There’s something almost mythical about old F1 tracks.
Before they became abandoned, they were home to some of the best F1 drivers of all time in the world. Now with haybales sweeping across the lost tracks (at least in our minds) what magic has been left behind?
As the latest F1 circuit calendar is confirmed, we’re going to share the 10 best old F1 tracks.
The Top 10 Old F1 Tracks: Ranked!
Here is our list of the 10 best abandoned f1 tracks. Will you agree with our top picks?
10) Kyalami
Originally opened in 1961, Kyalami is one of the oldest F1 tracks. It is based in South Africa and held its first Grand Prix in 1967!
The course combined a fast layout with high altitude which proved challenging for drivers and teams.
Unfortunately, the old track is perhaps best known for the 1977 accident that saw Formula 1 driver Tom Pryce and track marshall, Frederick Jansen van Vuuren, lose their lives.
9) Hockenheimring
Our next lost F1 track is Germany’s Hockenheimring. It was first opened in 1932 as a test track for Mercedez-Benz - which to this day is still one of the best F1 teams!
Originally, it was a triangular-shaped track that had long straights in the forests with tight corners. However, after the Second World War, it was reduced to make it safer for drivers.
8) Estoril
Also known as Autódromo do Estoril, this Portuguese old F1 track was used predominantly in the 1980s and 90s.
Did you know that Senna won his first race here?
The circuit is known for its turbulent weather conditions and complexity which led to some exciting races!
7) Donnington Park
We know Silverstone gets all the hype, but how could the world forget about Donnington Park?
It was first opened in 1931 as a racing track for motorbikes but it quickly became popular for cars.
It fell into disarray but was bought by Tom Wheatcroft in the 1970s - bringing it back up to standard! A single race was held there in 1993 but one was all it took to become one of the best old f1 tracks.
6) Sepang
Based in Malaysia, this is one of the newest lost F1 tracks as it was only opened in 1999!
The Sepang circuit is one of the most innovative designs in the world. It has two long straights that are connected by a hairpin turn. On top of that, it is wider than most tracks which allows drivers to battle it out side to side.
Who can forget Max Verstappen and Danny Riccardo battling it out in 2016?
5) Watkins Glen
Also known as ‘The Glen’, this abandoned F1 track is based in New York.
An unrelenting race track, the US circuit is perhaps best known for the 1973 race, where Sir Jackie Stewart (who was World Champion at the time!) retired from F1 and racing altogether after his team-mate at Tyrell, François Cevert was killed during qualifying.
Not long after, the track was abandoned due to financial difficulties.
4) Clermont-Ferrand
To go by its official name ‘Circuit de Charade’, this French old F1 track is best known for its intense elevation changes, breathtaking scenery, and 50 turns.
It originally opened in 1958 and is actually based around an extinct volcano! They really were testing the game ‘The Floor is Lava’...
3) Adelaide Street Circuit
Down in South Australia, you’ll find the Adelaide Street Circuit. It opened in 1985 and tested drivers' skill and precision to get round the precarious track in one piece.
There have been some heartbreaking moments at Adelaide, who can remember Nigel Mansell’s tyre failure leading to Alain Prost snatching the race title? Senna also crashed out whilst leading a different race, letting Thierry Boutsen claim the title.
2) Nurburgring
No one can deny that one of the best old F1 tracks is Nurburgring! ‘The Green Hell’ (as it was nicknamed by Sir Jackie Stewart) opened in 1927 and it is widely known to racing fans.
The track is known for its testing layout and is thought to be the ‘ultimate’ test for cars and drivers.
A test that challenged even the cream of the crop - Niki Lauda had a near-fatal crash in 1976! That year’s race would be Nurburging’s last as the safety risks couldn’t be ignored anymore… Remember, this was before the Halo was introduced to F1, so driving was even more dangerous than it is now!
1) Long Beach
Long Beach is at the top of our list of best abandoned F1 track lists. How could it not be?
It has sensational views, tight turns, and seaside straights!
But that hasn’t stopped drivers from shining, who can remember John Watson and Niki Lauda took the one-two for McLaren… after starting 22nd and 23rd? And Mario Andretti had a home win in 1977!
Originally opened in 1975, it is often compared to Monaco due to its glamorous nature. The racetrack has been a vital aspect of the transformation of Long Beach - with the area now a popular destination for tourists.
Find the Best Merch from These Abandoned F1 Tracks with MysteryPitstop
Those are our top 10 best old F1 tracks - did your favourite lost circuit make our list?
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