We’ve already covered all the current Formula 1 race tracks and which ones you can visit/tour outside of race weekends. But what about some of the famous tracks that *used* to host F1 races and don’t anymore, but are still worth going to see?
We’ve got a list of those, too!
Here are the best former F1 tracks that you can still visit for tours, racing events, driving experiences, and more.
Former F1 tracks you can visit
1. Nürburgring
- Location: Nürburg, Germany
- How to get there: It’s one hour and 45 minutes by car from Frankfurt, or one hour and 15 minutes by car from Cologne. Nürburg is a small town without a train station, so you’ll need a car in order to get to this one.
- Track tours? Yes, you can book a backstage tour.
- Website: https://www.nuerburgring.de/
The Nürburgring is famous in Europe, and is still used for lots of racing today – just not Formula 1 racing. The original Nordschleife (“north loop”) track was a 22.835 km (14.189 mi) long track constructed in the 1920s, which hosted 40+ Grands Prix. The long track was nicknamed “The Green Hell” by Sir Jackie Stewart because of how long and dangerous it was to race.
The Nordschleife was shortened and modified slightly for safety in the 1970s, but it was eventually deemed too costly and dangerous to race modern F1 cars on due to the inability for safety vehicles to patrol the entire length of the track. An entirely new (and shorter) Grand Prix track was opened in 1984. This modern track was 4.556 km (2.831 mi) long and much safer, and was used on and off for Formula 1 races until 2013, plus a race in 2020.
Eventually, though, the rising cost Formula 1 racing pushed the Nürburgring off the F1 calendar.
Nürburgring today
The Nürburgring still hosts lots of racing events, including the annual 24 Hours Nürburgring race.
They also offer guided “backstage” tours, on-track driving experiences, karting, plus other events like car shows, concerts, and more. You can also bring your own car or motorcycle to the track during opening hours and drive either the Grand Prix circuit or the Nordschleife.
A note on track days: Many circuits around the world offer “track days,” where people can bring their own cars (or sometimes motorcycles) to drive around an F1 circuit. These generally only apply to cars you own; if you’re renting a car, chances are you won’t be covered for this sort of activity, so keep that in mind!
2. Hockenheimring
- Location: Hockenheim, Germany
- How to get there: The Hockenheimring is located just outside the small town of Hockenheim, one hour south of Frankfurt by car and really close to Heidelberg. By train, you can go from Frankfurt to Mannheim, then switch to the regional train to Hockenheim. This takes about one hour, and then the track is a 25-minute walk or a short bus ride away from the train station in Hockenheim.
- Track tours? Yes, behind-the-scenes track tours are offered.
- Website: https://www.hockenheimring.de/en/
The Hockenheimring has a long history in Formula 1 and motor racing in general. The track was originally constructed in 1932, with the initial 12 km (7.46 mile) circuit called the “Dreieckskurs” or “triangle course.” The track went through a few different iterations before it started hosting Formula 1 races in 1970 on a track that was 6.790 km (4.219 miles) long.
(Fun fact: they only started racing at the Hockenheimring after F1 drivers decided to boycott the Nürburgring over safety issues in 1970. But similar safety concerns and spectating challenges causes the Hockenheimring to be redesigned in 2002 and shortened to 4.574 km or 2.842 miles.)
The German Grand Prix was held at Hockenheimring every year between 1977 and 2006 (except 1985), and alternated hosting it with the Nürburgring from 2007-2019. The German Grand Prix was eventually dropped altogether for financial and management reasons.
Hockenheimring today
The Hockenheimring still hosts a lot of racing events, including DTM racing, motorcycle racing, historic racing, and more.
The track also offers guided track tours, track ride-along and driving experiences including the Race ‘n’ Roll driving experience, plus a karting track. You can also bring your own car to the track on select track days.
3. Brands Hatch
- Location: West Kingsdown, UK
- How to get there: Brands Hatch is located 22 miles southeast of London. If you’re driving, it takes around 50 minutes to get to the track. You can also get here by public transportation in just 45 minutes, first by taking the train from London to Swanley, and then transferring to the 883 bus towards West Kingsdown. The bus stop is right outside the entrance to the track.
- Track tours? No
- Website: https://www.brandshatch.co.uk/
Brands Hatch is another classic European track (opened in 1950), that hosted the British Grand Prix a dozen times between 1964 and 1986, alternating with Silverstone. After 1986, all Formula 1 races moved to Silverstone due to its modern, safer track, although Brands Hatch is still active with other races to this day.
Brands Hatch today
Along with lots of car and motorcycle racing events throughout the year, Brands Hatch also offers track days (where you can bring your own vehicle to the track), and on-track driving experiences, including the chance to drive single-seater F4 cars.
If you’re a big fan of motor racing in general, Brands Hatch is a must-visit in the UK!
4. Circuit Paul Ricard
- Location: Le Castellet, France
- How to get there: Circuit Paul Ricard is a 45-minute drive from Marseille. There aren’t any public transportation options for getting here since it’s in a rural area, so you’ll need a car for this one.
- Track tours? Yes, track tours are offered through the Xtrem Park.
- Website: https://www.circuitpaulricard.com/en/
The Circuit Paul Ricard was constructed by the French industrialist Paul Ricard, who made his fortune from pastis, a type of liqueur. It opened in 1970 and hosted the French Grand Prix from 1971-1990, and again from 2018-2022. After that, the group responsible for promoting the race (The GIP Du Grand Prix de France) was dissolved, and it hasn’t been on the calendar since then.
Paul Ricard today
Visitors to the Circuit Paul Ricard can take a behind-the-scenes tour of the circuit. Classic and VIP tours are offered where you’ll visit the paddock, a VIP box, Race Control, and more.
There are also track days (where you can bring your own vehicle), plus driving experiences where you can drive GT ot even F4 cars around the circuit. Karting is also available on the track, along with other adventure activities at the Xtrem Park Circuit Paul Ricard.
Looking for info on current F1 tracks you can visit? Check out our F1 track guide!
5. Circuit de Nevers Magny-Cours
- Location: Magny-Cours, France
- How to get there: The Circuit de Nevers Magny-Cours is located in central France, about 2 hours and 45 minutes from Paris by car. It’s also possible to take the train from Paris Gare de Bercy to Nevers, which takes two hours, and then take a taxi for another 20 minutes to reach the track.
- Track tours? No
- Website: https://www.circuitmagnycours.com/
The Circuit de Nevers Magny-Cours first opened in 1960, and was (and still is) home to the Winfield Racing School. The track’s Grand Prix Circuit opened in 1989, and hosted the Formula One French Grand Prix from 1991 to 2008. After that, financial struggles and poor race attendance led to the circuit being dropped from the F1 calendar.
Magny-Cours today
Circuit de Nevers Magny-Cours hosts racing events throughout the year, and also offers several track driving experiences (including a unique opportunity to drive actual historic F1 cars), as well as a karting track that’s been around since 1994.
6. Circuito de Jerez-Ángel Nieto
- Location: Jerez de la Frontera, Spain
- How to get there: Circuito de Jerez is located a one-hour drive south of Seville. You can also take the train to Jerez de la Frontera (the fastest trains take just 50 minutes from Seville), and then it’s a 15-minute drive to the track, with taxis and Ubers available from the train station.
- Track tours? Yes, you can book a guided tour and visit to the Motor Museum
- Website: https://circuitodejerez.com/en/
Nicknamed “The Motor Cathedral,” the Circuito de Jerez (pronounced like “Heh-reth“) opened in 1985 and began hosting Formula 1 races the following year. Interestingly, the track was temporarily banned from hosting F1 races in 1997 after the Mayor of Jerez disrupted the podium ceremony, and hasn’t held another race since.
It is still sometimes used for testing, though, including F1 pre-season Pirelli tire testing. It’s considered a foundational track for F1 development, and would be a neat one to visit.
Jerez today
Jerez is still a very active track, hosting many race events throughout the year. Track tours are also available to visitors at the Circuito de Jerez, which include a visit to the Motor Museum, as well as access to the tracks’ Race Control room, Press Room, podium, and more. You need to request a tour in advance.
7. Circuito do Estoril
- Location: Alcabideche, Portugal
- How to get there: The Circuito do Estoril is just a 30-minute drive from Lisbon, near the beach town of Estoril. It’s also possible to get here via public transportation by taking the train to Sintra and then taking a bus towards Estoril, but this takes over an hour and a half, so driving is recommended.
- Track tours? No
- Website: https://www.circuito-estoril.pt/en/
The Estoril circuit was built in 1972, and hosted the Formula One Portuguese Grand Prix from 1984 to 1996, and saw many of the F1 great racing here. However, it stopped being used for F1 races as it struggled to keep up with F1’s evolving safety standards.
Estoril today
A number of racing events still take place at the Circuito do Estoril, including endurance racing. Along with attending other races, you can also participate in track driving experiences like Estoril Experience Days where you can bring your own car to the circuit.
8. Istanbul Park
- Location: Istanbul, Turkey
- How to get there: Istanbul Park is located about one hour from central Istanbul by car, and a little over one hour from Istanbul Airport.
- Track tours? No
- Website: https://intercitypark.com/
Known for the Turkey Turn 8, one of the most difficult turns in F1 racing, Istanbul Park has delighted racing fans since it opened in 2005. It was purpose-built by track designer Hermann Tilke, and the circuit held the Formula One Turkish Grand Prix until 2011 when financial difficulties and disputes put an end to the race.
The track again hosted F1 races in 2020 and 2021 when COVID-19 restrictions forced a reordering of the race calendar, but it hasn’t been revisited since.
Istanbul Park today
Istanbul Park hosts track days, driving experiences, and weekend festivals for automobile enthusiasts.
9. Indianapolis Motor Speedway
- Location: Indianapolis, Indiana, USA
- How to get there: The Indianapolis Motor Speedway is located in the Speedway neighborhood of western Indianapolis. It’s a 20-minute drive from downtown Indianapolis and the Indianapolis International Airport.
- Track tours? Yes, there are a couple different Indy track tour options.
- Website: https://www.indianapolismotorspeedway.com/
Although the Indianapolis Motor Speedway is most famous for hosting the annual Indy 500 car race since 1911, it also briefly hosted the United States Grand Prix for Formula One! The race took place in Indianapolis from 2000 to 2007, although due to financial reasons (and bad publicity related to tire issues that resulted in only 6 cars racing in 2005) it then moved to Austin, Texas.
Indy today
Since the Indianapolis Motor Speedway is still a major car racing destination, there are tons of events happening at the track all the time – not just the Indy 500!
Outside of race events, you can visit the new Indianapolis Motor Speedway Museum, take tours of the track (including in-depth golf cart tours), or participate in an IndyCar ride-along experience (which you can’t do anywhere else in the world!).
10. Watkins Glen International
- Location: Watkins Glen, New York, USA
- How to get there: Watkins Glen International is located in rural upstate New York, in the Finger Lakes region. The closest major cities with airports are Rochester (1.5 hours away by car) and Syracuse (one hour and 45 minutes away by car).
- Track tours? No
- Website: https://www.theglen.com/
Nicknamed “The Glen,” Watkins Glen International famously hosted the United States Grand Prix for two decades, from 1961 until 1980. However, it stopped hosting F1 races due to financial difficulties in 1980. It’s currently owned by NASCAR and is still an active race track with other types of races.
Watkins Glen today
The Glen offers a number of events for racing fans, including track days, car shows, and other special experiences. The “Drive the Glen” option of driving your own car around the track takes place almost every weekend from April-October. This would be the perfect addition to a longer Finger Lakes road trip.
11. Kyalami Grand Prix Circuit
- Location: Sandton, South Africa
- How to get there: Kyalami Grand Prix Circuit is located midway between Johannesburg and Pretoria. It’s a 30-minute drive from either city.
- Track tours? No
- Website: https://kyalamigrandprixcircuit.com/
Kyalami, which means “my home” in Zulu, opened just north of Johannesburg in 1961. The track hosted F1 races up until 1985, when political sanctions during apartheid put a halt to the South African Grand Prix. Aside from a brief return in the early ’90s, Formula 1 hasn’t been back to the African continent since.
The track was the home turf of World Champion Jody Scheckter, and many F1 fans would love to see it upgraded and back on the race calendar.
Kyalami today
Kyalami has gone through many hands over the years, but still operates as an FIA Grade 2 track. Driving experiences are available for visitors to the circuit, alongside special events, festivals, and more.
12. Fuji Speedway
- Location: Oyama, Japan
- How to get there: The easiest way to get to Fuji Speedway is by car. It’s located 1.5 hours from Tokyo near the base of Mount Fuji. It’s possible to get to the track by public transportation, but it involves multiple train changes and a twenty-minute taxi ride from the nearby town of Gotemba to Fuji Speedway.
- Website: https://www.fsw.tv/en/
Fuji Speedway was originally designed in the 1960s to hold NASCAR-style races, complete with a banked corner. The circuit hosted the Formula One Japanese Grand Prix in 1976 in 1977, but after a deadly crash in ’77 between Gilles Villeneuve and Ronnie Peterson killed two spectators, Fuji didn’t host another F1 race until 2007.
Fuji’s second stint as an F1 race host was again short-lived, though, due to organizational and financial challenges, and after 2008, the Japanese Grand Prix moved to the Suzuka Circuit, where it’s been held ever since.
Fuji Speedway today
Fuji Speedway offers track driving experiences (either in your own car, or in a car you can rent at the track) as well as options to tour/explore the track. There’s also an on-site restaurant, and you can often get views of Mt. Fuji from the track.
13. Sepang International Circuit
- Location: Sepang District, Malaysia
- How to get there: Sepang International Circuit is just a 15-minute drive from the Kuala Lumpur International Airport, or a 45-minute drive from the center of Kuala Lumpur. It’s also possible to get here via public transit by taking the KLIA Express train.
- Track tours?
- Website: https://www.sepangcircuit.com/
This track opened in 1999 and hosted the Malaysian Grand Prix until 2017, when it stopped due to the rising costs of hosting F1 events. However, the track is still very active, and it’s popular for GT racing and motorcycle racing.
Sepang today
Sepang International Circuit offers track driving days, as well as bicycle days and even electric scooter days.
You can also book a circuit tour to get a behind-the-scenes look at the track, including visiting the paddock, Race Control, the main grandstand, the podium, and more.
Which of these former F1 tracks would you like to visit?
