When does F1 start? 2023 season calendar, list of circuits, fastest ever lap times and more

02-22-2023
18 min read

Formula 1 is back with a 23-race schedule for 2023, as Max Verstappen defends his championship for the second time in succession. 

The F1 calendar has seen numerous changes in recent years. New circuits have joined the calendar, such as the Jeddah Corniche Circuit in Saudi Arabia, while previous Grands Prix such as Melbourne and Singapore will returned to the fold in 2022 after the Covid-19 pandemic. The Canadian and Japanese Grands Prix were also cancelled in recent years for similar reasons.

The calendar continues to grow, after the Las Vegas Grand Prix was announced for the 2023 season, making it the third American circuit on the calendar, after Austin and Miami. The latter of this made its debut in the 2022 season.

The Qatar Grand Prix wasn't present in the 2022 season, as the event changes venue, but it will return to the calendar for 2023. The Chinese Grand Prix in Shanghai has again been cancelled for next season, though, with Formula 1 citing the "ongoing difficulties" of Covid-19 restrictions in the country. 

The Sporting News takes a look at all the confirmed circuits for the 2023 F1 race calendar.

MORE: When is the next Formula 1 race? F1 schedule, date, start time for 2022

Bahrain Grand Prix

Circuit location: Bahrain International Circuit, Sakhir

Date: March 5, 2023

Time of day: Night

Circuit type: Race

Contract runs until: 2036

Lap record: 1:31.447 by Pedro de la Rosa (2005)

First Grand Prix: 2004

Most wins: Lewis Hamilton

The Bahrain Grand Prix was a day race for the first decade of its existence, but in 2014 the change was made to stage it at night. Bahrain is one of the earlier races on the circuit, giving teams taking part a chance to set down a marker. That will continue to be the case in 2023.

Saudi Arabian Grand Prix

Current location: Jeddah Corniche Circuit, Jeddah

Date: March 19, 2023

Time of day: Night

Circuit type: Street

Contract runs until: 2036

Lap record: 1:30.734 by Lewis Hamilton (2021)

First Grand Prix: 2021

Most wins: Lewis Hamilton/Max Verstappen

The Saudi Arabian Grand Prix is a fairly new addition to the calendar. It was completed in time for the end of the 2021 season, before moving to the beginning of the 2022 season. It follows Bahrain.

It's a tight street circuit that leaves little room for error.

Australian Grand Prix

Current location: Albert Park Circuit

Date: April 2, 2023

Time of day: Afternoon

Circuit type: Street

Contract runs until: 2037

Lap record: 1:20.260 by Charles Leclerc (2022)

First Grand Prix: 1928

Most wins: Lex Davison/Michael Schumacher

The Australian Grand Prix was absent from the calendar during the Covid-19 pandemic, but made its return in 2022. Historically, the Australian Grand Prix was the season finale, but it has moved earlier in the calendar and been one of the first races in the season over the past few decades.

Albert Park has seen changes to make the track faster in recent years and should make for a great spectacle. A fourth DRS zone has also been added for this season's race.

MORE: Formula 1 beginners' guide: Scoring system, how F1 Sprint works, salaries, pit stop rules & more

Azerbaijan Grand Prix

Current location: Baku City Circuit, Azerbaijan

Date: April 30, 2023

Time of day: Afternoon

Circuit type: Street

Contract runs until: 2024

Lap record: 1:43.009 by Charles Leclerc (2019)

First Grand Prix: 2017

Most wins: No repeat winners

The Azerbaijan Grand Prix is a relatively new street circuit. Baku held its first Grand Prix in 2016, then the European Grand Prix, before hosting the Azerbaijan Grand Prix from 2017 onwards.

2023 will be the fifth instalment of the Azerbaijan Grand Prix, after the 2020 event was cancelled due to Covid-19.

Miami Grand Prix

Current location: Miami International Autodrome, Florida

Date: May 7, 2023

Time of day: Afternoon

Circuit type: Street

Contract runs until: 2031

Lap record: 1:31.361 by Max Verstappen (2022)

First Grand Prix: 2022

Most wins: Max Verstappen

Miami is a new addition to the F1 calendar, making its debut in the 2022 season. It adds a third race to take place in the US, alongside the United States Grand Prix and the newly announced Las Vegas circuit.

Emilia Romagna Grand Prix

Current location: Imola, Italy

Date: May 21, 2023

Time of day: Afternoon

Circuit type: Race

Contract runs until: 2025

Lap record: 1:15.484 by Lewis Hamilton (2020)

First Grand Prix: 2020

Most wins: Max Verstappen

The Emilia Romagna Grand Prix initially entered the calendar as a stand-in event during the Covid-19 pandemic in 2020. It returned the next year as a replacement for the Chinese Grand Prix, and a contract was signed for Formula One to keep it as part of the calendar until 2025.

Imola – or Autodromo Internazionale Enzo e Dino Ferrari, to give the circuit its full name – is a historic circuit. Although the Emilia Romagna Grand Prix is relatively new, Imola has hosted the Italian Grand Prix in the past and was a regular circuit as the home of the San Marino Grand Prix.

Monaco Grand Prix

Current location: Monaco

Date: May 28

Time of day: Day

Circuit type: Street

Contract runs until: 2025

Lap record: 1:12.909 by Lewis Hamilton (2021)

First Grand Prix: 1950

Most wins: Ayrton Senna 

The Monaco Grand Prix is arguably the most famous race on the calendar and the one that means the most to F1 drivers.

Its history, spectacular street-circuit venue and glamour the weekend of racing in Monaco brings makes it the jewel in the F1 crown.

Spanish Grand Prix

Current location: Circuit de Barcelona-Catalunya, Spain

Date: June 4, 2023

Time of day: Afternoon

Circuit type: Race

Contract runs until: 2026

Lap record: 1:18.149 by Max Verstappen (2021)

First Grand Prix: 1913

Most wins: Michael Schumacher/Lewis Hamilton

The Spanish Grand Prix is one of the oldest Grands Prix still contested. The 2023 season will see it mark its 110th anniversary. The race has had a number of homes over the years, moving to Barcelona in 1991, which has been a fixture on the calendar ever since.

Canadian Grand Prix

Current location: Circuit Gilles Villeneuve, Montreal

Date: June 18, 2023

Time of day: Afternoon

Circuit type: Race

Contract runs until: 2029

Lap record: 1:13.078 by Valtteri Bottas (2019)

First Grand Prix: 1961

Most wins: Michael Schumacher/Lewis Hamilton

The Canadian Grand Prix is back on the calendar after the Covid-19 pandemic. The race is a near-constant each season, making it one of just two long-running Grands Prix located in the Americas.

Austrian Grand Prix

Current location: Red Bull Ring, Spielberg

Date: July 2, 2023

Time of day: Afternoon

Circuit type: Race

Contract runs until: TBC

Lap record:1:05.619 by Carlos Sainz (2020)

First Grand Prix: 1970

Most wins: Jo Siffert, Alain Prost, Max Verstappen

Set in the Styrian mountains, race tracks don’t come much more picturesque than the Red Bull Ring. It's also a hugely popular race for Red Bull where Max Verstappen has enjoyed three race wins to date.

British Grand Prix

Current location: Silverstone Circuit, Northamptonshire

Date: July 9, 2023

Time of day: Afternoon

Circuit type: Race

Contract runs until: 2024

Lap record: 1:27.097 by Max Verstappen (2020)

First Grand Prix: 1926

Most wins: Lewis Hamilton

One of the oldest Grands Prix on the calendar, the British Grand Prix is a staple of the F1 summer. It has seen heated battles over the years, with Lewis Hamilton claiming eight victories, including his first at Silverstone in 2008.

Hungarian Grand Prix

Current location: Hungaroring, Mogyorod

Date: July 23, 2023

Scroll to Continue with Content

Time of day: Afternoon

Circuit type: Race

Contract runs until: 2027

Lap record: 1:16.627 by Lewis Hamilton (2020)

First Grand Prix: 1936

Most wins: Lewis Hamilton

The Hungarian Grand Prix was first held in 1936, and then wasn't held again until the 1980s. However, since returning to the calendar in 1986, the Hungarian Grand Prix has been an ever present, even during Covid-19 times.

Belgian Grand Prix

Current location: Circuit de Spa-Francorchamps, Stavelot

Date: July 30, 2023

Time of day: Afternoon

Circuit type: Race

Contract runs until: TBC

Lap record: 1:46.286 by Valtteri Bottas (2018)

First Grand Prix: 1950

Most wins: Michael Schumacher

Belgium’s iconic circuit was one of just seven to be part of Formula 1’s maiden championship in 1950. 
Long straights and challenging fast corners make it popular with drivers who have grown up watching the likes of Ayrton Senna and Michael Schumacher master the bends.

Dutch Grand Prix

Current location: Circuit Zandvoort, North Holland

Date: August 27, 2023

Time of day: Afternoon

Circuit type: Race

Contract runs until: 2023

Lap record: 1:11.097 by Lewis Hamilton (2021)

First Grand Prix: 1950

Most wins: Jim Clark

The Dutch Grand Prix, first held more than 70 years ago, was absent from the calendar for a long time. It returned in 2021, over 30 years since the last race, won by Niki Lauda in 1985. Circuit Zandvoort is famous for its high-cambered corners, and with Max Verstappen competing for the World Championship, it will play host to a noisy atmosphere.

Italian Grand Prix

Current location: Autodromo Nazionale Monza

Date: September 3, 2023

Time of day: Afternoon

Circuit type: Race

Contract runs until: 2024

Lap record: 1:21.046 by Rubens Barichello (2004)

First Grand Prix: 1921

Most wins: Michael Schumacher/Lewis Hamilton

Monza is one of the most beloved circuits on the calendar, and the Italian Grand Prix usually sees the Ferrari fans out in their numbers to support the team. Monza has hosted the race every year bar one since 1949.

Singapore Grand Prix

Current location: Marina Bay Street Circuit

Date: September 17, 2023

Time of day: Night

Circuit type: Street

Contract runs until: 2028

Lap record: 1:41.905 by Kevin Magnussen (2018)

First Grand Prix: 1966

Most wins: Sebastian Vettel

The Singapore Grand Prix was reintroduced to the calendar in 2008. It was held at night to increase the entertainment value, and also to ensure it could be broadcast globally at a convenient time for many fans.

The Marina Bay Street Circuit is one of the most challenging to drive. It has seen a safety car deployed in every edition of the Grand Prix since 2008.

Japanese Grand Prix

Current location: Suzuka International Racing Course, Mie Prefecture

Date: September 24, 2023

Time of day: Afternoon

Circuit type: Race

Contract runs until: 2024

Lap record: 1:30.983 by Lewis Hamilton (2019)

First Grand Prix: 1963

Most wins: Michael Schumacher

The Japanese Grand Prix has almost been an ever-present on the Formula One calendar since 1987, barring a break in 2020 and 2021 due to the Covid-19 pandemic. Suzuka hosted the first Japanese Grand Prix in 1963 – 2023 will be the 60th anniversary of that race.

MORE: What are the 2022 F1 rule changes? New Formula 1 regulations explained

Qatar Grand Prix

Current location: Losail International Circuit

Date: October 8, 2023

Time of day: TBC

Circuit type: TBC

Contract runs until: 2031

Lap record: 1:23.196 by Max Verstappen (2021)

First Grand Prix: 2021

Most wins: Lewis Hamilton

The inaugural Qatar Grand Prix was held in November of the 2021 season, at the Losail International Circuit, north of Doha. No Qatar Grand Prix was scheduled for the 2022 season, as Qatar is focused on hosting the FIFA World Cup. The event is scheduled to return to the calendar in 2023, albeit at a new venue. The details of the new circuit are still unknown.

United States Grand Prix

Current location: Circuit of the Americas, Austin, Texas

Date: October 22, 2023

Time of day: Afternoon

Circuit type: Race

Contract runs until: 2026

Lap record: 1:36.169 by Charles Leclerc (2019)

First Grand Prix: 1908

Most wins: Lewis Hamilton

The United States Grand Prix was first held in 1908, but has an on-again, off-again relationship with F1. It wasn't held between 1917 and 1957, then again between 1981 and 1988. It was held at Phoenix for three years before a seven-year gap.

It then ran in Indianapolis from 2000 to 2007 – including the infamous 2005 edition, which only six cars started – before its latest iteration in Austin, which started in 2012. Although at times F1 has struggled to attract a consistent audience in the USA, that's no longer the case, with three Grands Prix scheduled to be held in the country in 2023.

Mexican Grand Prix

Current location: Autódromo Hermanos Rodríguez

Date: October 29, 2023

Time of day: Afternoon

Circuit type: Race

Contract runs until: 2025

Lap record: 1:20.153 by George Russell (2021)

First Grand Prix: 1962

Most wins: Max Verstappen

One of the oldest Grand Prix on the calendar, F1 will return to Mexico City in late October 2023.

Brazilian Grand Prix

Current location: Autodromo Jose Carlos Pace, Sao Paulo

Date: November 5, 2023

Time of day: Afternoon/Evening

Circuit type: Race

Contract runs until: 2025

Lap record: 1:10.540 by Valtteri Bottas (2018)

First Grand Prix: 1972

Most wins: Alain Prost

Autodromo Jose Carlos Pace, better known as Interlagos, is one of the most famous F1 circuits on the calendar. Since the first race in 1972, the Brazilian Grand Prix has been an uninterrupted presence in the calendar, aside from 2020 when it was cancelled due to the Covid-19 pandemic.

The Grand Prix is typically one of the final races of the season and, as such, it occurs at a time where every point matters. It has seen titles decided and, for this reason, it's incredibly popular.

Las Vegas Grand Prix

Current location: Las Vegas Street Circuit, Nevada

Date: November 18, 2023

Time of day: Night

Circuit type: Street

Contract runs until: 2026

Lap record: N/A

First Grand Prix: 2023

Most wins: N/A

The Las Vegas Grand Prix will add a third race to take place in the US in 2023. Las Vegas has hosted F1 in the past, with the Caesars Palace Grand Prix taking place in the 1981 and 1982 seasons.

The event will be a night race, meaning it will be broadcast early morning in Europe.

Abu Dhabi Grand Prix

Current location: Yas Marina Circuit, Abu Dhabi

Date: November 26, 2023

Time of day: Evening

Circuit type: Race

Contract runs until: 2030

Lap record: 1:26.103 by Max Verstappen (2021)

First Grand Prix: 2009

Most wins: Lewis Hamilton

The inaugural Abu Dhabi Grand Prix was the first day-night race in Formula One. The race takes place during the course of an evening, starting in sunlight, but floodlit as the drivers enter the final laps.

The Yas Marina Circuit, like Interlagos, often sees World Championships decided because it usually falls at the end of the season.