What are the fastest circuits on the F1 calendar?

1/ Monza – The Temple of Speed ​​(262 km/h average)

When we talk about speed and circuit in Formula 1, we first think of the Italian Grand Prix on the Monza track. If there is a track where single-seaters can be very fast, it is on this one. Thanks to his long straight lines and rapid sequences, Juan Pablo Montoya was able to propel his McLaren MP4/20 at 372,2 km/h during a private session in 2005. The previous year, he even set the fastest lap in 1'20"620 for an average speed of 262 km/h. A record titillated by Sergio Pérez during the Sprint Race with a peak of 360 km/h. Figures which allow the Autodromo nazionale di Monza to live up to its nickname: Temple of speed.

2/ Jeddah – The great unknown (252 km/h on average)

After Qatar a fortnight ago, Formula 1 is heading to a new, unprecedented track this weekend. Tested on the simulator by most drivers, the Jeddah circuit contains no less than 27 turns and 3 DRS zones. “Judging from what I saw on the simulator, Saudi Arabia will be extremely fast with a lot of very fast corners”, Explain Pierre Gasly. On paper, it is announced as “the fastest urban circuit in the world” by the FIA ​​and its promoters. An average speed of 252 km/h is predicted a few days before the first runs, with peaks which could reach 320 km/h. Enough to provide a spectacle for the spectators present in the stands and in front of their stations.  

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من منكم متحمس لرؤية أقوى سيارات وسائقي العالم يتسابقون في جائزة ال سعودية الكبرى stc للفورمولا 1؟! 🇸🇦🏎🤩#OvertakeTheFuture # نسابق_المستقبل
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— Saudi Arabian GP (@SaudiArabianGP) November 21, 2021

3/ Spa-Francorchamps – The Ardennes slide (249 km/h average)

Don't be fooled by appearances this year, the Spa-Francorchamps circuit usually offers a colorful spectacle. Considered the most complete circuit, its famous “Eau Rouge” turn and the straights make this track one of the most appreciated by drivers. “Spa was my favorite circuit even before I was in Formula 1, confided Max Verstappen. And after being on other circuits, it’s still my favorite”. Drivers can exceed 330 km/h for an average of 249 km/h on a flying lap. In 2021, these speeds could not see the light of day due to calamitous weather conditions and a Grand Prix that never really existed. Let's pray that we will find the sensations of the times next season.

4/ Suzuka – The Big 8 (240 km/h average)

Absent from the calendar since 2019 due to the health crisis, the Suzuka track in Japan has a very high popularity rating with fans and drivers. The great feature of this track is that it forms a figure 8, with one half where the drivers turn counterclockwise. With 18 turns including the famous 130R and 2 straights, drivers reach an average speed of 240 km/h and sometimes reach 340 km/h.  

5/ Istanbul – Turkish Corkscrew (232 km/h average)

Back on the calendar since 2020 and thanks to the health crisis, Istanbul Park is also one of the fastest circuits in the F1 universe. One of the main characteristics of this circuit is the 1st corner, nicknamed "Turkish Corkscrew" in reference to that of Laguna Seca, which the drivers cannot even see when approaching it, due to the fact that it is located in right in the middle of a drop. In addition, the Turkish track is made up of different rapid sequences including the famous left quadruple of the second sector leading to a first straight line before a second longer one after a chicane. In the Istanbul arena, the average speed is around 232 km/h, placing it among the 5 fastest. On radar, Lewis Hamilton and all his comrades easily exceed 315 km/h.