert Park within the city allows fans easy access via tram, contributing to a vibrant "buzz" where "F1 really takes over the town during race week." Cleeren underscored the importance of preserving traditional road courses while acknowledging Liberty Media’s strategic interest in these "destination cities" to find the right balance.
Stuart Codling highlighted COTA (Circuit of the Americas) in Austin for hitting "the right notes." Though situated outside the immediate city centre, its proximity to Austin’s "fun and bohemian city" mitigates any inconvenience, offering a "distinct sense of place." Codling reflected on Bernie Ecclestone’s era, which saw a "migration towards white-elephant venues miles from anywhere." He argued that for Formula 1 to truly expand its audience, it must "embrace the great world cities" so that attending a Grand Prix can integrate into a broader holiday experience. The Mexican Grand Prix was cited as an excellent example of a destination race in a "fascinating" city.
Ronald Vording presented a unique perspective, being the only writer with two American cities in his top three for location. He admitted that, for "pure F1 experiences and with an old-school racing heart," these venues might not rank at the top. However, he emphasized his personal enjoyment of spending "extra time in Florida, exploring the Florida Keys, or to go hiking in the national parks of California and Nevada – or indeed, even the Grand Canyon." This broader regional appeal makes these destinations, alongside Japan (Tokyo) and Singapore (versatility), particularly worthwhile. Vording conceded that this category is perhaps the most challenging to rank, acknowledging the "own charm" of almost all F1 destinations, including Budapest, Baku, and Austria.
Jake Boxall-Legge declared this the "easiest to pick," unanimously selecting Melbourne. He described it as "a city of sport, culture, great coffee, and lovely people." The circuit’s location in the heart of the city simplifies travel for personnel, offering pleasant walks through Albert Park. The amenable timetable allows for evenings spent enjoying Melbourne’s "live entertainment and stellar culinary offerings." Suzuka also featured highly for its potential to combine the race weekend with exploration of Tokyo or Osaka. Singapore and Montreal were also on his list, largely due to their acclaimed food scenes, with Montreal’s annual traffic issues placing it just behind Singapore. He also gave a "shout out to Budapest" for its "plethora of restaurants and palatial architecture."
4. Circuit Facilities
The final category focuses on the practical aspects of the circuit itself: the enjoyment of spending time, watching the action, and working at the track, alongside ease of access. A clear pattern emerged, indicating that Formula 1’s newer venues are often setting a higher standard, frequently surpassing many of Europe’s traditional circuits.
Filip Cleeren, writing from a journalist’s perspective, highlighted the value of "creature comforts" such as a "spacious and conveniently located media centre that actually overlooks the main straight." He noted that this was once a given but media spaces are increasingly being repurposed for VIP areas. Within Europe, he identified the Red Bull Ring in Spielberg as a "welcome oasis" for its impressive facilities. Austin’s COTA was ranked second for its "excellent all-round facilities," while Singapore was praised for the convenience of being able to walk directly into the circuit.
Oleg Karpov credited Hermann Tilke’s firm for their expertise in circuit infrastructure, stating that facilities at modern tracks represent a "night-and-day difference" compared to older venues like Barcelona and Spa. While acknowledging recent refurbishments at historical tracks such as Silverstone and the Hungaroring, he maintained that "the luxurious conditions at the likes of Abu Dhabi or Qatar beat refurbished historical tracks." Karpov emphasized that the Red Bull Ring stands "almost in a league of its own," particularly for its media centre, which he described as a "paradise, with a gigantic panoramic view of the entire track from an excellent working space."
Jake Boxall-Legge recognized that, despite "legitimate criticisms" regarding the value of some Middle Eastern circuits, "one cannot deny that the facilities are generally great." He noted that Bahrain initiated the trend of "high-spend infrastructure" with its expansive paddock and individual villas for each team. However, he believes Abu Dhabi "tweaked it slightly more successfully," citing its massive viewing screens, a media centre positioned within the paddock, a tranquil harbour, and the convenience of numerous trackside hotels on Yas Island.
Stuart Codling, however, expressed strong disagreement with high rankings for Abu Dhabi. He described the venue as frequently suffering from a "litany of rookie errors," citing difficulties in credential collection and security issues. "I’ll pass, thanks," Codling stated. Instead, he favored Austin and Mexico, not necessarily for media centre views, but for their "super-convenient for paddock access," "convivial environments," and "excellent local cuisine." He noted that Mexico traditionally offered superior coffee, but its 2025 Grand Prix saw a downgrade in barista services, a "first world problem" for a traveling journalist.
Our Overall Top 10
Based on the aggregate scores from the F1 writers across these four critical categories, a consensus emerged, identifying the following circuits as the pinnacle of the Formula 1 calendar:
| Ranking | Race |
|---|---|
| 1 | Spielberg |
| 2 | Suzuka |
| 3 | Silverstone |
| 4 | Sao Paulo |
| 5 | Monza |
| 6 | Melbourne |
| 7 | Bahrain |
| 8 | Austin |
| 9 | Spa |
| 10= | Mexico |
| 10= | Singapore |
The Red Bull Ring (Spielberg) emerged as the collective favourite, lauded for its blend of engaging layout, growing atmosphere, and exceptional facilities. Iconic tracks like Suzuka, Silverstone, and Sao Paulo consistently ranked highly across multiple criteria, solidifying their status as integral components of the F1 experience. The enduring appeal of historic venues such as Monza and Spa-Francorchamps continues to resonate, while city-based races like Melbourne and Singapore demonstrate the success of F1’s modern expansion strategy. Bahrain and Austin also secured positions within the top ten, showcasing the impact of modern infrastructure and dynamic local environments. The tie for tenth between Mexico City and Singapore further underscores the diverse strengths valued by those who cover the sport.
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Author Profile
- Jonas Leo is a passionate motorsport journalist and lifelong Formula 1 enthusiast. With a sharp eye for race strategy and driver performance, he brings readers closer to the world of Grand Prix racing through in-depth analysis, breaking news, and exclusive paddock insights. Jonas has covered everything from preseason testing to dramatic title deciders, capturing the emotion and precision that define modern F1. When he’s not tracking lap times or pit stop tactics, he enjoys exploring classic racing archives and writing about the evolution of F1 technology.
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