F1 2023 is go! The record-breaking 23-race calendar

1. Bahrain

Sakhir / March 3-5

Since its debut in 2004, F1 has warmed to this desert venue, especially since it became a night race. Expect fireworks.

2. Saudi Arabi

 Jeddah / March 17-19

Third visit to the Corniche circuit. A fast permanent track that looks like a street course. No missile strikes this time?

3. Australia

Albert Park, Melbourne / March 31-April 2

Should still be the season opener. Popular venue returned last year after Covid break. Races can be processional.

4. Azerbaijan

Baku / April 28-30

More Macau than Monaco, this street track has a dual character: fiddly and fast.  Unlike Monaco, you can pass here.

5. Miami

Florida, USA / May 5-7

Is it a race or an event? Second time around, the sporting spectacle needs to match the showbiz razzmatazz.

6. Emilia Romagna

Imola, Italy / May 19-21

Made an unlikely F1 return in the Covid season of 2020 – and happily has stuck around. Still beautiful, still old-school.

7. Monaco

Circuit de Monaco / May 26-28

Doubts over its future were raised last year, but would F1 really be the same if it chose to walk away from the Big One?

8. Spain

Barcelona-Catalunya / June 2-4

Has shaken off its reputation for dull races. Teams and drivers know this place like the backs of their hands.

9. Canada

Montreal / June 16-18

Foreshadowed Saudi’s Corniche circuit by 40-odd years. Built on a man-made island in the St Lawrence River; a gem

10. Austira

Spielberg / June 30-July 2

OK, it’s not the Österreichring, but the diluted modern track still has character. Verstappen’s orange army invades.

11. Great Britain

Silverstone / July 7-9

The best circuit for racing on the calendar? It has a strong claim. The atmosphere is always fab.

12. Hungary

Hungaroring / July 21-23

Considered ‘Mickey Mouse’ in 1986, but today a perennial F1 favourite. And now features overtaking! It rarely used to…

13. Belgium

Spa-Francorchamps / July 28-30

Dumbed down? Perhaps. But safety has to be a priority – and anyway, the old classic can still bite.

14. Netherlands

Zandvoort / August 25-27

Verstappen’s domain. The new banking has added flavour, but passing remains a challenge. Great that it has returned.

15. Italy

Monza / September 1-3

The races can fall flat, but like Monaco could F1 do without this annual pilgrimage? Don’t be daft!

16. Singapore

Marina Bay / September 15-17

The exotic street race under lights first ran in 2008. Still a marathon test for drivers, but surpassed by Baku for racing.

17. Japan

Suzuka / September 22-24

Adored by drivers, and the best always shine brightest on its sweeps. But rain this time of year is a problem.

18. Qatar

Lusail / October 6-8

Designed primarily for MotoGP, returns to F1 after first hosting in 2021. Long main straight is the best feature…

19. Austin

Texas, USA / October 20-22

The best US F1 venue since Watkins Glen. Does not deserve to be overshadowed by the glitz of Miami and Vegas.

20. Mexico City

Hermanos Rodriguez / October 27-29

High altitude counts here. Scenes in the Foro Sol baseball stadium are electric, but we miss the old Peraltada corner.

21. São Paulo

Interlagos / November 3-5

Rivals Silverstone as the best circuit for racing. A shame the season doesn’t still end here. Never lacks for drama.

22. Las Vegas

Nevada, USA / November 16-18

The new (gaudy) jewel, F1’s first Saturday night race. It has to be better than the Ceasars Palace car park of ’81/’82.

23. Abu Dhabi

Yas Marina / November 24-26

Still underwhelms as a venue for the season climax. And scheduled just a week after Vegas, too. Phew!