Which Countries Have The Most F1 Tracks?

It’s the battle of the circuits.

The Abu Dhabi Grand Prix at the Yas Marina Circuit is drawing ever closer as the end of F1 season looms. While the impressive track is the only active F1 course in the United Arab Emirates, there are other nations capable of hosting multiple races across different locations. 

F1 officially began at Silverstone in the United Kingdom back in 1950. However, is the UK really home to the most F1 circuits? The answer is no! Despite having an incredible history in the sport, the United Kingdom only has 3 historic circuits and 1 officially active one. So, who has surpassed the UK at its own sport? 

Spain - 7 Circuits 

We’re starting things off with Spain, which has hosted F1 at 7 different locations, including 5 historic tracks and 2 current venues. While Montjuïc Park, Pedralbes, Jarama, Jerez de la Frontera, and Valencia are no longer on the F1 calendar, Barcelona and Madrid are part of the current F1 ecosystem.

The Circuit de Barcelona-Catalunya is the absolute standout here, setting the benchmark for the sport. With a particularly thrilling corner and a history of spectacle, this well-traced track is irreplaceable. 

France - 7 Circuits 

France, meanwhile, has had 7 tracks to its name, although none of them is on the current F1 calendar. They include Clermont-Ferrand, Dijon-Prenois, Le Castellet, Le Mans, Magny-Cours, Reims, and Rouen-les-Essarts. 

The Circuit Paul Ricard at Le Castellet is the backdrop that has seen F1 drama most recently and is known as one of the most technologically advanced courses ever built. It might be a dizzying engineering marvel, but there are no confirmed plans to bring this course back into the F1 calendar.

United States - 12 Circuits 

At the top of the list is the United States of America, with 12 tracks across the nation. That spectacular ensemble includes Austin, Caesars Palace, Dallas, Detroit, Indianapolis, Las Vegas, Long Beach, Miami, Phoenix, Riverside, Sebring, and Watkins Glen.

3 of these tracks are still in active use in the F1 calendar, and while some of the remaining have been demolished, the others are still a vital part of modern motorsports. Austin’s Circuit of the Americas is arguably the most iconic, the modern facility taking the best features from some of Europe’s greatest tracks. 

So there we have it. The United States is the best and brightest when it comes to constructing courses with longevity and vision.