Which Races I’m Most Excited For This
Year
Now that the season is underway, I thought I would go into detail about which races I'm
particularly excited about this year. Some of these tracks have more meaning to me, some are
simply just good tracks that I enjoy. Although I enjoy many races throughout the season, these
5, in particular, are some of my favourites.
Spanish Grand Prix - 02-04 June
The first race that I’m especially excited about this year is the Spanish Grand Prix. Formula 1
has recently announced that the final sector of the Circuit de Barcelona-Catalunya would be
changing. The final sector of the track will be different this year, as they are removing the
chicane, which was formerly turns 14 and 15. This will make for a much faster final sector and
will definitely bring more excitement.
The last time the track was like this was in 2007 when Fernando Alonso won at his home Grand
Prix. With the way the Aston Martins were flying in Bahrain, I wouldn't rule out the possibility of
Fernando winning here once again. It would also be nice to see Carlos Sainz on the podium for
his home race. After starting 3rd on the grid for last year's race, Carlos just missed out on the
podium position to George Russell in the Mercedes.
Lewis Hamilton holds the joint record for most wins around this track with Michael Schumacher.
Both drivers have won at this track 6 times, yet another record that the pair of 7x World
Champions hold. Last year’s winner was Max Verstappen after Charles Leclerc had to retire
from the race in 1st position due to a mechanical failure, let's hope it’s not a similar story this
year.
British Grand Prix - 07-09 July
Silverstone is arguably the most iconic track in the Formula 1 calendar. I may be biased due to it
being the track I have visited most frequently, due to my living in London. Throughout the years
of F1, many drivers have said this is their favourite track it is not hard to see why. This track
hosted the first round of the 1950 world championship and has been the permanent home of the
British Grand Prix since 1987.
Lewis Hamilton holds the track record here with 8 wins at the circuit, although Ferrari is the team
that has won here the most with 17 wins. The 17th being Carlos Sainz’s maiden win at the 2022
Grand Prix. the Ferrari took the pole position at the track and managed to hold that position
throughout the whole race.
Unfortunately, when people think of last year's race, they think of the awful crash that happened
in the first lap. when Pierre Gasly, George Russell and Zhou Guanyu collided. Zhou went flying
into the barrier at a great speed, whilst travelling upside down. The crash was very scary, with
many drivers involved, but luckily, all drivers came out okay. This crash once again highlighted
the importance of the halo on cars. Without it, this accident could have ended very differently.
Hopefully, this year will be less dramatic and dangerous, and more exciting for viewers. Last
year's race was definitely an exciting one, it was even voted the best race last year by the fans.
I’m sure this year will be just as exciting, just with fewer scary moments.
Italian Grand Prix 01-03 September
Every Ferrari fan always looks forward to Monza, the home race is iconic, and for good reason.
One of the reasons for this track being so iconic is the sheer speed that can be reached by the
cars throughout the race. Around 83% of the track allows drivers to use their full throttle. This is
due to the fact that teams will use the lowest downforce packages that they have available.
Another one of the best things about Monza is the insane atmosphere. Everywhere you look
you will be greeted by a sea of red and the Tifosi line the track. Fans are sure to be cheering on
Sainz and Leclerc, especially if either driver manages to find themselves on the top step of the
podium. The thing that makes this track so special for the fans, is the fact that the podium hangs
over the pit straight, where fans are allowed onto the track to watch the trophy ceremony
happen right above them.
Monza is another track where Lewis Hamilton and Michael Schumacher share the record for the
most wins, both having won 5 races here. Ferrari is the most successful constructor on the
circuit as the team have won 19 races on this track.
Brazilian Grand Prix - 03-05 November
Well, I think it’s safe to say that the Brazillian Grand Prix last year was one of the best races of
the season. We saw the amazing moment when Haas and Kevin Magnussen took their
first-ever pole position for the sprint race. We also saw George Russell get his maiden victory
here, which was the only race won by a Mercedes last year.
Although the sprint races are a controversial topic, I do enjoy them every now and then, and I
love them at this track. It gives the drivers who didn’t have such a good performance in
qualifying a second chance to climb their way through the grid to secure a better starting
position for the race on Sunday.
The driver who has won the most races at this track is Alain Prost who won 5 times at
Interlagos. This track has been on the calendar since 1973, and the contract is currently good
until 2025, but I hope to see this track on the calendar for many more years to come.
Las Vegas Grand Prix - 16-18 November
Las Vegas is back! I know not everyone is jumping for joy about the fact that there will be three
races in the states this year, but adding vegas back to the calendar is such an exciting thing for
new fans of the sport. The last time there was an F1 race in Vegas, it was 1982 and Italian
driver Michele Alboreto won the race.
This race will truly be a spectacle, as we will be able to see the cars racing around in the dark.
Some of the landmarks that we will see the cars drive past throughout the track are the MSG
sphere (opening in September), the Bellagio hotel, Caesars Palace, The Mirage, and Treasure
Island. I for one am very excited to see how this race pans out, although it does slightly differ
from the usual weekend schedule, as it will take place on Saturday night, or if you’re in the UK,
the early hours of Sunday morning.
As I mentioned previously, I am extremely excited for all of the races this season, but these five
in particular, I’m sure will not disappoint. Remember to follow me to keep up to date with race
results, exciting news, and opinion pieces all about Formula 1.
Written by Johan Habimana.