Formula 1: Listing the Most Iconic Circuits to Open the F1 Season Since 1950

• The 2024 Formula 1 season begins in the Middle Eastern Kingdom of Bahrain
• Max Verstappen is expected to cruise to victory after a blistering practice pace
• Several incredible venues have hosted the season's opening race since 1950

The Formula 1 roadshow burns its first sets of official rubber in Bahrain this weekend.

The pinnacle of motorsport technology displayed on the tarmac is unmatched for its beauty, elegance and opulence, both on and off the track.

Sports Brief enters the F1 time machine to gander at the best season-opening venues since the FIA began the Driver's World Championship.

Iconic F1 season opening circuits

1. Silverstone

1950 was the first year the Driver's World Championship was awarded, and the British Grand Prix was the first stop on a seven-race calendar.

Fascinating details about Equatorial Guinea national football team

Football

Silverstone, the old Royal Air Force base, was simpler 74 years ago but still featured the famous Copse, Becketts, Stowe and Abbey corners.

2. Buenos Aires

Originally named the Autodromo 17 de Octubre to show respect for Loyalty Day in Juan Peron's Argentina, the opening race of the 1954 season was held at what is now the Autodromo de Buenos Aires Oscar y Juan Gálvez in Argentina

Held on January 17, home legend, Juan Manuel Fangio won the first of his four Argentine Grand Prix. The last F1 race in the country was held in 1998 and won by Michael Schumacher.

3. Monaco

Few could fathom opening an F1 season on the narrow streets of the principality but in 1964 the season began with a 100-lap sprint around the gorgeous French town.

The chicane coming out of the tunnel was shorter, the swimming pool section had not been added yet and the final hairpin was sans Rascasse.

Maradona to Mertens: List of top 10 Napoli legends of all time ranked

Football

4. Autodromo Nelson Piquet

The Brazilian Grand Prix originated at Interlagos but had a 12-year run at Rio de Janeiro's Jacarepagua Circuit, which opened the 1984 season.

Plans were in place to build a new circuit in the Camboata Forest near Rio, but Lewis Hamilton and environmentalists fought to have the project halted, as per ESPN.

5. Albert Park

F1's modern glory days were marked by the season beginning down under, but Australia's response to the global health scare of 2020 brought an end to that.

The semi-street circuit on the idyllic banks of Hobsons Bay has hosted the Australian Grand Prix 25 times since 1996 and on 20 of those occasions, was the season opener.

Formula 1 2024 teams to watch

Sports Brief recently compiled an explainer on the 2024 Formula 1 season.

The season kicks off with the Bahrain Grand Prix at the Bahrain International Circuit in Sakhir.

A wave of upgrades and innovations has already been observed during the initial track outings.