Gallery: The latest tracks to join the F1 calendar
The Formula 1 calendar expanded rapidly under the stewardship of former F1 CEO Bernie Ecclestone, with 14 race tracks joining or returning to the calendar (after significant overhauls) since 1999. We list them all.
Baku city circuit at turn 10 with the castle
XPB Images
1999: Sepang International Circuit
Photo by: XPB Images
Debuted in 1999, Malaysia's Sepang International Circuit was the first of new breed of F1 tracks designed by Hermann Tilke.
It features long straights, several slow and mid-speed corners and huge run off areas .
The Sepang Circuit will host its last F1 race this year after the Malaysian government decided to end the contract one year early.
2004: Bahrain International Circuit
Photo by: XPB Images
Bahrain held its first grand prix in 2004 and it has been an ever present fixture on the F1 calendar ever since.
The Sakhir circuit hosted the season opener in 2006 and 2010, while floodlights were added in 2014 to turn it into a night race.
2004: Shanghai International Circuit
Photo by: XPB Images
2005: Istanbul Park Circuit
Photo by: XPB Images
Turkey was the next country to host an F1 race in 2005 at a track that was well-received by the drivers.
However, the circuit could never pull big enough crowds and it was dropped from the calendar after 2011.
2008: Valencia Street Circuit
Photo by: XPB Images
A second grand prix in Spain was added in 2008, coinciding with the recent success of local star Fernando Alonso.
However, the street circuit didn't receive much admiration from the drivers and was dropped from the calendar in 2012.
2008: Marina Bay Circuit
Photo by: Red Bull Content Pool
Singapore had the honour of hosting F1's first night race in 2008.
The race, which takes place in the Marina Bay area, is one of the highlights of the year and has turned into an important hub for sport's business deals.
2009: Yas Marina Circuit
Photo by: XPB Images
The picturesque Yas Marina Circuit in Abu Dhabi is a purpose-built track and has hosted several season finales since it entered the F1 map in 2009.
Drivers pass under the Yas Marina Hotel, giving this circuit a unique look.
2010: Korean International Circuit
Photo by: XPB Images
South Korea briefly hosted four grands prix between 2010 and 2013 and with little success.
The largely-forgotten Korea International Circuit was located in a fairly isolated region and the planned buildings and entertainment facilities were never built around the track.
2011: Buddh International Circuit
Photo by: XPB Images
India successfully hosted three Formula 1 races between 2011-13 at the Buddh International Circuit in Greater Noida on the outskirts of Delhi.
The Hermann Tilke-built design was praised by the drivers and it was hailed as one of the best new tracks on the calendar.
However, financial and bureaucratic issues forced the country out of the F1 map after 2013.
2012: Circuit of The Americas
Photo by: David Yowe
USA returned to the F1 calendar in 2012 at the brand new Circuit of the Americas in Austin, Texas.
It features a Suzuka-like Esses section and has a massive 71m observatory tower as a landmark for the venue.
The COTA is arguably the best track designed by Tilke while the race itself has proved extremely successful for F1 to establish itself in the US.
2014: Red Bull Ring
Photo by: XPB Images
Austria made a return to the F1 calendar in 2014 at the renovated and rebranded Red Bull Ring.
The circuit in the same configuration - when it was known as the A1 Ring - previously hosted grands prix between 1997 - 2013.
2014: Sochi Autodrom
Photo by: XPB Images
2015: Autodromo Hermanos Rodriguez
Photo by: XPB Images
Like the Red Bull Ring, Mexico's Autodromo Hermanos Rodriguez has returned on the calendar in recent years, albeit with several modifications to the track.
The race's return has gone down well in Mexico, as attested by the ticket sales.
2016: Baku City Circuit
Photo by: XPB Images
Azerbaijan is the latest country to be added to the F1 calendar. The race takes drivers through both the old and new sections of the city, including a narrow lane alongside a castle.
While the country's first race turned out to be a dud, the second one was an absolute thriller.
Be part of Motorsport community
Join the conversationShare Or Save This Story
Zandvoort: The "problem" which created the steep bends
Hulkenberg takes on dual reserve role with Aston, Mercedes
Gallery: All McLaren F1 cars since 1966
Latest news
Ferrari F1 drivers out of "survival mode" with "huge step" on car consistency
Nissan pledges commitment to Formula E until 2030
Lola returns to motorsport in Formula E with Yamaha powertrain partnership
Rasmussen, Siegel and Simpson complete oval rookie testing at Texas
Prime
Why Mercedes, Red Bull and Aston Martin should try to sign Sainz for 2025
Why Sargeant was merely collateral in F1's fierce fight for sixth
Australian Grand Prix Driver Ratings 2024
Why Sainz could have won F1's Australian GP even in a Verstappen head-to-head
Subscribe and access Motorsport.com with your ad-blocker.
From Formula 1 to MotoGP we report straight from the paddock because we love our sport, just like you. In order to keep delivering our expert journalism, our website uses advertising. Still, we want to give you the opportunity to enjoy an ad-free and tracker-free website and to continue using your adblocker.
You have 2 options:
- Become a subscriber.
- Disable your adblocker.
Top Comments