Street Circuits are an ever-present element of both the F1 and Formula E calendar. They provide an extremely exciting backdrop for racing with cars flying through some of the most famous cities in the world at speeds averaging 330 kph (200 mph). With nearly one-third of the 23 races being run on street circuits this upcoming 2024 F1 season, is this an indication of the future of the racing series?
Street Circuits in Formula E
Formula E and its relationship to street circuits is slightly different from that of F1. In Formula 1, a street circuit is simply another racing venue on the long stretch of 23 races. Formula E, however, only races on street circuits.
Formula E cars are much different from those which race in F1. They are all electric, conserving energy and using energy in much different ways than an F1 car. In order for Formula E cars to achieve peak efficiency and productivity, they must have the right balance of corners, straight-aways, and braking zones. When Formula E cars brake, they convert the energy used in braking into more energy for the car in the long run. If Formula E cars raced on F1 circuits rather than on city streets, they would not have the right balance of these factors to achieve peak productivity, resulting in slow, sluggish laps and shorter races. The cars themselves would run out of energy more quickly and be unable to yield the discarded energy in the right ways. The tight, compact corners, quick chicanes, and shorter straight-aways provided in a typical street circuit allow for much more exciting racing in Formula E.
Street Circuits in Formula One
Street Circuits have always been an integral part of any F1 calendar, with many holding a rich history in Formula 1. Iconic races like the Monaco Grand Prix, held on the streets of Monte Carlo, have been a part of the F1 calendar since the championship’s inception in 1950. Between 1996 and 2007, Formula 1 had only two street circuits: Monaco and Australia. Now, nearly one-third of the 23 races are being run on street circuits this upcoming 2024 F1 season. For many, these races carry a sense of thrill and zeal that provide Formula 1 with its unique allure, but is Formula One falling out of touch with its origins?
Street circuits often present unique challenges for drivers. They generally possess narrow roads, tight corners, and unforgiving barriers, leaving very little margin for error. Drivers need to display exceptional skill and precision to navigate these circuits at high speeds, making races on street circuits particularly thrilling to watch. However, Formula One at its core is not a street racing series. Many F1 fans dislike the recent additions of so many street circuits as the current F1 car does not cater so well to the small roadways and tight corners that most of these circuits present.
While street circuits are certainly an important part of the F1 calendar and do have a place in the racing series, it is difficult to justify the addition of so many of them. The streets can provide fantastic races and entertaining weekends, but these incredible racing moments are much more apparent in their traditional circuit counterpart. For Formula E, street circuits are essential. Formula One, however, can afford to go without the use of them. It will be interesting to see if Formula One continues on the path of additional street circuits, however, as we look to a possible new age in this historical sport.
