What have we lost? A look back on Formula One's past circuits.
- Augusto Leroux Fernandez
- Mar 31
- 5 min read
Written by Augusto Leroux Fernandez, Edited by Tarun Suresh
Formula One’s history is deeply intertwined with the iconic circuits it visits around the globe. From Silverstone to Säo Paulo. From Imola to Bahrain. But, as the sport modernizes, several classic venues have been notably absent in recent years.
This article decides to look into the stories and legacies of three such circuits, each of which holds a significant place in the sport's history.
Kyalami Grand Prix Circuit - South African Grand Prix
Africa’s absence in F1 has been a talking point over the last few seasons, even with Lewis Hamilton stating, “We can’t be adding races in other locations and continue to ignore Africa”. But things were different a couple of decades back, as in Johannesburg lies one of the sport’s most iconic circuits: Kyalami.
Home of the South African GP for most of its history, the Kyalami Grand Prix Circuit is surely one of the most beloved venues that are no longer on the calendar.
With its high-speed straights, its challenging corners and a great physical demand (due to the high temperatures and altitude), this Grand Prix never failed to deliver.
The circuit, alongside East London (also in South Africa), holds the record for the earliest race in a year. New Year’s Day, 1968. That day, Jim Clark would become F1's greatest race winner, beating Juan Manuel Fangio’s record of 24. It would also be his last. The British legend would die three months later in a Formula 2 race at Hockenheim.
Kyalami has been the maiden win for some of the best drivers of their generation, such as American Mario Andretti in 1971 and Argentine Carlos Reutemann in 1974. It would also be the scenery for Jack Brabham’s last triumph, Ayrton Senna's first point in F1 and the circuit where Nelson Piquet won his second championship over Alain Prost and Rene Arnoux.
One of F1's worst incidents happened in it, as Tom Pryce hit a young marshal who ran across the track in the 1977 Grand Prix. It saw some of sport’s biggest scandals, such as 1981, when the race was held under Formula Libre regulations due to a disagreement between the teams; and 1982, when drivers went on strike and almost cancelled the event.
A race and a circuit full of history. But, as of 2025, 32 years have passed since the last time we saw the pinnacle of motorsport visit Africa. It lost its place in the calendar in 1985 due to restrictions because of the Apartheid. It came back for a couple of years in the 90s, but since then, nothing. There have been real talks over recent years for its return, but for now, we’ll have to wait.
Autódromo Oscar y Juan Galvez - Argentine Grand Prix
The Argentine Grand Prix has had its fair share of appearances in F1’s 75 years of history. It debuted as early as 1953, being the first F1 race to take place outside Europe (apart from the Indianapolis 500, which gave points for the championship but was driven under AAA regulations), with Alberto Ascari finishing first. Still, the man with the most wins couldn’t be anyone other than Juan Manuel Fango.
In its 20 iterations, the race was held in the Autódromo Oscar y Juan Galvez, located in the country’s capital city, Buenos Aires. 4 different layouts were used, mainly N° 15 between 1974 and 1981, with its characteristic “recta del lago” and “recta del fondo”, 2 very long straights connected by a long corner, which allowed the cars to be at full throttle for almost 40 seconds, entering and exiting the corner at top speed.
But despite Argentina’s passion for motorsport (historical records speak of a thousand people attending in the early 50s), the Galvez circuits have not seen F1 cars on their asphalt for more than 25 years now.
The venue’s presence in the calendar has always been tied to Argentine drivers' presence and protagonism in the field. Fangio in those early days and Carlos Reutemann in the 70s held the country’s flag high, and definitely stood as a reason to maintain the Grand Prix.
As they retired and no one filled their spot, these reasons vanished, and the last try to bring the race back only prospered for four years, before it was cancelled due to lack of funding.
Maybe Franco Colapinto's sudden arrival on the driver market means one more comeback; only time will tell. An official plan for renovating the Autódromo is set to begin in the years to come. But, in the meantime, the race's last winner remains another one of the greats: Michael Schumacher.
Hockenheimring - German Grand Prix
Germany has arguably two of the most famous and beloved drivers in the last 20 years. Sebastian Vettel and Michael Schumacher. In the 2025 season, Nico Hulkenberg continues his pursuit to bring back the Teutonic flag to the podium. Still, the last time F1 hosted a German Grand Prix was in 2019 at the Hockenheimring.
The country definitely has some iconic circuits. The Hockenheimring has been the German Grand Prix’s home for most of its history. The ring was one of the most demanding stops of the season for more than 30 years, with its very long and fast straights followed by a section of narrow and twisty corners. Still, many drivers decided, even when it wasn’t a part of the official calendar, to participate under Formula 2 regulations. Jim Clark was one of them.
Clark, one of the greatest British drivers of all time, chose to participate in the Deutschland Trophäe, which took place at the Ring in 1968, as a way to keep racing in the 4 months between the first and second event in the calendar. But it would be the last time anyone saw the Scot on track. In the fifth lap, Clark went off the track and collided with the trees on the side. Sadly, he passed away before reaching the hospital.
This venue, full of history, challenges and battles to the limit, disappeared from the F1 calendar in 2019 and with it the German Grand Prix. The changes made in 2002 had provoked a wave of complaints from not only the fans but also the drivers.
The shortening of the circuit saw the iconic, forested straights disappear under the newly replanted forest. Today, the original circuit remains only in the memory of those who saw it at its peak.
So, what’s next?
The echoes of roaring engines and cheering crowds still resonate from Kyalami, Buenos Aires, and Hockenheim. These three circuits, each with its own rich history, make F1 what it is and has been.
While the sport continues its growth, with an all-time high of 24 races this year, their absence from the current calendar sparks debate on where F1 is going as a sport. But, whether or not these iconic venues return, their place in history is secure, and the fans will never forget the emotions that filled the stands.
I was skeptical at first about hiring help for writing term papers, but this service proved me wrong! Their team is professional, and the quality of work exceeded my expectations. I appreciated their attention to detail and timely delivery. Plus, they offer some of the best rates I’ve seen, especially for students on a budget. Don’t let deadlines stress you out—get expert assistance today!