PART 4: When F1 Left Them Behind: Some Circuits of the 1970s

Photo credit: Benjamín Núñez González, CC BY-SA 4.0

The golden age of F1, many fans still go back and check the videos of the good old days of F1.

We continue now for the PART 4 of our contents about the Circuits that F1 left behind, first three parts you can find at the end of this content.

However, some circuits from that era shaped unforgettable moments, while others faded away, leaving only memories and grainy footage behind.

These tracks roared with the sound of V10s and V12s, and today they stand silent, most of them, relics of a time when F1 was still finding its balance between speed and safety.

Let us look back at the circuits of the 70s that no longer appear on the calendar, each carrying its own story of glory, controversy, and loss.

Kyalami – South Africa’s Racing Jewel

Kyalami was historic, it was more than a race track, a symbol.

Sweeping corners and fast straights made it a driver’s favorite, from 1967 until 1985, and again just once in 1993.

However, today, Kyalami still exists, upgraded and modern, yet its golden F1 years remain a memory of an era when the South African GP stood as one of the most atmospheric races on the calendar.

Jarama – The Tight Spanish Arena

Probably you have never heard of, it is located North of Madrid, Jaram, a narrow circuit that twisted and turned through the Spanish countryside, also Madrid will have new circuit by 2026.

It produced drama but overtaking was almost impossible, just like Monaco GP nowadays, Jarama forced drivers to fight tooth and nail for every inch.

One of the most legendary race was in 1981, when Gilles Villeneuve defended for 60 laps in a slower Ferrari car.

It was the last race in Jarama, that made it more special. It was too tight for the new cars in the coming years and F1 left forever, but its spirit lives on whenever fans remember Villeneuve’s stubborn brilliance.

Read More 👉 Nivelles-Baulers: Belgium’s Lost Formula 1 Circuit

Nivelles – Belgium’s Forgotten Track

A circuit that no longer exist, it is demolished, but it was built to replace Spa Francorchamps when safety concerns mounted.

Compared to the thrill of Spa, Nivelles felt sterile and money troubles soon mounted.

After hosting just two races, the circuit closed and was swallowed by industry, today, few traces remain, making it one of the great forgotten chapters in F1 history.

Buenos Aires – Passion in Argentina

The circuit in Argentina, the last race F1 was there is back in 1998.

Multiple configurations kept the track fresh and the atmosphere in Buenos Aires was electric whenever F1 arrived, but financial struggles, F1 lost the Argentine circuit.

Still fans who witnessed it, the energy of the argentine crowd remains unforgettable!

Mosport Park one of the Canadian circuits

Today, we know the Montreal circuit, but before it the heart of Canadian GP was Mosport Park, set in the rolling hills of Ontario, it was fast and raw, with little margin for error.

It delivered plenty of drama but its dangers were always present, and by the late of 70s the event moved permanently to Montreal.

However, Mosport survives as Canadian Tire Motorsport Park, a beloved venue for endurance and touring cars, carrying whispers of its F1 past.

Read More 👉 Mosport Park: The Forgotten Gem of Canadian Formula 1

Mont-Tremblant – Beauty and Brutality

Another Canadian circuit, few could match Mont-Tremblant’s natural beauty, winding through the forests and mountains of Quebec, hosting only two F1 races.

It became quickly clear that F1 had outgrown its wild layout, still its brief presence in the championship gave Canadian fans an unforgettable taste of top-level racing in a stunning setting.

Dijon-Prenois – The Stage of Villeneuve vs. Arnoux

France had many circuits but Dijon-Prenois carved its place in legend with only 5 races in 10 years, and the most dramatic race came in 1979, when Gilles Villeneuve and Rene Arnoux fought wheel to wheel duel that remains one of the greatest battles in F1.

The circuit itself was short and limited for modern racing, but its charm lay in the moments it produced, last race was in 1984, yet its name is forever linked with that extraordinary fight.

Paul Ricard – The Mistral Straight Monster

Another French circuit, modern circuit built in the south of France, Paul Ricard was the picture of modernity when it first appeared in the 70s.

Over time it was modified for safety and it would leve and return to F1 more than once.

Its final appearance came in 2022, closing a chapter that stretched across decades.

Anderstorp – Sweden’s Lost Dream

The forgotten Swedish circuit, its long straight was actually a runway, making it unique among F1 venues.

Without local heroes to carry its momentum, the race disappeared after 1978, after Sweden lost their icon Ronnie Peterson.

Anderstorp still hosts racing today, but its F1 chapter ended with sadness.

The 1970s gave Formula 1 circuits filled with character, danger, and unforgettable stories. Though these tracks have disappeared from the calendar, their legends remain alive in the memories of fans and in the old footage that reminds us how raw and unpredictable Grand Prix racing once was.

All Three Parts:

Part 1 – The Legendary Tracks That Time Erased

Part 2 – When Formula 1 Took Over the Streets

Part 3: Dangerous Legends – The Risky Circuits of F1 History