What is the longest-running F1 Grand Prix?
F1 has competed in several Grands Prix over the course of seven decades; here are the top five Grands Prix that have survived the test of time.
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British Grand Prix (Credits: Populous)
In Formula One, history and tradition are a huge part of what makes the sport so special. With races dating back decades, fans can enjoy a sense of continuity that is rare in the ever-changing world of F1. Historic races always boost the excitement of every common F1 fan.
There have been 53 different Grand Prix held in the whole of F1. Dive into the rich history of Formula One and discover the top five longest-standing Grand Prix, and answer which race has been running the longest. These events have seen the greatest drivers compete, with some races becoming true sports legends.
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Here is the list of the longest-running F1 GPs
5. Spanish Grand Prix
The Circuit de Barcelona-Catalunya has witnessed some of the most iconic moments in motorsport history, including the time-honored Spanish Grand Prix. This esteemed race has stood the test of time as one of the world’s oldest and most fiercely contested motorsport events. The starting position for the pole position is situated on the left-hand side of the track, while drivers reach breathtaking speeds of up to 322kph.
Since its inception, the Spanish Grand Prix has undergone several transformations, with the 17.749 km (11.029 mi) Circuito Lasarte once serving as its primary location in the 1920s. Fast forward to today, the Circuit de Barcelona-Catalunya has taken up the mantle of hosting the race since 1991 with great success. With a remarkable run spanning several decades, the Spanish Grand Prix proudly holds the fifth spot as one of the longest-running F1 Grand Prix. Michael Schumacher is the most successful driver at the Spanish Grand Prix, who won the race six times.
In 1996, the Spanish Grand Prix witnessed a historic moment that shall forever be etched in the annals of F1 history. It was the year that the legendary Michael Schumacher, in a Ferrari that would go on to define dominance in the sport, won his first-ever race for the Italian outfit. Despite unfavorable weather conditions and the superior machinery of the Williams cars, Schumacher’s virtuosity behind the wheel saw him lap two seconds faster than anyone else and ultimately win by a staggering 45 seconds. His performance was nothing short of majestic, securing his first-ever victory for Ferrari and paving the way for an era of dominance in the sport.
4. Belgian Grand Prix
The Belgian Grand Prix, an iconic race that has stood the test of time since 1950, is one of the most sought-after events and the fourth oldest running Grand Prix in the Formula One World Championship calendar. Set amidst the idyllic Spa region, the race has been associated with motorsport since its inception, with the inaugural national race held in 1925. Over the years, the Belgian Grand Prix has traversed various tracks, including the Nivelles-Baulers circuit, which hosted the race in 1972, 1974, and 1980. However, since 1985, the event has been held at the revered Circuit de Spa-Francorchamps without any circuit change.
Unsurprisingly, the Belgian Grand Prix has witnessed some of the most illustrious moments in F1 history, with Michael Schumacher‘s debut in 1991 and subsequent triumph a year later still etched in fans’ minds. However, it was his awe-inspiring performance in 1995 that stands out as a testament to his racing acumen, speed, and wet-weather prowess. In a display of sheer brilliance, Schumacher, despite being six seconds slower than Hill and on the wrong tires, won the race, thanks to his controversial yet masterful defending. Such is the allure of the Belgian Grand Prix that the picturesque and historic Circuit de Spa-Francorchamps continues to enthrall drivers and fans alike, cementing its status as one of the most captivating races in the F1 universe.
3. Monaco Grand Prix
The Monaco Grand Prix is a venerable and celebrated motor racing event held annually on the Circuit de Monaco within the picturesque Principality of Monaco. The inaugural Monaco Grand Prix took place in 1950 but was absent until 1955; since then, it has become an integral part of the motorsport calendar, earning a revered place as one of the most esteemed racing competitions in the world.
The Circuit de Monaco is an enduring facet of the Grand Prix, with its narrow and winding course that poses a formidable challenge to even the most accomplished drivers. The circuit has remained unchanged since 1955, and its unforgiving nature demands precision, skill, and unbridled focus from its contenders. The Monaco Grand Prix is widely regarded as a bastion of motorsport excellence, a beacon of racing prowess, and a testament to the enduring legacy of Grand Prix racing. The most successful driver in the Monaco Grand Prix is Ayrton Senna, who won the race six times
Of the six wins, Ayrton Senna’s triumph in Monaco in 1992 was a legendary feat, widely hailed as one of the greatest moments in the history of the race. After a Williams team error, Senna was in the lead, and his rival Nigel Mansell pushed him relentlessly, hoping to capitalize on any misstep. Senna, however, remained poised and kept his nerve, keeping the faster Williams at bay and securing yet another thrilling Monaco victory.
1=) Italian Grand Prix
The Italian Grand Prix is the doyen of the national Grand Prix and an unwavering member of the Formula One World Championship, having graced the calendar since its inception in 1950. The race has been held at two venues, with Autodromo Nazionale Monza being the permanent home since 1950, barring 1980 when it was staged at Imola13, which subsequently acquired its own Grand Prix under the name San Marino before being renamed the Emilia Romagna Grand Prix.
The allure of the Italian Grand Prix is in its breakneck pace, necessitating a low-downforce setup, making it one of the most important races of the season. The Autodromo Nazionale Monza, the fastest circuit globally, is renowned for its high-speed corners and lengthy straights, making it a true test of driver skill. Additionally, the fervent Italian fans create a matchless atmosphere at the track. Michael Schumacher holds the record for the most Italian Grand Prix wins, having claimed victory five times.
The 2008 Italian Grand Prix was a watershed event for Sebastian Vettel, who became the youngest driver to win a Formula One race at 21, a performance that cemented his place in motor racing history. Vettel’s success came in rain-soaked circumstances when he conquered the elements to lead his little Toro Rosso team, powered by a Ferrari engine, to an amazing victory from pole position, holding off Heikki Kovalainen and Robert Kubica‘s attacks. Vettel’s unwavering confidence, poise, and speed in such trying conditions were decisive for him and his Faenza-based team, which has its roots in the Minardi stable. Notably, this was the first Grand Prix victory for the Toro Rosso team. This victory set the door for Vettel to have a string of Formula One victories, including four consecutive championships with Red Bull Racing from 2010 to 2013.
1=) British Grand Prix
The British Grand Prix, steeped in history and tradition, is the oldest race on the Formula One calendar, tracing its roots back to 1948. The event, held at various circuits, including the renowned Silverstone, has been continuously hosted by the latter, except for a brief period in the mid-1950s, when Aintree took up the mantle.
The British Grand Prix is widely considered the most important race on the F1 calendar, having hosted the inaugural Formula One race and, since then, many exciting, unpredictable races. Lewis Hamilton, one of the most successful drivers in the sport’s history, holds the record for the most British Grand Prix victories, having won the race seven times.
One of the most captivating and unforgettable moments in the British Grand Prix’s history was the 2008 edition. The race, shrouded in heavy rain, became a true test of grit, skill, and endurance for the drivers. Amidst the chaos, Hamilton produced a masterclass, dominating the competition and winning by an astonishing margin of one minute, lapping every driver except the top three. The performance was a testament to Hamilton’s immense talent and determination, and it is widely considered one of the greatest drives in the sport’s history.
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Rohit Bhaskar
(727 Articles Published)