Last year we saw the return of some iconic circuits to the Formula One calendar due to the cancellation of some races. The global pandemic affected our beloved sport in a way we could never imagine, however, it did give us the opportunity to race at tracks that haven’t been on the calendar in years, or ever held a grand prix.
The Turkish Grand Prix returned for the first time since 2009, along with the Emilia Romagna Grand Prix held at Imola. We also raced for the very first time at Portimao in Portugal. Having made us feeling nostalgic, we have been treated to a second race at Imola and Portugal this year, with Turkey rumoured to replace the Canadian Grand Prix if it is cancelled. But this got me wondering, if I could bring back 5 circuits to the F1 calendar, which ones would make the cut?
Watkins Glen
The iconic circuit hosted the United States Grand Prix from 1961 until 1980. The layout has remained largely unchanged since the 1970’s, with a combination of fast corners and slow hairpins. Nicknamed “The Glen” and located just outside of New York, it has also hosted most motorsport championships including NASCAR, IndyCar, World Sportscar Championship, Trans-Am and Can-Am. The original build of the circuit included the public roads in the village until 1956 when a permanent track was introduced.
Many heroes of F1 have graced the top step at Watkins Glen, including Jim Clark, Graham Hill, Jack Brabham, Emerson Fittipaldi and James Hunt.
Image Credit: Brands Hatch Circuit
Brands Hatch
First appearing on the calendar in 1964, Brands Hatch hosted the grand prix in alternate years to Silverstone until 1986. The circuit was extremely popular with drivers with varying elevation and cambered corners. It was spectacular watching the cars take on Paddock Hill bend and sweeping downhill towards Hawthorns! A big problem for the venue however was the noise. Being located in the Kent countryside, the level of noise did upset the locals. The pit facilities are also too small for the modern F1 cars, but it would not be able to expand due to the location within the circuit.
Image Credit: Formula One
Fuji
F1 competed at the Fuji speedway in 1976-1977 and 2007-2008. The track has a long start/finish straight, some slow corners and an exciting final sector full of twists. With the stunning backdrop of Mount Fuji, it was originally intended to be a NASCAR or IndyCar style oval, so it had a banked turn 1. Gilles Villeneuve and Ronnie Peterson were involved in a bad accident at the 1977 grand prix, which unfortunately killed a photographer and a race marshal. The circuit was then removed from the calendar until 2007, when F1 returned to a modified Fuji circuit.
Due to poor ticket sales and bad weather, FOM decided that the Japanese Grand Prix would be shared between Fuji Speedway and Suzuka Circuit on alternate years. But in 2010, Toyota decided to discontinue the hosting of the Japanese Grand Prix at Fuji, due to the global financial crisis.
Malaysia
Held at the Sepang International Circuit between 1999 until 2017, the Malaysian Grand Prix was a firm fan favourite. Michael Schumacher, Sebastian Vettel and Fernando Alonso are all multiple winners at Sepang. It was known for it’s unpredictable weather, varying from a really hot and humid climate to torrential rainstorms. But the circuit itself was something quite exciting with a 927 metre long back straight separated from the pit straight by just one tight hairpin. It was known for its sweeping corners and wide straights, perfect for wheel to wheel action.
In October 2016 it was rumoured that the Sepang circuit may be dropped from the Formula One calendar due to dwindling ticket sales and with the race’s contract was due to expire in 2018, it’s future was under threat. Bernie Ecclestone wanted the circuit to be renovated, but they did not have enough funds. When the contract expired, it was not renewed.
Image Credit: Formula One
Adelaide
This circuit was previously home to the Australian Grand Prix from 1985 to 1995, before the Albert Park Circuit in Melbourne took over. Despite being a street circuit, it produced some good racing. It was held at the end of the season, and was a challenging and demanding circuit, as well as seeing it’s fair share of drama. Nigel Mansell blowing a tyre on the Brabham straight, destroying his world title chances in 1986, only eight cars finishing in 1989 due to the wet weather and the collision between Damon Hill and Michael Schumacher in 1994 which ended Hill’s championship hopes.
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