10 legendary F1 tracks that were abandoned

Legendary F1 tracks that were abandoned

Buenos Aires Autodrome

10. Nürburgring Nordschleife (Germany)

The “Green Hell” terrified drivers with its 14 miles and 160 corners. After Niki Lauda’s fiery 1976 crash, it was deemed too dangerous for F1. The modern Nürburgring remains — but the legendary old loop sits abandoned in the forest.

9. Kyalami (South Africa – Old Circuit)

The old high-speed Kyalami hosted classics from the ‘60s to ‘80s. Political tensions and safety concerns pushed F1 out in 1993. The track was later shortened, leaving the original layout lost to time.

8. Reims-Gueux (France)

This historic French road circuit hosted early F1 races in the 1950s. Abandoned in the ‘70s, its crumbling grandstands and pit buildings still stand — a haunting reminder of motorsport’s golden era.

7. Watkins Glen (USA)

America’s spiritual F1 home from 1961–1980. Financial collapse and poor safety ended its run, leaving it dormant for years before NASCAR revived the modern version. The old F1 paddock remains eerily quiet.

6. Rouen-Les-Essarts (France)

Fast, scenic, and deadly. After a fatal crash in 1968, this beautiful forest circuit was eventually abandoned. Today, sections of the old track still weave through the woods, cracked and forgotten.

5. Estoril (Portugal)

A fan-favorite for its sweeping final corner, Estoril hosted F1 from 1984 to 1996. Poor facilities and financial trouble ended its F1 days. The track still exists — but it’s a quiet shadow of its former self.

4. Buenos Aires Autodrome (Argentina)

Once filled with passion and chaos, Argentina’s Grand Prix ended after 1998 due to politics and money. Parts of the old complex are now overgrown and decaying.

3. Imola (Old Layout, Italy)

After the tragic 1994 weekend that claimed Ayrton Senna and Roland Ratzenberger, chicanes were added and the old, ultra-fast Tamburello section was forever abandoned. A ghostly piece of F1 history.

2. Brands Hatch (United Kingdom)

A classic British circuit with roaring crowds and natural elevation. F1 left after 1986, and the venue, though active in lower series, lost its world championship status forever.

1. Pescara Circuit (Italy)

At 16 miles long, it’s the longest F1 circuit ever. Public roads, villages, and cliffside straights made it breathtaking — and terrifying. Last raced in 1957, it was soon abandoned for safety reasons.