Next spring will mark twenty years since I first reported on Formula One for the Daily Mail.
Over that time, I’ve covered more than 300 races across the globe, from sun-soaked Australia to rain-drenched Belgium.
The travel, the tracks, the characters, and the chaos – it all leaves a mark.
Here, I’ve ranked every current Grand Prix from least to most memorable, sprinkled with the stories that make this sport so human.
Tracks That Tried My Patience
24. Circuit de Catalunya, Barcelona, Spain
A concrete jungle that somehow calls itself a racetrack.
Testing perfection, yes, but charm? Zero. And the city itself, vibrant as it is, feels miles away.
Beware leaving anything in your car here – La Rambla’s crime can catch you unawares.
Boring races, surly staff, and a track that’s crying out for a replacement.
23. Spa-Francorchamps, Belgium
The legendary B&B discovered by Murray Walker may be gone, but the memories remain – barking dogs, meat cleavers, and spinach sourced fresh for dinner.
Spa has atmosphere, yes, but the track is long, treacherous, and always soaked in rain.
Clogged roads and officious police make it a struggle – nostalgia only goes so far.
22. Lusail International Circuit, Doha, Qatar
Glamour and heat collide in Qatar. The venue pays handsomely for its spot on the calendar, and while it functions perfectly, the culture and climate keep it from feeling like a classic.
21. Shanghai International Circuit, China
A sprawling paddock and remote location make Shanghai more a logistical headache than a joy.
The city is electric, but the track? Not intimate, not memorable.
20. Suzuka, Japan
Drivers adore it; I struggled with jetlag. Suzuka is a thrill for racers, but for the journalist stuck in a matchbox of a room in Nagoya, it’s less inspiring.
Fuji, rainy glory and James Hunt’s ghost – now that felt special.
Emerging Venues and Surprises
19. Jeddah Corniche Circuit, Saudi Arabia
Fast, flashy, and surprisingly welcoming, though the nearby missile defense system is a constant reminder of reality.
Alcohol restrictions and limited local interest may hamper its long-term appeal.
18. Baku City Circuit, Azerbaijan
Unexpectedly charming. Flights are sparse, but the Old City and slick organization keep you coming back. A few surprises along the way, but generally a positive experience.
17. Zandvoort, Netherlands
The Verstappen Expresses, techno beats, and beer-soaked fans make this seaside track uniquely Dutch. Unsophisticated? Perhaps. Entertaining? Absolutely.
16. Yas Marina, Abu Dhabi
Glamour, night racing, and Middle Eastern warmth.
Not a classic track in the technical sense, but the end-of-season fireworks keep it compelling.
Mid-Range Favorites
15. Hungaroring, Budapest
A picturesque city, beautiful people, and Jenson Button’s first win in a lifetime of effort. Memorable, reliable, and a track where strategy often steals the show.
14. Imola, Italy
Quaint, historic, and gastronomically rewarding. A circuit where Ayrton Senna’s presence lingers and every visit feels like walking through a temple of F1 history.
13. Autodromo Hermanos Rodriguez, Mexico City
Atmospheric chaos meets passionate fans. Intense seating, rowdy crowds, and a corner that’s a real lottery – you either love it or feel crammed.
12. Red Bull Ring, Austria
Short, undulating, and visually stunning. Easy access from Vienna and generally flawless organization, even if beered-up Dutch fans add a rowdy edge.
11. Circuit Gilles-Villeneuve, Montreal
City charm, good racing, but hotel prices will knock the wind out of you.
Still, the track delivers excitement, particularly when the weather plays tricks.
Modern Marvels and Big American Ambitions
10. Miami International Autodrome, USA
Liberty Media’s gamble pays off. Hard Rock Stadium isn’t perfect, but it’s brought Formula One to the US in a way few expected.
Initial chaos has settled into a smooth operation.
9. Bahrain International Circuit
An intimate, well-run venue where paddock gossip thrives and races are reliably thrilling.
Hats off to the Crown Prince for his foresight in putting this desert gem on the calendar.
8. Las Vegas Strip Circuit
Excess, neon, and chaos – a love-it-or-hate-it race.
But the spectacle, the late-night timing, and Liberty Media’s ambition make it unmissable.
7. Circuit of the Americas, Austin
Steepling first bend, lively city, and endless charm. From Sixth Street antics to celebrity sightings, Austin captures the spirit of modern F1 with style.
6. Monza, Italy
The Temple of Speed. History, fervent Tifosi, and dramatic races.
Michael Schumacher, Lewis Hamilton – memories etched in the tree-lined royal park that surrounds it.
Iconic Classics
5. Silverstone, Great Britain
The beating heart of Formula One. Authentic, updated, and reliably exciting.
Campsites, passionate fans, and a deep connection to the sport make it unforgettable.
4. Marina Bay, Singapore
Night racing at its finest. Precision, spectacle, and the kind of detail only Singapore can deliver – you can almost see the drivers’ eyes through the visors.
3. Interlagos, Sao Paulo
Unpredictable weather, favela-lined roads, and a city that pulses with Senna’s memory.
Interlagos is the grand amphitheater of Formula One emotion, where triumph and chaos collide beautifully.
2. Monaco
Luxury, cunning, history, and spectacle. Grace Kelly, superyachts, and unparalleled backdrop – the principality offers drama and beauty in equal measure.
1. Melbourne, Australia
The perfect season opener. Sunlit streets, St Kilda Beach, Albert Park, and endless charm.
Melbourne blends accessibility, race quality, and lifestyle like nowhere else on the calendar.
The One to Avoid
Korea International Circuit, Mokpo, South Korea
A cautionary tale. Love motels, pungent rooms, and a remote location.
Seoul dazzles, but Mokpo – not so much.
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