Exploring Formula 1’s Forgotten Tracks: A Look Back at One-Time Grand Prix Venues
Formula 1 has a rich history, with races held at over 70 different circuits around the globe. Iconic tracks such as Silverstone and Monza have been staples of the racing calendar, but not every venue has enjoyed the same success. In its 75-year journey, the sport has seen numerous circuits host a single grand prix, often due to a combination of factors like safety concerns, financial issues, and the ever-evolving landscape of motorsport. Here, we take a closer look at ten tracks that have only ever hosted one Formula 1 race.
Pescara Circuit – 1957 Pescara Grand Prix
The Pescara Circuit, located along Italy’s Adriatic coast, boasts the longest layout in Formula 1 history, measuring an astonishing 16 miles. This winding track featured over 30 corners and two extensive straights. Despite its impressive length, the circuit only hosted a single race in 1957, marked by Argentine driver Juan Manuel Fangio securing pole position. However, the eventual victory went to Stirling Moss in a Vanwall. Concerns regarding driver safety loomed large, with even Enzo Ferrari withdrawing his team from the event. Due to heightened safety worries and a subsequent two-year hiatus, the track was relegated to hosting only Formula 2 races.
Ain-Diab, 1958 Moroccan Grand Prix
In 1958, Formula 1 expanded its horizons by hosting a race in Morocco. The Ain-Diab circuit, a street course constructed between Casablanca and Azemmour, stretched nearly five miles. While it had previously hosted a non-championship race in 1957, the 1958 Moroccan Grand Prix was the sole occasion where points were awarded for the drivers’ and constructors’ championships. This race turned out to be pivotal, as Mike Hawthorn’s second-place finish secured him the championship title. However, safety issues marred the event, culminating in a tragic accident that left Stuart Lewis-Evans hospitalized, leading to his eventual death.
AVUS, 1959 German Grand Prix
Known for its unconventional design, the AVUS (Automobil-Verkehrs-und Übungsstraße) circuit in Germany was characterized by two parallel straights connected by sharp 180-degree turns. Making its debut in 1959, the track’s high-speed layout allowed cars to achieve speeds up to 117 mph. However, this exhilarating experience came at the cost of spectator engagement, as fans witnessed only brief moments of action. The infamous banked corner, dubbed the "wall of death," was particularly perilous. Ultimately, safety concerns and political motivations led to its removal from the Formula 1 calendar, a decision that many drivers, including Stirling Moss, welcomed.
Circuito de Monsanto, 1959 Portuguese Grand Prix
Before establishing a more permanent presence in Portugal, Formula 1 raced at a street circuit in Lisbon during the 1959 season. The Circuito de Monsanto spanned 3.4 miles and was initially cherished by sports car racers. Stirling Moss clinched victory in this grand prix, finishing a lap ahead of his teammate, Masten Gregory. However, a catastrophic crash involving Australian driver Jack Brabham underscored the circuit’s dangers. The combination of various track surfaces and narrow sections ultimately led to the abandonment of the circuit as an international venue, although it hosted other racing events until the 1970s.
Sebring International Raceway, 1959 United States Grand Prix
Today, Sebring is renowned for endurance racing, but it also played host to Formula 1 in the late 1950s. The 5.2-mile track in Florida was a far cry from the modern endurance circuit, featuring 12 turns that F1 cars navigated in around three minutes. Despite being the first purpose-built course to host an F1 race in the U.S., dissatisfaction among drivers regarding the inconsistent track surface and maintenance issues led to its removal from the calendar after the 1959 season.
Riverside International Raceway, 1960 United States Grand Prix
Following the departure of Sebring, Formula 1 sought to capture the American audience at Riverside International Raceway in California for the 1960 United States Grand Prix. Despite its reputation among American road racers and an exciting race, only about 5,000 spectators attended, far short of the anticipated 70,000. Financial struggles ensued as ticket sales failed to cover the prize money, leading to Riverside’s removal from the F1 calendar after just one race.
Zeltweg Airfield, 1964 Austrian Grand Prix
Long before the Red Bull Ring became the focal point for F1 in Austria, a race was held at Zeltweg Airfield, a former military base. The circuit, characterized by only four corners, served as the venue for the 1964 Austrian Grand Prix. Lorenzo Bandini achieved his only victory for Ferrari at this event. However, despite hopes for a lasting relationship with Austria, the narrow and bumpy track, combined with poor spectator amenities, prompted F1 to look for a more permanent solution, leading to the establishment of the Spielberg circuit in 1970.
Bugatti Circuit, 1967 French Grand Prix
France’s presence in the Formula 1 calendar has waned in recent years, particularly after the removal of Paul Ricard in 2022. However, before that, F1 tested the waters at the Bugatti Circuit, which is part of the famous Le Mans track. The layout utilized portions of the Le Mans circuit and included sections used for racing schools. Unfortunately, the configuration was not well-received by drivers, and the grand prix weekend attracted only a fraction of the audience that Le Mans did, leading to a return to more traditional French circuits for subsequent races.
Fair Park Circuit, 1984 Dallas Grand Prix
In an effort to solidify a foothold in the United States, Formula 1 ventured to the Fair Park circuit in Dallas, Texas, for the 1984 season. This race is often remembered for its extreme heat, with temperatures soaring above 37 degrees Celsius, causing issues for both cars and drivers. The challenging 90-degree turns around the Texas State Fairgrounds further complicated the race, leading to complaints from participants. Difficulties in attracting sufficient spectators and rising costs ultimately led to the cancellation of future races in Dallas.
Donington Park, 1993 European Grand Prix
Donington Park made a memorable entry into the Formula 1 scene during the 1993 European Grand Prix. Ayrton Senna’s remarkable opening lap, where he surged from fifth to first, is still talked about today. However, despite the excitement, Donington never hosted the event again, as plans for F1’s return in the mid-2000s were thwarted by financial challenges related to upgrading the track’s facilities.
Mugello Circuit, 2020 Tuscan Grand Prix
In the wake of the COVID-19 pandemic, Formula 1 had to adapt quickly, leading to the inclusion of the Mugello Circuit in the 2020 calendar. This historic track, primarily known for motorcycle racing, received praise for its performance during a challenging year. However, its layout and insufficient run-off areas did not meet the championship’s usual standards, and with F1 committed to other venues in Italy, the likelihood of a return to Mugello seemed slim.
These forgotten tracks serve as a testament to the ever-changing nature of Formula 1, illustrating how safety, financial viability, and driver experience shape the sport’s landscape. Each venue, with its unique history and challenges, contributes to the rich tapestry of Formula 1’s past.
