The Most Famous Formula 1 Circuits of the World

As the title suggests this article is about the Most Famous Formula One Circuits from around the world. While thats a lofty ambition by no means is this meant as a definitive guide. There were two factors these circuits had to meet. First they must be famous outside of the F1 fans universe. Simply put non F1 fans should know them. Second they need to be active F1 circuits.

We start this tour of the world in Germany specifically at Hockenheimring Baden-Württemberg. Better known to race fans as Hockenheimring. Opened on May 25, 1932 this circuit has 13 turns and it is four and a half kilometers long. In 1965 the Circuit underwent its first face lift after the newly built Autobahn A6 was completed. Before 2001 most of this race was run through the forrest. After 2001 a redesign was performed resulting in tighter corners. The first German Grand Prix was held here in 1970. Since it opened it has held 32 Grand prix events.

Circuit Gilles Villeneuve – Montreal Quebec Canada. Named after the famous F1 driver and father of Jacques Villeneuve is located on a man made island in the Saint Lawrence River. 31 F1 races better known as the Canadian Grand Prix have been held here. This circuit was dropped from the F1 calendar in 2010 but quickly brought back in 2011 to once again host the Canadian Grand Prix.

Back to Italy we go and to the home of the Italian Grand Prix called simply Monza. Its official name is Autodromo Nationale Monza. Located in a small town called Monza just north of Milan this Circuit opened on September 3, 1922. This is a fast track built with fast corners and 5 long straights.

We move now to Belgium a track designed in 1920 and has hosted 46, F1 Grand Prix events. None other than home of the Belgian Grand Prix. Circuit de Spa-Francorchamps. Better known to all fans as Spa. This Circuit is one of the most challenging on the F1 championship calendar because its fast and hilly with a lot of twists thrown in for good measure. One cannot overlook the grandeur of the Kemmel Straight or the harrowing high speed left hander known as Blanchimont.

Our next stop is nicknamed the "Home of British Motor Racing". None other then Silverstone which sits nestled in between Northamptonshire and Buckinghamshire. Silverstone hosted its first British Grand Prix in 1948 and has hosted a total of 44 since. The circuit was built on a former World War 2 Royal Air Force bomber station. In 1950 when the now Formula One World Championship was organized Silverstone was the first grand prix. It is also remembered for Ayrton Senna hitching a ride with Nigel Mansell back to the pit when his McClaren stopped in the middle of the race.

Finally we come to the most famous F1 circuit. Circuit de Monaco or the Monaco Grand Prix. Monaco has hosted 58 F1 Grand Prix. It is usually called Monte Carlo because the bulk of the street circuit is inside Monte Carlo. With 18 turns, tight corners, elevation changes and of course the famous tunnel. Everyone from die hard F1 fans to even casual racing fans knows Monaco.

This article began in Germany and ended with the most famous F1 circuit Monaco. The circuits listed here have gone above and beyond just normal F1 circuits. Non F1 fans know these circuits because of years of racing history behind them. Some have transformed a normal peaceful residential section into a weekend of excitement that only an F1 race can provide.