Ranking the top 10 F1 races we cant wait to watch in 2023

June 27, 2024

The 2023 Formula One schedule will see teams contest 23 races across five continents, a whirlwind that begins with the Bahrain Grand Prix this weekend and concludes with the Abu Dhabi Grand Prix in late November. In between the season-opener and the finale are visits to locales that include Monte Carlo, Las Vegas, Miami, Barcelona, Melbourne, Montreal and Sao Paolo.

As The Athletic looks ahead to the coming season and how the 2023 schedule lays out, here are the 10 races we’re most looking forward to.

1. Las Vegas Grand Prix

Even before Las Vegas was officially added to the Formula One calendar, the anticipation was immense for what a grand prix could possibly look like in Sin City. That excitement was only heightened once the circuit was revealed, showing the layout spread across some of the city’s more iconic casinos and landmarks. A case could be made that Las Vegas is the most eagerly anticipated new venue F1 has added in some time — maybe ever, depending on your perspective — as evident by the considerable amount of buildup to the grand prix even before a car has turned a lap. Whether the race itself lives up to the hype almost doesn’t matter to this point.

2. Monaco Grand Prix

Yes, the streets of Monte Carlo are far too narrow to host a competitive F1 race. Yes, the glitz and glamor off the track often far exceeds actual driving. And yes, the Monaco Grand Prix is too often more about the sizzle than actual substance. Doesn’t matter. Monaco is one of the more prestigious races in all of motorsports, a crown jewel where the accomplishment of winning ranks second only to winning the world championship.

3. Italian Grand Prix

A signature circuit, Monza in many respects is a throwback with its long straightaways, high speed corners and hard braking zones. And unlike many modern F1 tracks, Monza’s layout doesn’t inhibit passing, allowing drivers to make moves they cannot do most elsewhere. Then is the fan support of the “tifosi,” who support their beloved Ferrari’s drivers with unrivaled enthusiasm. That fever pitch could reach special heights this September if, as expected, Charles Leclerc is still in the title picture.

4. Azerbaijan Grand Prix

So often, F1 is predictable. Not so at Baku, where in six races there has never been a repeat winner. The circuit through the streets of Azerbaijan’s capital city is also unlike most other street courses as it features long straightaways and a multitude of passing opportunities. Baku has evolved from being a race that many scoffed at when in 2016 it first hosted the European Grand Prix, to a race many fans look forward to each season. That remains the case in 2023.

5. Singapore Grand Prix

Few races, if any, test drivers’ physical endurance like the Marina Bay street circuit. Although ran at night, the conditions are almost always sweltering due to high heat and humidity and a layout that consists of 23 total turns. S it shouldn’t be a surprise that the Singapore Grand Prix often includes at least one safety car period due to incidents where drivers encounter the walls that tightly confine the course.

6. Miami Grand Prix

At this time one year ago, Miami would’ve unquestionably been ranked No. 1 on this list, as South Florida prepared to host its first grand prix. That race weekend ultimately proved largely successful overall, even if the fake marina was a little too kitschy. Now, Miami returns for a second go-round with this year’s offering providing a better gauge of the circuit’s long-term viability. Questions exist whether fans will once more turn out for the race considering the novelty has subsided, and the addition of Las Vegas not only gives the U.S. three races within its borders, but also seemingly sees Miami and Las Vegas competing for the same clientele. But Miami has the advantage of being the first U.S. race on the calendar, and so will mark the first opportunity for rookie Logan Sargeant — the lone American on the grid, and the first in years — to make his fellow citizens proud.

7. British Grand Prix

For a multitude of reasons this is a grand prix circled each year. That many F1 teams are based within England makes this a de facto home race, adding to both the importance and intensity to perform well. And there is the Silverstone circuit itself, featuring arguably the best corner in all of F1. “Copse Corner” sees drivers enter the right-hander at high speed – in qualifying they will attempt to go through without braking – and its design makes it unforgiving where mistakes are often punished. In 2021, this is where Lewis Hamilton and Max Verstappen collided, resulting in Verstappen crashing hard into the tire barriers.

8. Circuit of The Americas

While it took a few years, the United States Grand Prix has firmly entrenched itself as one of the biggest races each season. Americans flock to Austin, Texas’ Circuit of The Americas every fall, with more than 400,000 attending over three days last year. This gives COTA a level of excitement matched by few other venues, which is expected to continue even with the U.S. now hosting three F1 races annually. And COTA’s place on the schedule — it’s the 19th of 23 races — creates a distinct possibility that this where the world championship could be decided.

9. Belgium Grand Prix

Although it lacks the same rich history as Monaco or Monza, F1’s two oldest circuits, Spa is another one of those classic venues representing the essence of the sport. Maybe because it’s so often on the chopping block, each visit to Spa feels special. This season is no exception as the track’s contract is set to expire at the end of the year with no guarantee F1 will return.

10. Bahrain Grand Prix

Bahrain’s place on this list is up for debate, but it gets the nod because it hosts F1’s season opener. After a long offseason filled with speculation on which teams will be fast or slow, which drivers will excel or falter, Bahrain is the first time to truly assess who stands where. And we’re pumped for it.

(Photo: David Goddard/ Getty Images)

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