What F1 2016 Track Corners Would Make The Ultimate Circuit?

The 2016 Formula 1 calendar features some pretty amazing race circuits, with a wide range of excellent and challenging corners. That made us think, what turns and sections would make up the ultimate track?

The aim here is to think up a layout that would produce exciting on-track action race after race. It might not all match up and it would probably look a bit odd, but it would be awesome to see a circuit with all of these corners and characteristics.

I’ve always liked the ‘Senna S’ as a first corner at Interlagos. It follows a long flat-out stretch, features some great undulations and benefits from a heavy braking zone, which is a boost for overtaking potential. The winding left-right section drops downhill and is particularly tricky at the start, as well as in wet conditions. It would be a great way to start the lap.

After a medium-length straight we get to the Turn 13/14 chicane at the Circuit Gilles Villeneuve, the final corner at the Canadian track. I would provide another good passing spot but also would feature the ‘Wall of Champions’ on the exit. Drivers would still tackle the corner in the same manner and the lack of margin for error, plus the high kerbs, has caught even the best drivers out before.

Turn 8/9/10/11/12 – Baku

There’s a good reason for the inclusion of this section of track. The Baku City Circuit may be full of 90-degree corners but this tight, twisty and narrow section gave it a much-needed spice of character and added a unique element to the layout.

We saw in the race drivers could pass through it without issue but that doesn’t mean it isn’t tricky. It’s a must to include on this track and keeps the element of no margin for error going after the ‘Wall of Champions’.

I was debating which corner to put in, 130R at Suzuka or Pouhon at Spa. I opted for the former, as it’s taken at higher speed. After another straight cars will pass through this ridiculously quick left-hander, which is undoubtedly one of the quickest corners and returns the action back to a more traditional circuit environment.

Maggots/Becketts/Chapel - Silverstone

With such a fast approach, the Maggots/Becketts/Chapel section from Silverstone would be even trickier for the drivers. This complex needs no introduction for racing fans and is one of the most famous sections of track in motorsport. It’s another must-include set of corners in this track.

The Tunnel – Monaco

Next up the cars will speed through a tunnel section, like in Monaco, with a quick right-hander leading onto a slow next corner.

La Source – Spa

Hairpins aren’t particularly exciting but the history and memorable moments of La Source make it a popular one. After some fast and flowing sections, the track slows back down and it opens up another passing spot, although this one is trickier with cars having just followed each other through a twisty section.

This section is similar to a few out there in F1 but the flowing, open nature make it that bit more special. The left-right section is especially challenging in the wet and the approach remains similar to the Malaysian track, following on from a slow turn.

The Crossover – Suzuka

Suzuka is unique in featuring a crossover section, with the track making a figure of eight shape. While this track probably won’t replicate that, adding a crossover part to the circuit will make it that bit more special.

Turn 2 – Red Bull Ring

The reason why I like this corner so much is the steep rise uphill and blind apex, which make it the hardest corner to tackle at the Red Bull Ring. It also adds another overtaking spot and the undulations give tracks a unique character and charm.

It wouldn’t be the ultimate F1 track without Eau Rouge. The super-fast and ballsy section follows a downhill straight and goes back uphill, putting the cars and drivers through their paces. The Eau Rouge/Raidillon complex had to be on here, didn’t it?

This double-apex right-hander is fast and deceptive: we always see drivers going off here at Suzuka and it would be just as punishing in this ultimate race track.

Fairmont Hairpin – Monaco

After such a quick section Monaco’s famous hairpin, surrounded by barriers and incredibly sharp, would be pretty spectacular on this mad layout.

Turn 17/18 – Texas

This part of the track was built to replicate the famous Turn 8 at Istanbul Park, which is no longer in F1. It does a pretty good job of doing so and deserves a spot on this layout.

Parabolica – Monza

The famous Parabolica could add an interesting element to the circuit. It would have to be swapped around, to become a left-hander rather than a right-hander to make it join up with the main straight, but it would still feature the same characteristics.

There are obviously plenty of other great corners in F1, but hopefully the ones selected make up a fascinating (and long) track that could actually match up. It basically features a bit of everything - fast, medium and slow corners, long straights, undulations and charm - and with those ingredients are added together, it’d make for awesome racing in real life. What do you think? Let me know in the comments below!