Which Nation Hosts the Most F1 Races? Exploring the Most Frequented Tracks

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Since Formula 1’s inaugural World Championship race at Silverstone in 1950, the sport has spanned over 1,100 races across 74 seasons, gracing 77 tracks in 34 different nations.

2023 witnessed three Formula 1 races in the USA, staged in Miami, Austin, and Las Vegas. This triple hosting in one season mirrors past instances: Italy in 2020 (Imola, Mugello, Monza) and the USA in 1982 (Long Beach, Detroit, Caesars Palace).

F1 often adopts unique race names when a country hosts multiple races in a season. For instance, in 2023, the US races were titled the Miami Grand Prix, the United States Grand Prix, and the Las Vegas Grand Prix.

Occasionally, race names can be unconventional. For example, Italy hosted the San Marino Grand Prix at Imola, despite the track not being within San Marino’s borders.

So, which country tops the list for hosting the most F1 grands prix?

Italy leads with a record 105 Formula 1 grands prix since 1950. It’s the only nation to surpass the 100-race mark, hosting the Italian Grand Prix predominantly at Monza, except for 1980 when Imola stepped in during Monza’s renovations.

Imola’s initial appearance in F1 was so well-received that it has since hosted 30 races, including the milestone 100th Italian race in 2020.

Germany ranks second with significant races at the Nurburgring, Hockenheimring, and one at AVUS. The 2024 season will mark the ninth year without a German grand prix since 1950.

The UK is also a major host, with 78 races across four circuits: Silverstone, Brands Hatch, Donington Park, and Aintree. Notably, Donington Park, while a British track, hosted the 1993 European Grand Prix instead of the British Grand Prix.

PHOTO BY: ZAK MAUGER / MOTORSPORT IMAGES

Monza circuit signage

Silverstone, with its 56 grand prix events, also celebrated the 70th Anniversary Grand Prix in 2020.

The top 10 hosting nations are:

  1. Italy: 105 races, 4 circuits
  2. Germany: 79 races, 3 circuits
  3. United Kingdom: 78 races, 4 circuits
  4. United States: 76 races, 12 circuits
  5. Monaco: 69 races, 1 circuit
  6. Belgium: 68 races, 3 circuits
  7. France: 63 races, 7 circuits
  8. Spain: 60 races, 6 circuits
  9. Canada: 52 races, 3 circuits
  10. Brazil: 50 races, 2 circuits

Which track has been F1’s favorite venue?

The Monza Circuit in Italy leads with 73 grands prix. Monza has seen unexpected victories, like Pierre Gasly’s and AlphaTauri’s first win in 2020, Sebastian Vettel’s triumph for Toro Rosso in 2008, and McLaren’s resurgence with Daniel Ricciardo in 2021.

Both the British and Italian Grands Prix have been fixtures since 1950, each hosting 74 races.

Circuit De Monaco follows closely, with 69 races since 1950. The track’s streak was interrupted in 2020 due to the COVID-19 pandemic, marking a rare absence in its history.

PHOTO BY: GLENN DUNBAR / MOTORSPORT IMAGES

Race winner Lewis Hamilton, McLaren MP4-23 Mercedes

Silverstone stands third, having hosted 58 grands prix, including the 70th Anniversary Grand Prix in 2020.

The most frequented tracks are:

  1. Monza, Italy: 73 races
  2. Circuit De Monaco, Monaco: 69 races
  3. Silverstone, UK: 58 races
  4. Spa-Francorchamps, Belgium: 56 races
  5. Circuit Gilles Villeneuve, Canada: 42 races
  6. Nurburgring, Germany: 41 races
  7. Interlagos, Brazil: 40 races
  8. Hungaroring, Hungary: 38 races
  9. Hockenheimring, Germany: 37 races
  10. Red Bull Ring, Austria: 37 races

And the nations with the fewest F1 races?

Morocco holds the record for the fewest grands prix, hosting just one in 1958 at the Ain-Diab circuit. The 1958 race was marred by the tragic accident of Stuart Lewis-Evans.

Qatar follows with two grands prix in 2021 and 2023, amidst controversies including extreme heat and driver illnesses.

PHOTO BY: MOTORSPORT IMAGES

Stuart Lewis-Evans, Vanwall VW4

India and Saudi Arabia have each hosted three grands prix, with India’s stint at the Buddh International Circuit cut short due to tax disputes, and Saudi Arabia entering the scene recently with races at the Jeddah Corniche Circuit.

The least frequented tracks are:

  1. Ain-diab Circuit, Morocco: 1958, 1 race
  2. AVUS, Germany: 1959, 1 race
  3. Fair Park, Dallas, USA: 1984, 1 race
  4. Donington Park, UK: 1993, 1 race
  5. Las Vegas Strip Circuit, USA: 2023, 1 race
  6. Circuit de la Sarthe, France: 1967, 1 race
  7. Monsanto Park Circuit, Portugal: 1959, 1 race
  8. Mugello, Italy: 2020, 1 race
  9. Pescara, Italy: 1957, 1 race
  10. Riverside International Raceway, USA: 1960, 1 race
  11. Sebring International Raceway, USA: 1959, 1 race
  12. Zeltweg Air Base, Austria: 1964, 1 race

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Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs) about Formula 1 Grand Prix Hosts

Which country has hosted the most Formula 1 races?

Italy has hosted the most Formula 1 races, with a total of 105 grands prix since 1950. Monza is the primary circuit used, with Imola also playing a significant role.

What is the most popular track in Formula 1 history?

The Monza Circuit in Italy is the most frequented track in F1 history, hosting 73 races. It’s renowned for notable victories and its historical significance.

How many countries have hosted Formula 1 races?

Since the inception of the Formula 1 World Championship in 1950, 34 countries have hosted F1 races, covering 77 different circuits worldwide.

Which countries have hosted the fewest Formula 1 races?

Morocco and Qatar have hosted the fewest Formula 1 races. Morocco held just one grand prix in 1958, and Qatar has hosted two races, in 2021 and 2023.

Has any track hosted a Formula 1 race only once?

Yes, several tracks have hosted a Formula 1 race only once, including Ain-Diab in Morocco, AVUS in Germany, and Fair Park in Dallas, USA. These tracks are noted for their unique histories and characteristics.

More about Formula 1 Grand Prix Hosts

  • Formula 1 Official Website
  • History of the Italian Grand Prix
  • Monza Circuit: Iconic Races and Wins
  • The Unique Tracks of Formula 1
  • F1 Race Hosting Nations: A Comprehensive List

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5 comments

MikeSpeedFan December 28, 2023 - 10:52 pm

wow, didn’t know Italy was such a big deal in F1 history. Monza is like the king of circuits, huh?

Reply
SpeedsterSam December 29, 2023 - 6:50 am

Qatar’s heat issues in 2023 sound intense. F1 really needs to think about driver safety more, don’t they?

Reply
RacingQueen34 December 29, 2023 - 6:55 am

Germany not hosting a race in 2024 is kinda sad. Nurburgring and Hockenheimring are such cool tracks, miss them 🙁

Reply
F1HistoryBuff December 29, 2023 - 2:59 pm

Amazing how these old tracks have such rich stories, like AVUS and Fair Park. They don’t make them like that anymore.

Reply
TrackStarTom December 29, 2023 - 6:25 pm

Morocco hosting just one race and then dropping off the F1 map is wild. Wonder why they never got another chance?

Reply

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