F1 circuits added to the calendar since 2000

Between two Grand Prix races held on brand new circuits, FanF1 invites you to take a look back at the circuits that have hosted the Formula 1 World Championship over the last 20 years.

When we think of Formula 1, legends such as Fangio, Senna, Prost, and Schumacher immediately spring to mind, as do renowned teams such as Ferrari, McLaren, Williams, and Lotus. But the circuits themselves are just as iconic: those long strips of asphalt where races take place, where daring overtaking maneuvers and fierce battles unfold. Whether they consist of just three letters (Spa), have an exotic sound (Suzuka), or evoke roulette (Monaco), these circuits are inseparable from the history of motorsport.

This season, two new venues have been added to the calendar: Losail in Qatar and Jeddah in Saudi Arabia. The addition of two new venues in a single year is rare; it is the first time since 2008 and, apart from the Covid-related additions in 2020, the only time that new circuits have been introduced mid-season.

Since the start of the millennium, at least fifteen new destinations have been visited, not counting the revivals of Zeltweg (2014), Mexico City (2015), Le Castellet (2018), Imola (2020), and Zandvoort (2021):

2004: Bahrain (Sakhir) and Shanghai (China) – Bahrain marked the first Grand Prix in the Middle East; a night race was introduced in 2014 for its tenth anniversary, and it was here that Romain Grosjean's horrific accident occurred on the first lap in 2020. Shanghai helped F1 establish itself in the Middle Kingdom; attendance has often been low, but the circuit offers a formidable challenge, and the arrival of Chinese driver Guanyu Zhou at Alfa Romeo in 2022 should boost its profile.

2005: Istanbul (Turkey) – Istanbul Park is widely regarded as Hermann Tilke's masterpiece, famous for its ultra-fast eight-turn left-hand corner. After a nine-year hiatus, the Turkish Grand Prix returned in 2020 and 2021 to fill the Covid-related gaps.

2008: Valencia (Spain) and Singapore – Valencia attempted to rival Monaco, but without success; the circuit has been inactive since the last race in 2012. Singapore pioneered night racing, set against the backdrop of a spectacular city, and has become one of the most anticipated events on the calendar.

2009: Abu Dhabi (United Arab Emirates) – The second race in the Middle East, nicknamed the “Grand Prix of the Thousand and One Nights,” takes place from dusk to nightfall. Overtaking is notoriously difficult there, which has led to changes to the track layout this season. Since 2014, it has traditionally closed the championship. 2010: Yeongam (South Korea) – Part of a futuristic complex including offices, a shopping center, and a marina, the circuit suffered from construction delays and growing public disinterest, disappearing after only four editions. 2011: Buddh (India) – Like Yeongam, the site was linked to a vast sports city project including a cricket stadium and a golf course. After three races, all won by Sebastian Vettel, it disappeared from the calendar. 2012: Austin (United States) – After historic American circuits such as Indianapolis, Sebring, and Long Beach, F1 finally settled in the United States at the Circuit of the Americas. Drivers love it, crowds are large, and it has helped fuel the growth of the sport's fan base in the United States.

2014: Sochi (Russia) – The circuit winds its way through the Olympic Park of the 2014 Winter Games, combining the charm of a street circuit with the characteristics of a permanent circuit. It will be replaced by a new venue near St. Petersburg from 2023, and Mercedes has won each of the eight races held there.

2016: Baku (Azerbaijan) – Baku stands out as the fastest street circuit, with cars reaching over 210 mph on the main straight, and a layout that splits between a modern cityscape and the narrow streets of the old town. It has already hosted several memorable races and remains on the calendar. 2020: Mugello (Italy) and Portimao (Portugal) – Mugello is best known for hosting the MotoGP Grand Prix and has also seen private F1 testing, notably by Ferrari. Its place on the calendar remains uncertain, and the 2020 event may well be a one-off. After a 14-year hiatus, the Portuguese Grand Prix made its return in 2020 at the brand-new Portimao circuit. This circuit had already hosted F1 cars for private testing in the late 2000s and is highly regarded by drivers for its spectacular elevation changes. Despite two exciting editions, it will not feature on the 2022 calendar. 2021: Losail (Qatar) and Jeddah (Saudi Arabia) – The Qatar Grand Prix was added at the last minute to replace the canceled Australian Grand Prix. It is part of a broader agreement to keep Formula 1 in the country, with future races to be held at this popular circuit or transferred to a brand new circuit in downtown Doha. The Saudi Arabian Grand Prix is the big new addition for 2021. After hosting Formula E and the Dakar Rally, the kingdom is now welcoming its third major global motorsport series. Jeddah will be the second night race on a street circuit after Singapore. As with Qatar, the Saudi event could also change location in future editions. Since the beginning of the century, new destinations have been added to the F1 calendar, mainly outside Europe, in order to internationalize the sport and generate more revenue. Some circuits have become essential, while others have disappeared. The popularity of the sport continues to grow around the world, and many countries are knocking on the door to participate. We can therefore expect the list to grow in the coming years, starting with the inaugural Miami Grand Prix next May.