Which F1 track is untouchable? Fans overwhelmingly choose Spa. Spa, Monza and Imola: the tracks fans say Formula 1 cannot lose.

Which circuit should never be missing in F1? For readers, there’s no contest

The question seemed simple, at least on the surface: which circuit should never be missing from the Formula 1 World Championship?

From more than one thousand responses collected in a Facebook poll conducted by formula1.it, a very clear picture emerges—but also one that is more nuanced than a simple ranking might suggest. Fans are not just choosing a track: they are choosing an idea of Formula 1.

At the top, with 500 mentions and 28.0% of the total, stands Spa-Francorchamps. This comes as no surprise, but the size of the margin is significant. Spa is not perceived merely as the Belgian Grand Prix venue; in the comments, it repeatedly appears as the symbol of a complete circuit: fast, technical, and natural. A track that still preserves that traditional motorsport feeling which many fans believe is becoming increasingly rare in the modern calendar.

Right behind is Monza, with 413 mentions and 23.2%. This result confirms the identity and emotional weight of the Temple of Speed, especially for an Italian audience, but not exclusively so. An important detail: Monza is often mentioned alongside Spa, almost forming an inseparable pair, united by speed, history, atmosphere, and tradition. It is also worth noting that the Italian circuit gathers a high number of likes attached to comments, showing widespread support.

Third place goes to Imola, with 236 mentions. This figure is particularly relevant because it confirms how deeply the Enzo e Dino Ferrari circuit remains rooted in the imagination of fans. It is not just a patriotic choice: many comments highlight the technical nature of the track, the difficulty of its layout, and its rich history. In some cases, there is also clear nostalgia for the old configuration, with references to Tamburello and a Formula 1 perceived as more selective and demanding.

Just behind comes Monte Carlo, with 214 mentions. This result requires a more careful reading. Monaco remains one of the most frequently cited circuits, but it is also the most debated. On one side, there is its charm, tradition, prestige, and the spectacle of qualifying. On the other, many fans question its relevance in modern Formula 1, describing it as outdated, unsuitable for today’s cars, and lacking overtaking opportunities. The data therefore reflects a circuit that remains central in collective memory, but far more divisive than Spa or Monza.

The second tier: history, technique and nostalgia

The next group in the ranking includes Silverstone, Suzuka, and Hockenheim. Silverstone, with 106 mentions, confirms its status as one of the indispensable historic references for fans. Suzuka, with 77 mentions, receives fewer votes but a highly qualified appreciation: it is widely regarded as a driver’s circuit, technical and demanding, far removed from tracks built primarily for commercial purposes.

Hockenheim, with 64 mentions and an impressive 150 associated likes, is one of the most interesting cases. Many fans are not referring to the modern layout, but to the old Hockenheim, with its long forest straights. It is a clear nostalgia effect, one that is difficult to reconcile with modern safety standards.

Further down the list but still present are Interlagos, Nürburgring, Mugello, and Montreal. Brazil and Canada retain strong appeal thanks to their racing quality and tradition. The Nürburgring is often evoked more for its historical significance than as a realistic modern option. Mugello, meanwhile, represents an Italian circuit that left a lasting impression after its brief appearance in Formula 1, with many fans expressing a desire to see it return, even if it is not always considered as “essential” as Spa, Monza, or Imola.

Two visions of Formula 1

The most interesting takeaway is not just the ranking itself. The comments clearly reveal a divide between two visions of the Formula 1 calendar. On one side are circuits perceived as part of the sport’s historical identity: Spa, Monza, Silverstone, Monaco, Imola, Suzuka, and Interlagos. On the other, there is growing frustration toward newer street circuits and tracks seen as overly artificial, as well as a calendar increasingly driven by economic considerations rather than sporting quality.

Many fans are not simply asking for a return to the past, but for a Formula 1 that does not lose its connection with permanent circuits—tracks capable of highlighting bravery, driving sensitivity, aerodynamic efficiency, and the ability to manage risk. In this sense, Spa’s victory is almost political: it does not just reward a location, but a philosophy of racing.

The poll confirms a fairly clear hierarchy. Spa-Francorchamps is the circuit most fans consider untouchable. Monza follows closely, strengthened by its unique identity and immense symbolic value. Imola completes the ideal podium, ahead of a Monaco that is still loved but increasingly debated. Around these names, an identity-driven calendar takes shape: less anonymous, less interchangeable, and more rooted in history and technical challenge.

Modern Formula 1 needs to expand, reach new markets, and secure financial resources. But the message from fans is clear: without circuits like Spa, Monza, Imola, Silverstone, or Suzuka, the World Championship risks becoming richer, more global, and more spectacular as an event—but less recognizable in its sporting soul.

Full poll results

A total of 1,111 messages were analyzed: 1,017 main comments and 94 replies. The data was extracted by normalizing variations, abbreviations, and equivalent circuit names—for example, “Spa,” “Belgium,” and “Spa-Francorchamps” were grouped under the same track; the same applies to “Monte Carlo,” “Monaco,” and similar forms. The data should be interpreted as number of mentions, not unique votes per user, as many comments included multiple circuits in a single message.