Street Circuits vs Race Tracks: Key Differences

Street circuits in Formula One were where it all began, racing around the streets of Monaco. Ever since, street circuits have been ever-present on the Formula 1 racing calendar. 

Street tracks present a more unique challenge to traditional F1 race tracks. These are typically known for their narrow layouts, unforgiving barriers, and lack of run-off areas. There is little margin for error on a street track, with often the smallest of mistakes leaving even the most experienced racing drivers against a wall. 

However, in order to go faster than the rest, drivers must push themselves to the absolute limits. As a result, these circuit styles can see anything happen, from unlikely winners to podium sitters to race retirements.

Meet the Street Circuits

1. Circuit de Monaco - Monaco

Monaco, the most iconic street circuit on the calendar, is etched in F1 history. It sees cars navigate through the narrow streets, the harbour full of yachts, and driver celebrations by jumping in the pool.

2. Baku City Circuit - Azerbaijan

Fast and thrilling, Baku is a super-fast circuit that sees drivers loop around the stunning location of the ancient city. Despite its eight 90-degree corners, it is one of the fastest tracks on the calendar.

3. Marina Bay Circuit - Singapore

The original night race, Marina Bay, sees drivers lap the streets of Singapore lit up by overhead lights. It offers a floating grandstand where cars pass under spectators, with a bumpy straight and is one of the most physically demanding on the calendar.

4. Jeddah Corniche Circuit - Saudi Arabia

Described as a roller-coaster of a race track, Jeddah has been on the calendar since 2021. It is a hugely fast circuit that is narrow and demanding, taking the car along the shores of the Red Sea. 

5. Las Vegas Strip - USA

Racing around the hotels and casinos of the famous strip, the Las Vegas Grand Prix is held at night. The drivers race around the Sphere and drive past the likes of Caesar’s Palace, The Mirage, and the Bellagio Fountains.

6. Albert Park - Australia

The opening race of the season, Albert Park is a well-known track to F1 fans. It is a great track for wheel-to-wheel racing and overtaking action, with bumps and narrow sections all set against the Melbourne skyline. 

7. Miami International Autodrome - USA

The Miami Grand Prix sees the drivers weave around Hard Rock Stadium, home of the Miami Dolphins. It has been described as bringing a new ‘flavour’ to the calendar, being a musical and vibrant event.

8. Circuit Gilles Villeneuve - Canada

Located on Notre Dame Island in Montreal, the Circuit Gilles Villeneuve is famous for its combination of high-speed straights, tight chicanes and the ‘Wall of Champions’. A barrier at the exit of Turn 14 is named after having seen three F1 world champions crash there. 

The rest of the calendar is made up of dedicated race tracks, where there are run-off areas, iconic corners, breathtaking speeds, and so much history. For example, Monza is one of the oldest circuits that still sees F1 return each and every season, alongside Spa-Francorchamps with its well-known bend of Eau Rouge, and Silverstone. 

These circuits often result in similar outcomes each year, and they are a lot simpler to predict, such as on tracks where overtaking is known for being difficult or knowing which teams set up favours which track. While anything can happen in any race, bettors will often factor these into any bets that they place.

Related Post: Best F1 Betting Sites in the UK

Other F1 Circuit Factors Affecting Betting

• Surface: The design of a Formula 1 circuit directly affects the betting markets each race weekend. This includes the track conditions, the layout and texture of the racing surface, downforce requirements, speed, and more. Bookmakers will adjust their odds to each of these track characteristics, 

• Weather: The weather will always affect a race's potential outcomes. A track that is too hot can impact the tyres and their wear, while rain will impact the track's grip. These conditions change between sessions, and the race can also impact the odds, with teams and drivers heading into an unknown.

• Previous Track Performances: How drivers have performed at a track previously can also come into effect when bookmakers are deciding on the odds for a week. Check for any trends in the results, podium finishes, or strong teams at any particular circuit.

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