Formula 1 Report: Our Favorite Race Tracks
This week on The AutoGuide Show brought to you by eBay Motors, Colum Wood and Mike Schlee skip the latest news and rumors–including Lewis Hamilton's fairytale win at Silverstone this past weekend–and discuss something different: their favorite F1 tracks.
The hosts independently devised their three favorite tracks culled from the twenty-four venues Formula 1 will visit in 2024.
Mike starts the discussion with his favorite track, Brazil's infamous Interlagos. The track has hosted numerous end-of-season dramas including Filipe Massa's world championship heartbreak in 2008, and provided a significant flashpoint in the 2021 title battle between Max Verstappen and Lewis Hamilton.
Colum also chose Interlagos and agrees that the unique mix of elevation changes on the main straight, and the track's challenging technical sections always make for great racing and reward the different strengths of multiple cars. Of course, there's always a chance of a random rain shower which could shake up the order.
Next, the hosts move to Spa Francorchamps, in Belgium– a classic track that's been a staple on the world championship calendar forever. Iconic for being fast as hell it's a track that showcases how F1 cars were meant to be driven. Colum feels it's a track that displays how well the aerodynamics of an F1 car work in particular, especially compared to WEC Hypercars which also race at Spa. Schlee adds that some of the more punishing aspects of Spa are quite similar to the Nordschleife, host of the Nurburgring 24 Hours.
Mike mentions Monza, another classic, fast track that has been an anchor of the Formula 1 world championship in its numerous configurations over the years. Sometimes it produces great racing, sometimes it doesn't, but regardless of the racing, seeing the entry speed and commitment, especially through the Parabolica will forever be breathtaking. Of course, the Turn 1 chicane is always the scene of an accident between two cars battling for position–like when Max Verstappen's Red Bull ended up laying on top of Lewis Hamilton's Mercedes.
Colum's final choice is Silverstone, citing the significant modifications the track has undergone over the years as hugely beneficial to creating great modern racing. The race is also a great example of motorsports passion, British people love their motorsports and Silverstone is a homecoming for the F1 circus, with many of the teams located just half an hour away in Milton Keynes.
Lastly, the hosts discuss the Circuit Gilles Villeneuve in Montreal, home of the Canadain Grand Prix. Even though the parkland street circuit isn't the greatest race track design in the entire world, the racing is always insane and the Canadian Grand Prix often throws up unpredictable results both during qualifying and the race. Colum recalls the bonkers 2011 race won by Jensen Button where he had crashes with Lewis Hamilton, and Fernando Alonso; had to stop to replace a puncture; picked up a drive-through penalty for speeding under yellow, and survived a lengthy rain delay before passing Sebastien Vettel on the last lap for an absurd victory.
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