We can all probably agree that Formula 1 is the #1 event in all of motor-sports. The drivers are rockstars performing during live events and we admire them because it takes a huge amount of skill, discipline and bravery to master precision driving at such high speeds.
However, oftentimes we watch them go around seemingly complicated tracks thinking that they’re working a lot harder than on what we believe to be, fast and simple circuits such as a Monza or a Sao Paulo.
Sometimes, it’s precisely tracks such as these that provide the biggest challenge when you’re trying to set a very competitive time and you’re not just lingering in the back of the field. Basically, slow and steady is easy, while fast is more difficult to master, especially since you’re having to rely not just on your driving skills but on the aerodynamics of the car as well. If you’re car doesn’t generate enough downforce, you’re not going to be able to maintain the same speed as your rivals through a long chicane.
Monza for example is the fastest track in Formula 1. Its long straights and very few turns make it arguably the most straight forward place you’d want to race. The car does most of the work, you just need to hold your line and use your know-how. Except that as many F1 drivers have stated, Monza can be very unforgiving as far as precision. You need to be surgical when you’re on a hot lap, otherwise even the slightest error is going to cost you dearly – and certainly a lot more than on other tracks where maybe you could still make up the time. Since Monza is so fast, once you’ve made an error, missed an apex, a gear, lifted too soon, got on the power or on the brakes too late, it’s game over, you need a new lap.
Based on simulator experience and some more than welcome driver testimonials, here are the four most surprisingly easy to race Formula 1 tracks:
#1. Spielberg – Austrian Grand Prix
First, if we were to define what makes a track easy or hard, it would be the level of precision required. Once you’ve mastered your skill, you can race any track. But to be competitive on it, you need precision and some tracks are a lot more demanding than others. One of the simplest circuits is however the Grosser Preis Von Osterreich, better know as the Austrian Grand Prix.
This track is so basic, it literally has only 6 real turns (9 total). Turn 1 is is a slow right hander at the end of the home straight, which then takes you on another, even longer straight into Turn 2, where you finish the first sector. Turn 2 is sharper, but precision would hardly be your main concern since you can even go a bit wide on it (similar to Spa’s T1). T3 is another simple right-hander, with T5 being arguably the most difficult having to maintain your speed through a long left-hander. Afterwards you need to pay attention at T8 as you can’t lift off too much or you’ll lose a lot of time.
All in all, it’s a very easy track to learn and you don’t have to worry as much about the speed you’re carrying as you do on most other tracks.
#2. Montreal – Canadian Grand Prix
Gilles-Villeneuve is one of the shortest tracks in Formula 1. Its chicanes are tight but you don’t need to piece together general relativity in order to find the best way into and out of the corners. Other than that, you’ve got 14 total turns with plenty of straight line racing.
In fact, the very slow T13 requires you to brake from 200mph or around 320km/h which, as former McLaren and Red Bull driver David Coulthard best put it, will “get your attention”. Once you’ve gone into Sector 2, it’s basically racing on instincts all the way to the pit lane.
#3. Sochi – Russian Grand Prix
The Sochi Autodrom is a surprisingly simple track which feels a lot shorter than it actually is at 5.848 km or 3.6 miles. It has 18 total turns, with Sector 3 being the most difficult (and arguably only difficult sector to master). Even so, it remains one of the easiest tracks to master in Formula 1.
It feels a lot like a street circuit, it might even remind you of Valencia. Getting your “Personal Best” on is no hard task as long as you make no errors up to T13. Lucky number 13, right? T13 requires you to to start building up speed as you accelerate through T14, brake again a moment later into T15 and T16 immediately after, and then gun it towards T17 where you brake again, and then again into T18. It’s quite a challenging last sector but you need patience and a capable car more than you need to be as precise as Nico Rosberg.
Overall, an easy to learn track, it feels faster than it really is and makes up for a lack of very long straights with its series of simple corners.
#4. Marina Bay – Singapore Grand Prix
This has got to be the ultimate street circuit. Sure, Monaco has tradition on its side but come on, let them race. Monaco is more of an endurance race focused on good qualifying. The fact that it’s so difficult to overtake makes it too non-competitive for some.
Marina Bay is what Monaco would be if it had long straights and if it was wider. Oh and, if it was being held during the night.
There are a monster 23 total turns in Singapore, with almost all of them being slow and steady corners where you don’t have to worry about anything else other than getting on the power as early as possible. The only turns you have to maintain speed into are 22 through 23 and 1 through 3 which go by in a heartbeat. The slow and steady corners help you limit your mistakes, which is in the end what makes or breaks a track as far as it being easy or difficult to master.
According to Mercedes GP driver and current F1 champ Lewis Hamilton, Marina Bay is “incredibly bumpy” where your body gets “rattled for two solid hours”. Other than that, it’s extremely engaging and fun.