Every track on the Formula 1 calendar, ranked

With the Formula 1 season kicking off in Melbourne on March 14, we've ranked all 24 tracks on the F1 calendar from best to worst. Here's a breakdown of each venue to help you prepare for the season ahead. Japan - Suzuka Designed in the 1960s, Suzuka was designed to be a uniquely challenging circuit. Sebastian Vettel described it as a circuit designed by the gods. It's both a driver and fan favourite for its rich F1 history and iconic figure-eight design. [caption id="attachment_50686" align="alignnone" width="2560"] SUZUKA, JAPAN - SEPTEMBER 24: Max Verstappen of the Netherlands driving the (1) Oracle Red Bull Racing RB19 and Oscar Piastri of Australia driving the (81) McLaren MCL60 Mercedes line up on the front row of the grid during the F1 Grand Prix of Japan at Suzuka International Racing Course on September 24, 2023 in Suzuka, Japan. (Photo by Mark Thompson/Getty Images)[/caption] Singapore - Marina Bay Street Circuit The original night race, Singapore offers an exciting circuit set against a backdrop of city lights and fireworks. Its intense humidity and unforgiving layout challenge even the best teams, often delivering unpredictable races. [caption id="attachment_45595" align="alignnone" width="594"] TOPSHOT - Drivers gather at the start line of the Formula One Singapore Grand Prix in Singapore on September 18, 2016. / AFP / ALLAN LEE (Photo credit should read ALLAN LEE/AFP/Getty Images)[/caption] Monza - Monza Circuit Known as The Temple of Speed, Monza is as iconic as it gets. Still the fastest track on the calendar, a victory here - especially in front of the passionate Italian crowd - is every Ferrari driver's dream. [caption id="attachment_5906" align="alignnone" width="594"] Renault's German driver Nico Hulkenberg drives during the Italian Formula One Grand Prix at the Autodromo Nazionale circuit in Monza on September 3, 2017. / AFP PHOTO / ANDREJ ISAKOVIC (Photo credit should read ANDREJ ISAKOVIC/AFP/Getty Images)[/caption] Las Vegas - Las Vegas Strip Circuit One of the newest circuits on the calendar, Las Vegas is still proving itself, but early signs suggest it could be the best recent addition. The first two races have been action-packed, and the spectacle of racing past the Sphere and down the Strip makes it a must-watch event. Sao Paulo - Interlagos Known as The Temple of Speed, Monza is as iconic as it gets. Still the fastest track on the calendar, a victory here - especially in front of the passionate Italian crowd - is every Ferrari driver's dream. [caption id="attachment_7458" align="alignnone" width="1024"] SAO PAULO, BRAZIL - NOVEMBER 10: Sebastian Vettel of Germany driving the (5) Scuderia Ferrari SF70H on track during practice for the Formula One Grand Prix of Brazil at Autodromo Jose Carlos Pace on November 10, 2017 in Sao Paulo, Brazil. (Photo by Clive Mason/Getty Images)[/caption] Bologna - Imola As the cars wind through the Parco delle Acque Minerali, the Italian track provides a stunning backdrop. The picturesque scenery is matched by the challenge of nineteen corners over 4.9km, keeping drivers on their toes. Mexico City - The Autódromo Hermanos Rodríguez After a 23-year hiatus, the championship's return to Mexico was driven by the overwhelming demand and enthusiasm of its fans. The electric crowd is renowned for getting incredibly close to the action, particularly around the Turn 12 stadium section. [caption id="attachment_7296" align="alignnone" width="1024"] MEXICO CITY, MEXICO - OCTOBER 29: Carlos Sainz of Spain and Renault Sport F1 on the drivers parade before the Formula One Grand Prix of Mexico at Autodromo Hermanos Rodriguez on October 29, 2017 in Mexico City, Mexico. (Photo by Clive Rose/Getty Images)[/caption] Monaco - Circuit de Monaco While Monaco may not deliver the most exciting racing, its iconic status is undeniable, even to those who aren't familiar with F1. The narrow streets of Monaco make overtaking a challenge, but the stunning scenery and glamorous atmosphere elevate it to a must-see race. [caption id="attachment_45481" align="alignnone" width="594"] MONTE-CARLO, MONACO - MAY 27: (EDITORS NOTE: Image was created using a variable planed lens.) Stoffel Vandoorne of Belgium driving the (2) McLaren Honda Formula 1 Team McLaren MCL32 on track during final practice for the Monaco Formula One Grand Prix at Circuit de Monaco on May 27, 2017 in Monte-Carlo, Monaco. (Photo by Mark Thompson/Getty Images)[/caption] Melbourne - Albert Park It's hard to say whether Melbourne's Albert Park is exciting because of the track itself or because it kicks off the season. Still, the vibrant crowd and the late Australian summer atmosphere make it a standout event on the calendar. [caption id="attachment_2908" align="alignnone" width="2560"] MELBOURNE, AUSTRALIA - MARCH 25: Kevin Magnussen of Denmark driving the (20) Haas F1 Team Haas-Ferrari VF-17 Ferrari on track during final practice for the Australian Formula One Grand Prix at Albert Park on March 25, 2017 in Melbourne, Australia. (Photo by Mark Thompson/Getty Images)[/caption] UK - Silverstone In rural Northamptonshire, Silverstone remains one of the oldest and best circuits. Though its origins as an airfield don't make it the most visually striking, its history of unforgettable racing moments more than makes up for it. [caption id="attachment_5032" align="alignnone" width="1024"] NORTHAMPTON, ENGLAND - JULY 16: Kevin Magnussen of Denmark driving the (20) Haas F1 Team Haas-Ferrari VF-17 Ferrari on track during the Formula One Grand Prix of Great Britain at Silverstone on July 16, 2017 in Northampton, England. (Photo by Mark Thompson/Getty Images)[/caption] Belgium - Circuit of Spa-Francorchamps Spa's legendary status is cemented by Eau Rouge, widely regarded as one of the most iconic corners in F1 history, and the breathtaking views of the Belgian countryside. However, with over 20 fatalities across various racing categories, the circuit's safety concerns have led to ongoing debates about its risks, casting a shadow over its reputation. [caption id="attachment_5653" align="alignnone" width="594"] SPA, BELGIUM - AUGUST 26: Daniel Ricciardo of Australia driving the (3) Red Bull Racing Red Bull-TAG Heuer RB13 TAG Heuer on track during final practice for the Formula One Grand Prix of Belgium at Circuit de Spa-Francorchamps on August 26, 2017 in Spa, Belgium. (Photo by Mark Thompson/Getty Images)[/caption] Baku - Baku City Circuit Among all the street circuits, Baku stands out for its stunning scenery, iconic castle section, and challenging, accident-prone 90-degree corners, making it one of the most unique tracks in F1. [caption id="attachment_4583" align="alignnone" width="594"] BAKU, AZERBAIJAN - JUNE 23: Stoffel Vandoorne of Belgium driving the (2) McLaren Honda Formula 1 Team McLaren MCL32 on track during practice for the Azerbaijan Formula One Grand Prix at Baku City Circuit on June 23, 2017 in Baku, Azerbaijan. (Photo by Mark Thompson/Getty Images)[/caption] Austria - Red Bull Ring Austria's simple layout offers surprisingly thrilling racing, with The Sound of Music hillsides as a backdrop and fast, challenging corners. [caption id="attachment_45556" align="alignnone" width="594"] during the Formula One Grand Prix of Austria at Red Bull Ring on July 3, 2016 in Spielberg, Austria.[/caption] Austin - Circuit of the Americas Designer Hermann Tilke combined the best sections of tracks from around the world to create a super-circuit, delivering great racing down in the American South. [caption id="attachment_44877" align="alignnone" width="1024"] xxxx during the United States Formula One Grand Prix at Circuit of The Americas on October 25, 2015 in Austin, United States.[/caption] Netherlands - Zandvoort Zandvoort's appeal has soared thanks to Dutchman Max Verstappen's success, with passionate fans and the nearby beach adding to the excitement of the race. Montreal - Circuit Gilles Villenueve The Wall of Champions, a notorious challenge at the final chicane, has brought unpredictability to many races, adding to oftentimes rainy Canadian excitement. [caption id="attachment_4438" align="alignnone" width="594"] MONTREAL, QC - JUNE 11: Daniel Ricciardo of Australia driving the (3) Red Bull Racing Red Bull-TAG Heuer RB13 TAG Heuer leads Sergio Perez of Mexico driving the (11) Sahara Force India F1 Team VJM10 and Esteban Ocon of France driving the (31) Sahara Force India F1 Team VJM10 on track during the Canadian Formula One Grand Prix at Circuit Gilles Villeneuve on June 11, 2017 in Montreal, Canada. (Photo by Mark Thompson/Getty Images)[/caption] Hungary - Hungaroring Although it consistently delivers good-to-great races, the circuit and atmosphere have yet to establish themselves as F1 staples, despite being on the calendar since 1986. [caption id="attachment_5199" align="alignnone" width="1024"] BUDAPEST, HUNGARY - JULY 30: Lance Stroll of Canada driving the (18) Williams Martini Racing Williams FW40 Mercedes on track during the Formula One Grand Prix of Hungary at Hungaroring on July 30, 2017 in Budapest, Hungary. (Photo by Dan Mullan/Getty Images)[/caption] Barcelona - Circuit de Catalunya Once a key F1 testing venue, the Barcelona circuit has had its time, with the Spanish Grand Prix set to move to Madrid in 2026. [caption id="attachment_45039" align="alignnone" width="2560"] MONTMELO, SPAIN - MARCH 09: A member of the McLaren team inspects the car of Stoffel Vandoorne of Belgium and McLaren Honda after it stopped on track during day three of Formula One winter testing at Circuit de Catalunya on March 9, 2017 in Montmelo, Spain. (Photo by Dan Istitene/Getty Images)[/caption] Shanghai - Shanghai International Circuit After four years away, the Shanghai circuit's impact was uncertain, but its ambitious design and grand scale delivered an exciting race in its first year back. [caption id="attachment_3241" align="alignnone" width="2560"] A marshal runs with a green flag during the start of the Formula One Chinese Grand Prix in Shanghai on April 9, 2017. / AFP PHOTO / Johannes EISELE (Photo credit should read JOHANNES EISELE/AFP/Getty Images)[/caption] Bahrain - Bahrain International Circuit Another night race and another Hermann Tilke design - though not the standout in either category. [caption id="attachment_3231" align="alignnone" width="2560"] SAKHIR, BAHRAIN - APRIL 01: Romain Grosjean of France drives the (8) Haas F1 Team Haas-Ferrari VF-16 Ferrari 059/5 turbo on track during practice for the Bahrain Formula One Grand Prix at Bahrain International Circuit on April 1, 2016 in Sakhir, Bahrain. (Photo by Clive Mason/Getty Images)[/caption] Jeddah - Jeddah Corniche Circuit With 27 corners, the Saudi Arabian track is one of the most dangerous on the calendar, as flagged by drivers like Max Verstappen - a concern reinforced by Mick Schumacher's brutal 2022 crash. Miami - Miami International Autodrome Unlike other American races, the Miami track fell short with a lacklustre circuit, a disengaged crowd, and a fake marina made of plywood. Abu Dhabi - Yas Marina Despite being the season finale, the venue lacks excitement, featuring a tedious, slow layout on an artificial island. [caption id="attachment_1635" align="alignnone" width="1024"] Drivers race during the Abu Dhabi Formula One Grand Prix at the Yas Marina circuit on November 23, 2014. KARIM SAHIB/AFP/Getty Images[/caption] Doha - Lusail International Circuit Doha is arguably one of the most dangerous and unnecessary circuits, with a history of unexpected punctures and extreme temperatures that have caused drivers to faint, vomit in their helmets, and retire from the race.

Every track on the Formula 1 calendar, ranked

A closer look at the best and worst circuits of the season

18. Barcelona - Circuit de Catalunya

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