Longest Formula One Racing Circuits In The World

Sebring International Raceway in Florida, the longest Formula 1 raceway in the U.S. and second longest in the world.
Sebring International Raceway in Florida, the longest Formula 1 raceway in the U.S. and second longest in the world.

What is Formula 1 Automobile Racing?

Formula 1 is a form of single seat auto racing that is popular all around the world. These races are held on circuits in various locations around the world. The circuits can be purpose-built Formula 1 race tracks or they can be street circuits that incorporate public roads.

Pescara Circuit, Pescara, Italy

The longest Formula 1 circuit in the world is the Pescara Circuit in Pescara, Italy. This track is 16 miles long and it is around 3 times longer than the second longest circuit in the world. This race course was renowned for its narrow and bumpy roads and was considered one of the most dangerous circuits in the world. The Pescara Circuit held its last race in 1961 and was retired after that since it was deemed as being too dangerous.

Sebring International Raceway, Sebring, Florida, United States

The longest Formula 1 race circuit that is still operational is the Sebring International Raceway which is located in Sebring, Florida. This race course is just under 5.2 miles long and it occupies a portion of the Sebring Regional Airport. Sebring is famous for its rough surface which often causes sparks to fly from the undercarriages of the cars. The only time a formula 1 event was run in this track was in 1959 and another race has not been run since due to poor attendance and high costs.

Reims-Gueux, Reims, France

Only 0.03 miles shorter than the Sebring International Raceway was the Reims-Gueux in Reims, France. This circuit had two long straights which are approximately 1.4 miles long and as a result of these it was known as one of the fastest circuits of its era. This race circuit closed operations in 1972 due to financial difficulties ending a 44-year old tradition.

Automobil-Verkehrs-und Ubungsstrabe (AVUS Circuit), Berlin, Germany

A race track with approximately the same length as the Reims-Gueux was the AVUS in Germany. This track was home to the 1926 and 1959 German Formula 1 Grand Prix. This race track had an unusual shape since it was essentially two straights with a hairpin corner at each end. The life of this circuit ended in 1999 when the track was becoming both an environmental and traffic concern.

Circuito da Boavista, Porto, Portugal

Similar to the AVUS, the Circuito da Boavista has also played host to Formula 1 Grand Prix two times. This track is located in Porto, Portugal and has a length of 4.8 miles. This racetrack is a street circuit and drivers drive through many suburban neighborhoods. This race track was closed in 1960 after a disastrous race that saw only 4 cars finish with in five laps of the winner. That being said, the track was revived in 2005 with the circuit being shortened from its original set up.

Circuit de Spa-Francorchamps, Spa, Belgium

Another circuit which is currently operational is the Circuit de Spa-Francorchamps which is located in Belgium. This track is around 4.4 miles long and it is home to the Formula 1, Belgian Grand Prix. The Circuit de Spa-Francorchamps is considered to be one of the most challenging circuits in the world due to its hilly, fast and twisty nature. Many racing drivers and fans consider this to be their favorite circuit in the world.

Longest Formula One Racing Circuits In The World

RankRace Circuit, LocationCircuit Length
1Pescara Circuit, Pescara, Italy16.0 miles
2Sebring International Raceway, Sebring, Florida, United States5.19 miles
3Reims-Gueux, Reims, France5.16 miles
4AVUS, Berlin, Germany5.16 miles
5Charade Circuit, Clermont-Ferrand, France5.0 miles
6Circuito da Boavista, Porto, Portugal4.8 miles
7Ain-Diab, Casablanca, Morocco4.7 miles
8Circuit Bremgarten, Bremgarten, Switzerland4.5 miles
9Circuit de Spa-Francorchamps, Spa, Belgium4.4 miles
10Rouen-Les-Essarts, Rouen, France4.1 miles
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