Toughest Grand Prix Circuits to Race On

Circuit de Monaco:

Famous as a street track, the Monaco race circuit is laid around the harbour of Principality of Monaco. The track, laid out on the streets of Monte Carlo and La Condamine, is also commonly referred to as ‘Monte Carlo' since majority of the track is inside Monte Carlo area.

Known as Formula 1's most challenging route, the 3.337 km race track also holds other events like the Formula 2 and Formula E every year. Monaco also conducts independent race events like the Monaco ePrix every odd numbered year and the Monaco Historic Grand Prix every even numbered year.

Formula events are conducted on Circuit de Monaco on two weekends in the month of May every year. Being a street circuit, the country of Monaco undergoes major transformation during this period. Building the track and peripherals takes around six weeks and dismantling takes another three weeks. The tight and twisty circuit comprises of multiple hairpins and turns ranging from the Fairmont Hairpin- taken at 48kmph to the 260kmph kink in the tunnel. Being narrow, the track is known worldwide to test the skills of the driver rather than the power of the cars. It is also extremely difficult to overtake another driver at Monaco due to the same narrow track. There is no room to create run-off areas where cars get the opportunity to slow down before crashing into the safety barriers. When cars crash in Monaco, they crash hard.

Photo Credit: www.formula1.com

Circuit de Spa- Francorchamps:

Located in Stavelot, Belgium, the Circuit de Spa- Francorchamps is referred to as ‘spa' by enthusiasts. Spa is known to host the Belgian Grand Prix since 1981. The original circuit was designed in 1920 and included public roads linking the towns of Malmedy and Stavelot. The present 7 km circuit has undergone many modifications through the course of time. At present, the Spa circuit is 7 kms long and accommodates a total of 20 turns. The track has undergone six iterations since the beginning. Besides Formula 1, the track hosts many endurance races, rally championships and tour de France bicycle events throughout the year.

Photo Credit: en.wikipedia.org

Albert Park Circuit:

Laid around the Albert Park Lake in Melbourne, the Albert Park Circuit hosts the Formula 1 season opening Australian Grand Prix since 1953. The 5.28 km track comprises of total 16 turns. Like the Circuit de Monaco, Albert Park circuit also comprises of normally public roads. The Albert Park Circuit is relatively fast and easy to drive, making it an ideal circuit for opening the season. Though the circuit is a simple one, the sheer competition to set lap records makes this track tough for the drivers. Before the beginning of every race event, the track comprising roads are closed for public access and the track is built around the roads. Since the Albert Park Circuit does not run through crowded urban areas, restricted public access does not create much issue. 

Photo Credit: medium.com