By Alexandre Cohen
The Formula 1 is the highest class in single seater car racing. The word formula comes from a set of rules which all participants’ cars must adhere too. A Formula 1 season consists out of a series of races worldwide, in 2019 there were in total 21 races of which 11 where located in Europe.
But this year it’s finally that time again. What do you absolutely need to know for this season and which tracks are particularly impressive in 2022?
The races are taking place at circuits specially made for this purpose. Though also on some public roads. Fly Aeolus has compiled a list of 5 most exciting Formula 1 tracks selected for 2022: from the historic Silverstone track to this year’s novelty: the Miami Street circuit
Formula 1 Season 2022
This year’s 73rd Formula 1 season started on March 20 in Bahrain and ends on November 20 with the Abu Dhabi Grand Prix. After a Corona-related break, 2022 will bring some significant changes to the technical regulations of the Formula 1 competition.
After the delay in the introduction of the new regulations was announced due to the Corona pandemic, the teams were prohibited from developing their cars for 2022 in the 2020 calendar year. However, drivers were allowed to help develop the technical regulations this year in the form of working groups. Overall, the following changes have resulted for the 2022 season:
- Since the 2022 championship, rims with a diameter of 18 inches are now used instead of 13 inches. The teams were allowed to test with the prototypes at the tire manufacturer Pirelli during 2021.
- Due to Formula 1’s goal of becoming climate-neutral by 2025, the fuel was switched to E10 from 2022.
- From 2022, “Young Driver” must be used on at least 2 Friday training sessions.
- The sprints of the sprint races are upgraded. The first place gets 8 points. The eighth place gets one more point.
- The minimum weight increases from 752 to 795 kilos.
Most of the changes are listed here, you can read the details and other changes on the official site of Formula 1.
1. Silverstone circuit: July 01-03, 2022
The Silverstone circuit in England, next to the Northampton shire villages of Silverstone, is the current home of the British Grand Prix. Silverstone was the first racetrack of the Formula 1 Grand Prix in 1950, which make this circuit very special for many. Some financial issues jeopardized the 2020 English Grand prix to be held in Silverstone. But after negotiations the circuit will host the race again at least until 2025.
The circuit was built on a deserted WWII Royal Air Force bomber station. In September 1947 12 friends organized the first race on the 3 runways. Geoghegan, the organizer of the race ran over a wandering sheep! After this informal race they changed the name to the “Mutton Grand Prix”.
The circuit was an ultra-fast track, almost all corners could be passed in fifth or fourth gear depending on the car. That is why it has been redesigned in 1990.
In England there are also some other interesting racetracks for car fans. You can check the Top Gear racetrack and Goodwood in our blog: landing at a European race circuit!
2. Formula 1 circuit de Spa-Francorchamps: August 26-27, 2022
The Formula 1 circuit, Spa-Francorchamps, is located in Stavelot in Belgium. The circuit said to be one of the most challenging racetracks in the world mainly due to its fast hilly and twisty nature. Spa is very popular among fans and the drivers; it is the favorite circuit of a big part of the racing community.
At many occasions the circuit had been modified and cut down to become safer as it was considered one of the most dangerous circuit. From 1970, the circuit went 13 years without hosting the Grand Prix and finally in 1983, the F1 returned but on a shorter circuit than the original. Of course, the circuit still retains most of its legendary curves. Raidillon is a technical series of turns which can be passed at a speed of 300km/h. If you have the opportunity to go to the Spa Grand-Prix you have to check if you can sit near Raidillon!
3. The Zandvoort circuit: September 02 – 04, 2022
To start our Top 5 of Formula 1 circuits, we decided to start with the Zandvoort circuit. Known as the “Circuit Park Zandvoort”, it is a motorsport racetrack located in the dunes north of Zandvoort, in the Netherlands. The the first race in Zandvoort was held on the 3rd of June 1939. However, the permanent racetrack was only constructed after the war by using old connecting roads. These had been constructed by the Germans during the occupation of the Netherlands. From 1958 to 1985, the circuit has been used every F1 season. Since then the circuit was never used again for a Formula 1 Grand Prix.
The racetrack is well known for its high speeds. It has a length of 4,3 km and its Tarzan corner, just after the finish/start line is a thrill to see. This corner offers amazing overtaking opportunities. If you are lucky enough to visit the race, try to get a seat in front of this corner to enjoy the best parts of the race.
4. Circuit de Monaco: May 27 – 29, 2022
The Monaco circuit is the most famous Formula 1 circuit. The circuit of Monaco is a temporal circuit. It is laid out on the city streets of Monte Carlo, in the neighborhood of Monaco. The inaugural race of the Formula 1 circuit in Monaco was held in 1929. Every Grand Prix they build the full circuit, this takes 6 full weeks and it is being used for 2 weeks, after the Grand Prix they need another 3 weeks to dismantle it.
This race is so special because it is very different to any other Formula 1 race. With its elevation shifts, tight corners and its narrowness. Navigating in the streets of Monaco is another way to show how talented Formula 1 drivers really are, even if it is the slowest Formula 1 circuit.
Monaco of course still has a lot to offer, read in our blog what you can do on your vacation in Monaco, both in winter and summer.
5. Miami International Autodrome: May 06 – 08, 2022
This year, this 5.41 km long track is the newcomer among the Formula 1 tracks 2022. With 19 turns and a top speed of 320 km/h, this track was designed and built especially for this year’s race in America. On 08.05.2022 the race for the Miami Grand Prix will take place there. Actually, the premiere race should have already taken place in 2021. But this was postponed to this year due to the Corona crisis. The venue – the Hardrock Stadium – might already be familiar to you from events such as the Superbowl or the Tennis Miami Open. You can look forward to a Formula 1 race track with show character.
The drivers have to negotiate a small hilltop at turn 14/15 before going downhill again at the exit of the bend. Turns 1,11 and 17 are designed as overtaking points. So if you have a ticket for this race, you can sit in the middle of the action at these corners.
With the exception of the last-mentioned route in Miami, we fly to each of the distances presented in more detail, and to another 1600 destinations in Europe. If you want to visit one of these legendary races, we can fly you there! Try our price calculator to plan your trip to one of the Formula 1 tracks.
Prefer the cars of the luxury class? Then here we have another article for you with the most luxurious cars in the world.
If you have any question feel free to call us at +32(0)3 500 9082 or contact us at info@flyaeolus.com .
TicketWorldOnline 2022, available: https://ticketworldonline.com/en/miami/ (04.04.2022) Wikipedia 2022, available: https://de.wikipedia.org/wiki/Circuit_Park_Zandvoort#/media/Datei:Circuit_ Zandvoort_motorsport_race_track_in_the_Netherlands_(46940292845).jpg (04.04.2022) Mercedes 2022, available: https://www.mercedesamgf1.com/en/car/f1-w13-e-performance/ (04.04.2022)