Every season, the 10 F1 teams travel all over the world in order to race on the most daring tracks. In the 2023 season, the Formula One schedule will contain 20 different countries for a total of 23 race weekends. Racing begins on the first weekend of March, and the summer break takes place between July 31st and August 25th. The final race of the season will end nearly eight months later on November 26th when a new order of victors will be announced. 

2023 Race Location and Dates

-Bahrain: March 3rd-5th

-Saudi Arabia: March 17th-19th

-Australia: March 31st-April 2nd

-Azerbaijan: April 28th-30th

-United States (Miami): May 5th-7th

-Italy (Imola): May 19th-21st

-Monaco: May 26th-28th

-Spain: June 2nd-4th

-Canada: June 16th-18th

-Austria: June 30th-July 2nd

-Great Britain: July 7th-9th

-Hungary: July 21-23rd

-Belgium: July 28th-30th

-Netherlands: August 25th-27th

-Italy (Monza): September 1sr-3rd

-Singapore: September 15th-17th

-Japan: September 22nd-24th

-Qatar: October 6th-8th

-United States (Austin): October 20th-22nd

-Mexico: October 27th-29th

-Brazil: November 3nd-5th

-United States (Las Vegas): November 16th-18th

-Abu Dhabi: November 24th-26th

Bahrain

Dates: March 3rd-5th

The first stop on the Formula One schedule in the Bahrain Grand Prix. The Bahrain Grand Prix was first raced nearly 20 years ago in 2004. Since then, F1 has raced there every season, and Lewis Hamilton holds the record for most wins on the track at 5. The final race consists of 57 total laps which equate to 308 km (191.5 miles for my American friends). There are 15 turns making up the 3 sectors of the race along with 3 DRS zones. DRS zone 1 occurs directly before turn 1, DRS zone 2 before turn 9, and DRS zone 3 takes place right before the 14th turn.

Last season in Bahrain, Charles Leclerc finished qualifying on pole position and went on to win the race. We probably need to discuss the ‘Bahrain curse’ really quickly which states that the winner of the Bahrain Grand Prix will ultimately lose the World Drivers’ Championship, so we will see if that remains true for the 2023 season. The ‘curse’ definitely struck last year when Leclerc ended up coming in second in the WDC, breaking the hearts of Ferrari fans and Charles Leclerc girls everywhere. 

Saudi Arabia

Dates: March 17th-19th

This is one of the newer tracks on the Formula One schedule, its first Grand Prix being raced in 2021. Since then, it has been won by both two-time world champion Max Verstappen in 2022 and seven-time world champion Lewis Hamilton in 2021. The final race will contain 50 laps with a total length of 308 km (191.6 miles for us Americans). The track itself is set up in a slightly odd shape; it resembles a stretched-out rubber band, in my opinion, but it has 27 turns. Despite the length of the track, all three DRS zones are on one side, taking place ahead of turns 18, 22, and 27. 

The track is noted as one of the fastest in the world and should make for an exciting race. The race is also set to overlook some amazing views as the circuit is situated along a Saudi Arabian coastline, which displays gorgeous blue waters along with the sleek racetrack.

Australia

Dates: March 31-April 2nd

Taking place in Melbourne, this is often a fan-favorite race due to the gorgeous beaches and Australian party culture. The Australian Grand Prix has been held in Melbourne since 1996. Of the current 2023 drivers, Lewis Hamilton has won this race the most with 2 titles, but most recently, Charles Leclerc won in 2022. The track features 14 turns along with 2 DRS zone ahead of turns 9 and 13. The final race consists of 58 laps for a total distance of 306 km (190 miles, loves).

This season will not feature our favorite Aussie driver, Daniel Ricciardo, but many hope that honorary Australia native, Valterri Bottas will have a breakthrough performance. May the mullet bring him fortune. 

Azerbaijan

Dates: April 28th-30th

Since I have a difficult time pronouncing this, I figured I should just put this here: a·zr·bai·jaan. Despite this, Azerbaijan is one of the favorite spectacles because it is a city track in Baku. The track itself is in a very odd shape that makes me think of a wrench, but it consists of 20 fun twists and turns. The DRS zones occur right around turns 2 and 20 which allow for an interesting section of overtakes. There will be 51 laps for a total distance of 306 km (190 miles and bless your hearts). 4 current racers have won at Azerbaijan including Lewis Hamilton, Valtteri Bottas, Max Verstappen, and Sergio Perez, and Charles Leclerc holds the track record for fastest lap. 

Formula1 Circuit Miami Hard Rock Stadium, Dh16dh, Creative Commons Attribution – Share Alike 4.0, expanded

United States (Miami)

Dates: May 5th-7th

The first stop in America for the Formula One schedule will be Miami. If there is one place that does flash and excitement correctly it’s Miami. The Latin culture in the area makes for a spectacle of bright colors and excellent food. The temporary track constructed in Miami contains 19 turns and 3 DRS zones two of which occur during the straight ahead of turn 17; the third DRS zone lies after turn 8 directly before sector 2. The race contains 57 laps and 191.6 miles (308 km because we’re in America now). The Grand Prix debuted in 2022, so the only driver to win is Max Verstappen, however, Charles Leclerc did land pole position the day prior. 

Italy (Imola)

Dates: May 19th-21st

This race is a favorite for many drivers as the counter-clockwise track and beautiful Italian sights make for a race full of unique experiences. Similar to Miami, the track has 19 turns, but there is only 1 DRS zone. Despite the lack of DRS zones, there are quite a few straights that allow for fast sprints and unexpected overtakes. The race will hold 63 laps for a total of 309 km (192 miles, sorry we’re back to the metric system). Since its return to F1 in 2020, Imola has been won by both Max Verstappen and Lewis Hamilton. 

Monaco

Dates: May 26th-28th

As the most famous race in all of F1, Monaco never fails to deliver celebrities and surprises. Since being established in 1950, this grand prix has been a major part of the Formula One schedule. The race takes place over 78 laps and 260 km (161.7 miles, Miss America). 19 turns comprise this track along with its 1 DRS zone at turn 17. Of the current racers, Lewis Hamilton has won this GP the most with three titles, but both Red Bull drivers have also won here. The man to look out for, however, is Ferrari’s Charles Leclerc who is a native Monegasque searching for his first home Grand Prix win.

Spain

Dates: June 2nd-4th

Barcelona is a party capital of the world and Formula 1. There is little to no doubt that the Spain Grand Prix will hold its fair share of beautiful sights and incredibly fast cars. The track, which definitely looks like ovaries, has 16 turns and 2 DRS zones before turns 9 and 16. The race holds 66 laps over 308 km (191.6 miles for the stars and stripes). While Lewis Hamilton has compiled 6 wins here in Spain, Max Verstappen poses a viable threat as the reigning Grand Prix winner.

Canada

Dates: June 16th-18th

I’m sure that the teams will be enjoying some fresh poutine and maple syrup-drenched pancakes because I know I would. Since its opening Grand Prix in 1967, the Montreal race has become a staple for the Formula One schedule. The race consists of 70 laps for a combined distance of 305 km (almost 190 miles for my southern bells). The 14 turns make for an interesting series of tight corners and the two DRS zones ahead of turn 6 and following turn 9 will make for a quick series of overtakes. The driver with the most wins on this track is Lewis Hamilton, although, Max Verstappen and Fernando Alonso have won here previously. 

Austria

Dates: June 30th-July 2nd

As Red Bull’s home race, we can certainly expect a large amount of fanfare and excitement for the current World Constructors’ Championship winners. However, the race may not be an easy win for Red Bull at all. Though Max Verstappen has won here 3 times, Charles Leclerc holds the current title as the Austrian Grand Prix winner. The 71 laps and 306 km (190 miles again, loves) make for a track that has seen a fair amount of success for Ferrari. Only 10 turns with 3 DRS zones may create a large opportunity for early overtakes as the zones lie ahead of turns 1, 3, and 10.

Great Britain

Dates: July 7th-9th

Silverstone remains one of the most iconic tracks in all of F1. Beginning in 1950, British fans from all over the country come to Silverstone for some of the most adrenaline-inducing racing. The 18 turns and 2 DRS zones contain numerous tight turns as well as multiple straights. The DRS zones are placed directly before turns 3 and 11. The race is completed after 52 laps and a total of 306 km (190 miles in the USA). As his home race, Lewis Hamilton has won at Silverstone 8 times, but last season Carlos Sainz accomplished his first Grand Prix victory. 

Hungary

Dates: July 21st-23rd

I would often describe the shape of tracks on the Formula One schedule as kind of goofy, but this one may take the cake. There are very few straights accompanied by a wide variety of tight turns and wide loops. The race is comprised of 70 laps equaling a distance of 306 km (190.5 miles for funsies). 14 turns and 1 DRS zone before turn 14 may create few opportunities for overtakes in the straights, but the turns will show some exciting side-to-side racing. Several active drivers have won in Hungary including Lewis Hamilton, Fernando Alonso, Max Verstappen, and Esteban Ocon who had his first and only win here in 2021. 

Belgium

Dates: July 28th-30th

It’s time for waffles and chocolate! Less importantly, the race takes place over 44 laps and 308 km (191.4 for those who get their waffles from Betty Crocker). The track contains 19 turns and 2 DRS zones before turns 2 and 18. Lewis Hamilton, Max Verstappen, and Charles Leclerc have all won at this location. This track is important to Leclerc as it was the sight of his first win in 2019, but Max Verstappen has won for the past two years. It may also be relevant to mention that Valterri Bottas holds the record for the course’s fastest lap time. 

Netherlands

Dates: August 25th-27th

Although the first Dutch Grand Prix took place in 1952, the race was discontinued in 1985 for over 35 years until Formula One entered the grid again in 2021. Before its hiatus, the Dutch Grand Prix was last won by legendary racer Niki Lauda, and it has since been won two times by the Dutch racer, Max Verstappen. The actual track involves 14 turns and 2 DRS zones before the 10th and 13th turns. There will be 72 laps for the drivers to complete over a distance of 306.5 km (190.5 miles since we’re still in Europe).

Italy (Monza)

Dates: September 1st-3rd

If nothing else, Monza is where the Ferrari fans go wild, and for good reason. As an Italian team in the heart of the country, it makes for a spirited battle between the two Ferraris and the other drivers hoping to take away a home-country win. The race has 53 laps over a total of nearly 307 km (190.6 miles per gli americani). The 2 DRS zones are placed before turn 7 and after the final turn, 11. Ferrari has neglected to leave Monza with a win since Charles Leclerc succeeded in 2019. The latest Italian Grand Prix winner is also the reigning world champion, Max Verstappen. 

Singapore

Dates: September 15th-17th

To be quite frank, this track slightly confuses me, and I love it. The track itself is known for being physically demanding as the street is not smoothed to typical standards. The 23 turns and 3 DRS zones following turns 4, 12, and 21 create a winding path that is likely to experience several exciting overtakes and potentially a few collisions. This race has been won by several current drivers including Fernando Alonso, Lewis Hamilton, and, most recently, Sergio Perez. A notable absence from this list is the sitting two-time world champion Max Verstappen. As an additional note, Kevin Magnussen of Haas holds the all-time laps time record. 

Japan

Dates: September 22nd-24th

I will say that this track’s shape is absolutely insane and I am certain that we are in for a fun race. The features of the track include an ‘S’ curve over the span of 5 turns along with a crossover right before the singular DRS zone following turn 15 of 18. The race itself spans over 53 leaps for a grand total of 307 km (191 not-kilometers). Recently, drivers Lewis Hamilton, Valtteri Bottas, and Max Verstappen have won this race, but I would not count out the two-time Japan Grand Prix winner, Fernando Alonso. Also, being the only Japanese racer, Yuki Tsunoda is on the hunt for his first win in his home country.

Qatar

Dates: October 6th-8th

With only one race having been completed at Qatar, it is very difficult to get a feel for the Grand Prix. However, the main straight does extend for over a kilometer which will hopefully allow for multiple overtakes between turns 16 and 1. The only DRS zone occurs directly before turn 16 and the straight. The only current driver to win the Qatar Grand Prix is the seven-time world champion Lewis Hamilton, but Max Verstappen does have the fastest lap time. 

United States (Austin)

Dates: October 20th-22nd

 Austin is certainly a fan favorite on the Formula One schedule, but the drivers also seem to embrace the American spirit along with Austin’s famous BBQ. The track consists of so many amazing elements including ‘S’ curves, tight corners, and a long straight, so it is an exciting race despite the long history of winners who began on row one of the grid. 56 laps comprise the race which lasts for nearly 192 miles (308 km for my non-American friends). 20 turns comprise this counter-clockwise track along with 2 DRS zones before turns 11 and 19. Lewis Hamilton, Valtteri Bottas, and Max Verstappen have seen significant victories here, but Charles Leclerc has clocked the fastest lap time in the ten-year history of the track. 

Mexico

Dates: October 27th-29th

Livin’ la vida loca en Mexico! Or at least the drivers and fans usually do while enjoying the Mexican culture. 71 laps over 305 km (189.7 miles because we are no longer in America) contain 17 turns and 2 DRS zones that lie before turns 10 and 15. There is a long straight in this track that will allow for some overtaking action, but the series of turns at the end may create a nail-biting fight at the end of the race. Max Verstappen has won the past two Mexico Grand Prix, but Lewis Hamilton has also won in Mexico and Valtteri Bottas set the course lap record in 2021. 

Brazil

Dates: November 3rd-5th

Similar to Miami, there is no shortage of vibrant colors and wild parties in Sao Paulo. 15 turns and 2 DRS zones comprise this track with the two DRS zones tracking before turns 2 and 13. These DRS zones will likely allow for early overtakes along with end-of-track racing before the finale at turn 15. The race will last for 71 laps and nearly 306 km (190 one-mile American flags). Last year, this race was the sight of George Russell’s first F1 win, and it has been a source of triumph for Mercedes, although, Max Verstappen has also won here. 

United States (Las Vegas)

Dates: November 16th-18th

What happens in Vegas will most definitely not stay in Vegas, but we wouldn’t have it any other way. This is the last American stop on the Formula One schedule, but it may be the greatest. Since the drivers will be racing down the Vegas strip, this may be one of my favorite races of the year based on the sights. The race will consist of 50 laps that total 190 miles (nearly 306 km if you’re not in America). 17 turns comprise the track along with 2 DRS zones, the locations of which have not yet been announced. Since this is the Grand Prix debut, no driver has ever won here before, but the race will hopefully prove to be an exciting one. 

Abu Dhabi

Dates: November 24th-26th

The final stop on the Formula One schedule is the Abu Dhabi Grand Prix. Over the past three years, this last race of the season has been completely dominated by Max Verstappen who has secured both pole position and the title of Abu Dhabi Grand Prix champion all three times along with setting the track’s lap time record. This race will last 58 laps totaling 306 km (190.25 miles since we’re away from America for the last time). The track has 16 turns and 2 DRS zones following turns 4 and 7. The long straight makes this a track for thrilling overtakes in the middle of each lap. 

Read: ‘Home Race for the 2023 Formula One Drivers‘ for more on this season’s schedule

With the conclusion of the 2023 Formula One schedule, we will see how each track thrills and terrifies every driver, team, and fan along with a new standing of champions. The past year’s World Constructor’s Championship was won by Red Bull along with the World Drivers’ Championship by Max Verstappen for his second consecutive win. Watch throughout the season to see if Red Bull will be the next legacy team and if Max can join the greats with his third world championship.