Forgotten F1 Street Circuits: Part 2 – When Formula 1 Took Over the Streets

F1 has a long story of racing, not only on purpose-built tracks but also on the streets of cities across the world. If you missed the first part of this series, where we explored some of the most legendary forgotten tracks, you can check it out [here].

These urban circuits tested drivers in more ways than the modern tracks today.

Many of these circuits have disappeared over the years but they each left behind memorable stories that shaped the sport.

In this article, we will explore some of the most remarkable forgotten F1 street circuits.

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Adelaide Street Circuit – Adelaide, Australia

This circuit hosted the Australian GP on city streets from 1985 to 1995.

The layout was tight and technical, often producing dramatic finishes and exciting races, like the final race of the season in 1994 with Michael Schumacher and Damon Hill, title decider race.

However, the event became famous for its combination of festive atmosphere, challenging corners and the role it played in deciding champions.

F1 last raced here in 1995, then moved to Melbourne, leaving Adelaide as a fond memory of fans.

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Detroit Grand Prix – Detroit, USA (1982–1988)

Downtown Detroit saw F1 action for several years in the ’80s, the streets created a twisting and technical layout with numerous corners packed into a short distance.

The circuit was demanding for the drivers and also cars, but financial difficulties and declining attendance led to the race being dropped from the F1 calendar.

Detroit still remembers this period as a unique chapter in its sporting history.

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Pescara Circuit – Pescara, Italy

It is not Nurburgring the longest circuit ever, it is Pescara, it was the longest and most daunting tracks ever used in F1.

It was over 25km public road circuit, combined village streets and countryside stretches.

Drivers faced a true test on this circuit. However, safety concerns and its extreme length prevented it from becoming a permanent fixture in F1.

Montjuïc Park – Barcelona, Spain

This circuit sits on a hillside in Barcelona and was the setting for several races in the late of ’60s and early ’70s.

The circuit was famous for its sweeping elevation changes and panoramic views of the city.

So why F1 decided to quit? A serious accident in 1975 claimed the life of a spectator and concerns over safety led to the end of F1 racing in this circuit, despite this the track remains a legendary part of F1 history.

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Caesars Palace Grand Prix – Las Vegas, USA

IN the early of ’80s, F1 briefly turned the parking lot of Caesars Palace into a race track, in Las Vegas.

The layout was tight with numerous corners packed into a small area, challenging circuit for drivers.

Although the spectacle of F1 racing in the heart of Las Vegas was unusual, the event struggled to attract crowds and it disappeared from the calendar.

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United States Grand Prix West – Long Beach, USA

Another USA circuits, the Long Beach GP brought F1 to the streets of California from 1976 to 1983.

Drivers faced a mix of fast straight and tight turns while racing alongside the ocean.

The event was festive and glamorous, often attracting celebrities and large crowds.

Despite its popularity, financial disagreements caused F1 to leave Long Beach, and the city eventually switched to hosting other motorsport events.

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Phoenix Street Circuit – Phoenix, USA

Phoenix became a temporary F1 track for a few years in the late of ’80s, the circuit was simple and functional but lacked character.

Drivers often complained about the flat, featureless layout.

Poor attendance and limited excitement meant the Phoenix street race was short lived, leaving little trace in F1’s long history.

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Dallas Grand Prix – Dallas, USA (1984)

Dallas GP was one of the most challenging events ever held on city streets.

Set during the summer and the extreme heat combined with a rough and bumpy track made tire failures and mechanical problems common.

Also for the drivers was very hard to compete in those conditions, it lasted only one year, it remains infamous for its punishing conditions.

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Circuito da Boavista – Porto, Portugal

Probably you have never heard about Boavista’s circuit, hosted the Portuguese GP twice in the late of 50s and in 1960.

Boavista circuit wound through city roads, creating a scenic and but demanding course.

Drivers had to navigate tight corners, uneven surfaces, and fast sections all within a short span of track.

After two events in this circuit, the race was discontinued, leaving Boavista as a historic relic of F1’s early street racing days.

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Circuito de Monsanto – Lisbon, Portugal

Located near Lisbon, the Monsanto Park circuit offered a wooded and hilly environment for F1 in 1959.

The track combined natural elevation changes with narrow urban roads, making it a challenging course for drivers and teams alike.

The reason for leaving this circuit behind was safety concern, and the growth of permanent circuits eventually led to the end of F1 events here.

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Ain-Diab Circuit – Casablanca, Morocco

Another circuit that you might have never heard of, it located just outside Casablanca in Marocco, hosted GP in 1958.

It was fast circuit, flowing and incorporated long stretches along public roads.

The race was dramatic and decisive, contributing to the outcome of the championship that year.

F1 raced in Ain-Diab circuit just once and never again.

What can we say more? These forgotten tracks may no longer echo with the roar of F1 engines, yet their spirit lives on.

They were raw, dangerous, and imperfect, but they shaped drivers, challenged machines, and gave fans stories that still resonate today.

If You Missed The PART 1: The Legendary Tracks That Time Erased