The 2019 F1 calendar – my ideal.
- Richard Baxter
- Jul 27, 2018
- 4 min read
Recently there has been a lot of talk about the 2019 F1 calendar. There have been plans for new circuits to join, such as one in Miami. And a lot has been made about a record amount of circuits on the calendar. But is this needed? With so many races it is a lot of strain on the drivers and teams employees. And it must be a real struggle for their families too.
Formula 1 has just announced that it has dropped its plans of entering Miami to the calendar in 2019 and will focus on 2020. But even with this drop out, for now, there are still likely to be at least 20 races.
I have had a look through the calendar and cherry picked not just my favourites, but circuits I believe are real race tracks as well some of the most historic in Formula 1. Also bearing in mind the pressure the sport has of being eco friendly, I have chosen the line up in an order where as it’s travelling it won’t go back on itself.
The current line up comes to Europe with Spain and Monaco, before travelling all the way to Canada, and then coming back to Europe. Why not just go to Canada when you head the same direction for the US and Mexico races. F1 teams currently travel an average of 100,000 miles a year including testing. Not including testing the distance travelling from one circuit to the next is about 65,000 miles. Let’s try and cut this down a bit.
Australia – Melbourne
In my eyes always the place to start. For as long is I remember the Albert Park circuit has been the starting place for the season. It doesn’t always produce the best races, but it’s a good place to start.
Japan – Suzuka
Traditionally a circuit that is usually towards the tail end of the calendar. Why not bring it forward. The scene of two famous Senna Prost incidents, and the only figure 8 circuit in F1.
China – Shanghai
One of the more modern circuits on the calendar, but has produced many good races in the past years. A mix of fast and slow corners with long straights seems to produce a lot of overtaking.
Singapore – Singapore
Modern street circuit which always seems to throw up a challenge for the drivers. Particularly last year in the wet.
Bahrain – Sakhir
Another fairly modern circuit. Since it turned to a night race has produced good races. This can stay in just as long as it remains a night race.
Azerbaijan – Baku
New to F1 a few seasons ago, all but one of the races we’ve seen there have been absolute carnage. Action packed races always attract new fans to the sport. The Baku circuit helps massively with that.
Monaco – Monaco
Possibly the most historic circuit on the calendar. Not much overtaking happens, but for the sake of history I struggle to leave this off.
France – Le Castellet
Returned to the calendar in 2018 and with several French drivers on the grid it deserves to remain.
Austria – Spielberg
After returning to the calendar in 2014 it has been the host of entertaining races since, one of the shortest circuits on the calendar, but one that fans and drivers seem to love.
Germany – Hockenheim
Ok, there may still be some doubt about the future of the German Grand Prix, but the race there last week showed just how good it can be. And what a turn out from the fans. I hope their problems are resolved and it stays.
Great Britain – Silverstone
As with Germany there remains some doubt, but how can they leave this out? It is the historic home of Formula 1 and since the renovations a few years ago the facilities are now top notch.
Belgium – Spa Francorchamps
Personally my favourite circuit on the calendar. It has everything, a strong fan base, an incredible circuit layout, and changeable weather, definitely one that always entertains.
Italy - Monza
Like with Germany and Britain the Italian Gran Prix has been in doubt for years. Yes some of the facilities could do with an update, but with the tifosi support as strong as it is and being the home of Ferrari it seems impossible to me to leave this out.
Canada – Montreal
Another of the classic circuits on the calendar. More often that not produces stunning races, with lots of overtaking.
USA – Austin
Modern F1 circuit, specifically design for Formula 1 in America. This is probably the best US circuit I know of, admittedly only previously knowing Indianapolis. Has really connected the American’s with F1, especially now an American team is in the sport.
Mexico – Mexico City
Returned to F1 just a couple of years ago. An incredible fan base and entertaining races. And the updated circuit holds a mix of history as well as modern-ness
Brazil – Sao Paulo
The only place to end the season. Another incredible fan base. An unpredictable weather climate and a circuit where you can overtake in multiple places. The ultimate, especially if the championship title goes down to this race.
So 17 races in total, and this leaves space should they wish to add a Dutch Grand Prix, which personally I think is a must with the fan base Verstappen takes with him everywhere.
Now for the ones that missed out, and there are some well known ones. Spain, Hungary, Russia, and Abu Dhabi. The reason for most of these is the quality of races we see, i.e. not very interesting. Yes, Russia and Abu Dhabi especially bring a lot of money in to the sport but from a solely race quality point of view I think there are better. Hungary is a big question mark for me, there’s something about the circuit but I’m not totally convinced. Maybe the race this weekend will change my mind.
And now to the distance travelled. By just arranging the calendar better and I haven’t included testing here, it results in the teams travelling approximately 28,500 miles. That’s less than half the current travelling from circuit to circuit. Forgetting the cars themselves, that’s definitely one way to make Formula 1 eco friendly.
With the FIA yet to officially confirm the 2019 calendar, let’s hope they plan it properly and that they listen to the fans, the drivers and teams to hear what really would be the best way to go.
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