{"version":"1.0.0","episode":{"title":"These F1 circuits NEED to make a comeback","url":"http://getcarcurious.com/episodes/these-f1-circuits-need-to-make-a-comeback","audioUrl":"https://sphinx.acast.com/p/open/s/63e24225436c36001119fc66/e/69d52a94bfb8d3a01e703ee4/media.mp3","description":"This month's unfortunate race cancellations got us thinking about some of the best circuits not currently on the F1 calendar. So join us as we chat about what tracks we'd love to see back on the calendar and why we'd love to see F1 head to some amazing new places. Sign up to our Patreon for just $5 a month! You'll get access to every P1 episode ad-free, extended versions of every 2026 race review, early access to tickets & merch, and access to our Discord server where you can chat with us and other F1 fans! Click here to sign up now: http://patreon.com/mattp1tommyFollow us on socials! You can find us on Twitter, Instagram, Twitch, YouTube and TikTok. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information."},"annotations":[{"startTime":409.0,"endTime":418.6,"type":"concept","title":"Drive to Survive","url":"/glossary/drive-to-survive","quote":"Again, another circuit that was that kind of mid-2000s, 2010s era that I think missed the boat with Drive to Survive. You do wonder, had they been a little bit later to the game when Formula One was booming like now, that they would have survived","canonicalId":"concept:drive-to-survive","priority":0.5,"confidence":0.85,"source":"hybrid-fuzzy+gpt-5.4-nano","data":{"explanation":"“Drive to Survive” refers to Netflix’s Formula 1 documentary series, which boosted global interest in the sport. The speaker suggests that earlier timing of the show could have helped certain markets/circuits gain more attention and commercial support.","simplifiedExplanation":"Drive to Survive is the Netflix F1 show. They’re saying it helped make F1 more popular worldwide, and that timing might have mattered for this circuit."}},{"startTime":431.1,"endTime":436.6,"type":"concept","title":"MotoGP","url":"/glossary/motogp","quote":"although there is talk about it potentially coming back and they've done things like MotoGP racing there in not too recent years.","canonicalId":"concept:motogp","priority":0.5,"confidence":0.9,"source":"hybrid-fuzzy+gpt-5.4-nano","data":{"explanation":"MotoGP is the premier motorcycle road racing series. The speaker notes that the Buddha International Circuit has hosted MotoGP events, implying it’s been used to keep the venue active even when F1 scheduling is uncertain.","simplifiedExplanation":"MotoGP is top-level motorcycle racing. They’re saying the track has hosted motorcycle races too, not just cars."}},{"startTime":455.9,"endTime":509.9,"type":"concept","title":"F1 circuits","url":"/glossary/f1-circuits","quote":"So this is interesting though, because... ...we're talking about F1 circuits that we would bring back and seeing as you've rung me right now, what would be one circuit you would bring back on the F1 calendar?","canonicalId":"concept:f1-circuits","priority":0.9,"confidence":0.95,"source":"hybrid-fuzzy+gpt-5.4-nano","data":{"explanation":"“F1 circuits” are the specific race tracks used on the Formula 1 calendar. When people talk about bringing circuits back, they usually mean re-adding a venue that was previously removed, often to change the racing character and variety of tracks.","simplifiedExplanation":"In Formula 1, cars race on specific tracks called circuits. If someone says a circuit should come back, they mean it should be added again to the official F1 race schedule."}},{"startTime":575.4,"endTime":594.8,"type":"concept","title":"final sector","url":"/glossary/final-sector","quote":"...But then also the final sector, some incredible flowing corners. I remember, you know, Sebastian Vettel in that newy red bull beast of a car would just fly around the kind of fast section.","canonicalId":"concept:final-sector","priority":0.5,"confidence":0.85,"source":"hybrid-fuzzy+gpt-5.4-nano","data":{"explanation":"The “final sector” is the last portion of the lap, typically where drivers string together multiple corners to maximize speed and traction. In lap-time terms, it’s often where setup and tire condition show up most clearly because you’re balancing cornering speed with exit acceleration.","simplifiedExplanation":"A “sector” is part of the track, and the “final sector” is the last section of the lap. Drivers care a lot about it because it can make or break your lap time right before you cross the finish line."}},{"startTime":594.8,"endTime":600.38,"type":"concept","title":"turn 10 and 11","url":"/glossary/turn-10-and-11","quote":"It looked absolutely amazing turn 10 and 11, kind of this like sweeping long corner that's","canonicalId":"concept:turn-10-and-11","priority":0.5,"confidence":0.85,"source":"hybrid-fuzzy+gpt-5.4-nano","data":{"explanation":"“Turn 10 and 11” indicates a specific two-corner sequence on the circuit, likely part of the flowing section the speaker is describing. Multi-corner sequences like this are where drivers often gain time by carrying speed through the first corner and setting up a strong exit for the next.","simplifiedExplanation":"They’re calling out two specific corners on the track. When corners come in a pair like that, drivers try to keep the car fast through the first one so they can set up a better line for the second."}},{"startTime":626.9,"endTime":633.3,"type":"concept","title":"Formula 1","url":"/glossary/formula-1","quote":"...in an era of Formula 1 where I guess we didn't get great racing most places we went to.","canonicalId":"concept:formula-1","priority":0.9,"confidence":0.95,"source":"hybrid-fuzzy+gpt-5.4-nano","data":{"explanation":"Formula 1 (F1) is the top tier of open-wheel racing, with teams competing on a global calendar of circuits. The cars are highly technical and changes in circuit layout can strongly affect overtaking and race strategy.","simplifiedExplanation":"Formula 1 is the highest level of open-wheel racing. Teams race on different tracks around the world, and the track layout can change how exciting the races are."}},{"startTime":716.1,"endTime":723.2,"type":"concept","title":"Turkish Grand Prix","url":"/glossary/turkish-grand-prix","quote":"...It's a circuit that is just stone-cold banger... Yeah. Are you going for the Turkish Grand Prix with the ice rink or normal?","canonicalId":"concept:turkish-grand-prix","priority":0.5,"confidence":0.9,"source":"hybrid-fuzzy+gpt-5.4-nano","data":{"explanation":"The Turkish Grand Prix is the Formula 1 race held at Istanbul Park in Turkey. It’s known for producing entertaining races, and the circuit’s characteristics can amplify overtaking and tire-management battles."}},{"startTime":801.4,"endTime":814.9,"type":"concept","title":"triple left hander","url":"/glossary/triple-left-hander","quote":"[801.4s]  at Istanbul, that circuit was the cars on the absolute ragged edge round Turne,\n[809.1s]  the triple left hander. Was it just known as one Turne or was it technically three,\n[814.9s]  but everyone called it Turne?","canonicalId":"concept:triple-left-hander","priority":0.5,"confidence":0.85,"source":"hybrid-fuzzy+gpt-5.4-nano","data":{"explanation":"A “triple left hander” describes a sequence of three left-hand corners in close succession. In F1, multi-corner complexes strongly influence tire wear, exit speed, and how drivers manage traction through the whole section rather than just one turn."}},{"startTime":847.7,"endTime":860.2,"type":"concept","title":"DRS","url":"/glossary/drs","quote":"[847.7s]  I think that's... I'm holding onto those memories of... Was it again, was it Red Bull,\n[853.9s]  where they were... Were they using... They were opening DRS around it or something?\n[859.5s]  Yeah, yeah.\n[860.2s]  There was something because that was when you could use DRS wherever you wanted, wasn't it,","canonicalId":"concept:drs","priority":0.9,"confidence":0.95,"source":"hybrid-fuzzy+gpt-5.4-nano","data":{"explanation":"DRS (Drag Reduction System) is an F1 feature that temporarily reduces aerodynamic drag to help cars go faster in designated zones. The discussion suggests a period when DRS could be used more freely (“wherever you wanted”), which affects overtaking and race strategy.","simplifiedExplanation":"DRS is a system in F1 that gives the car a temporary speed boost. It’s used in specific areas to help with overtaking."}},{"startTime":863.54,"endTime":868.5,"type":"brand","title":"Red Bull","url":"/glossary/red-bull","quote":"essential? And it was such an incredible thing to see the Red Bull going around that corner with the rear wing open and stuff like that. Whereas now they might be a little bit more planted.","canonicalId":"brand:red-bull","priority":0.9,"confidence":0.95,"source":"hybrid-fuzzy+gpt-5.4-nano","data":{"explanation":"Red Bull is one of Formula 1’s top teams, known for strong aerodynamic development and race-winning performance. In this segment, they’re referenced while discussing how the car behaves through a corner.","simplifiedExplanation":"Red Bull is a Formula 1 racing team. They make cars that are very fast and good at handling, and the speakers are talking about how their car looked going through a specific corner."}},{"startTime":883.0,"endTime":886.9,"type":"concept","title":"heavy braking zones","url":"/glossary/heavy-braking-zones","quote":"but I still think it's a great circuit with long straights and heavy braking zones. Indeed. I think it's that perfect level a bit like Sipang and India to a certain extent, where","canonicalId":"concept:heavy-braking-zones","priority":0.5,"confidence":0.86,"source":"hybrid-fuzzy+gpt-5.4-nano","data":{"explanation":"Heavy braking zones are sections where drivers must slow down significantly, often creating overtaking opportunities. They also test tire grip and brake stability, which can lead to closer racing and more position changes."}},{"startTime":895.3,"endTime":902.9,"type":"concept","title":"high-speed corners","url":"/glossary/high-speed-corners","quote":"you still want a mix of corners and sometimes you can have a track where there's loads of amazing, exciting high-speed corners, but it doesn't deliver great racing. Whereas this, you know, we mentioned Turn 8","canonicalId":"concept:high-speed-corners","priority":0.5,"confidence":0.88,"source":"hybrid-fuzzy+gpt-5.4-nano","data":{"explanation":"High-speed corners are turns taken at relatively high velocity, often creating impressive visuals and lateral loads. The speaker’s point is that even if a circuit has many high-speed corners, it may still fail to produce good racing if overtaking is difficult.","simplifiedExplanation":"High-speed corners are turns you take very fast. The hosts are saying that having lots of them doesn’t automatically mean the race will be exciting."}},{"startTime":1196.7,"endTime":1206.6,"type":"concept","title":"Formula One","url":"/glossary/formula-one","quote":"So there's great history there. It's a really suitable circuit for Formula One. Just needs a little bit of upgrading, but I think it would be an incredibly exciting circuit.","canonicalId":"concept:formula-one","priority":0.9,"confidence":0.95,"source":"hybrid-fuzzy+gpt-5.4-nano","data":{"explanation":"Formula One (F1) is the top tier of open-wheel racing, with cars designed around high-speed cornering, braking, and overtaking. When the hosts say a circuit is “suitable for Formula One,” they’re talking about track layout and safety/standards that allow F1 cars to race competitively.","simplifiedExplanation":"Formula One is the highest level of open-wheel racing. A track being “good for F1” means it has the right kind of corners, braking, and safety so the cars can race fast and pass each other."}},{"startTime":1224.9,"endTime":1231.4,"type":"concept","title":"start finish line","url":"/glossary/start-finish-line-489e10df-8fed-45ee-a831-142ac31f4ec3","quote":"I love as well how there is a corner, which is just off of the start finish line. And it's like Austria...","canonicalId":"concept:start-finish-line-489e10df-8fed-45ee-a831-142ac31f4ec3","priority":0.5,"confidence":0.88,"source":"hybrid-fuzzy+gpt-5.4-nano","data":{"explanation":"The start/finish line is the official line where the race timing is measured and where the grid starts. The hosts mention a corner just off it because that affects how quickly drivers are forced into braking and positioning right after the start.","simplifiedExplanation":"The start/finish line is where the race timing starts and where the cars cross at the start and end. If there’s a corner right after it, drivers have to fight for position immediately."}},{"startTime":1365.9,"endTime":1371.5,"type":"concept","title":"safety car","url":"/glossary/safety-car","quote":"...the excitement of him being in the Mercedes, the chaos of the safety car, which meant that they dropped back.","canonicalId":"concept:safety-car","priority":0.9,"confidence":0.95,"source":"hybrid-fuzzy+gpt-5.4-nano","data":{"explanation":"A safety car is deployed when there’s danger on track, such as debris or an incident. It controls the pace of the race and can bunch cars up, changing strategy and often creating dramatic restarts. In the segment, the safety car is credited with turning a likely straightforward result into chaos."}},{"startTime":1413.5,"endTime":1422.9,"type":"concept","title":"lap record","url":"/glossary/lap-record","quote":"...I'm just looking at the lap time, 55 second lap it was around that track was the lap record.","canonicalId":"concept:lap-record","priority":0.5,"confidence":0.85,"source":"hybrid-fuzzy+gpt-5.4-nano","data":{"explanation":"A lap record is the fastest time ever recorded for a specific circuit layout, typically in official sessions. In F1 discussions, lap records highlight how a track configuration changes speed and competitiveness. The speaker references a 55-second lap record to emphasize how the modified Bahrain layout felt unusually quick."}},{"startTime":1449.1,"endTime":1454.0,"type":"concept","title":"hot lap","url":"/glossary/hot-lap","quote":"...like watching qualifying and seeing a 55 second lap. You're like, oh, someone's starting a hot lap. Oh, they're finishing it.","canonicalId":"concept:hot-lap","priority":0.5,"confidence":0.9,"source":"hybrid-fuzzy+gpt-5.4-nano","data":{"explanation":"A “hot lap” is a single, maximum-performance lap—usually during qualifying—where the driver aims for the best possible time. It’s often done with fresh tires and optimal conditions, so it can look and feel dramatic compared with race pace. The speaker describes qualifying as people starting and finishing hot laps quickly.","simplifiedExplanation":"A hot lap is one really fast lap where the driver tries to set the best time possible. It’s usually done in qualifying, not during the whole race. The speaker is saying you blink and miss it because it happens so quickly."}},{"startTime":1449.1,"endTime":1457.9,"type":"concept","title":"qualifying","url":"/glossary/qualifying","quote":"...like watching qualifying and seeing a 55 second lap. You're like, oh, someone's starting a hot lap...","canonicalId":"concept:qualifying","priority":0.5,"confidence":0.9,"source":"hybrid-fuzzy+gpt-5.4-nano","data":{"explanation":"Qualifying is the session where cars set their fastest laps to determine the starting grid for the race. In F1, qualifying performance can strongly affect race strategy and track position. The speaker uses qualifying as the moment when the short-lap layout made everything feel intense and unpredictable."}},{"startTime":1478.4,"endTime":1527.8,"type":"concept","title":"Mugello circuit suitability for F1","url":"/glossary/mugello-circuit-suitability-for-f1","quote":"...the important part was Mugello... this is not a circuit for Formula One... it is quite literally a circuit that is made so much more for, for bikes... but not Formula One...","canonicalId":"concept:mugello-circuit-suitability-for-f1","priority":0.5,"confidence":0.88,"source":"hybrid-fuzzy+gpt-5.4-nano","data":{"explanation":"Mugello is argued to be better suited to motorcycles and other fast-flowing categories than to Formula One. The speaker’s key point is that Mugello lacks heavy braking zones and has a flatter, more continuous layout, which can limit overtaking."}},{"startTime":1517.7,"endTime":1555.2,"type":"concept","title":"flowy, fast circuits","url":"/glossary/flowy-fast-circuits","quote":"...it's a bit of a like a Barcelona. I don't like flowy, Tommy... In terms of like flowy, fast circuits are really fun to watching in, say a qualifying thing, but they don't provide the best racing...","canonicalId":"concept:flowy-fast-circuits","priority":0.5,"confidence":0.86,"source":"hybrid-fuzzy+gpt-5.4-nano","data":{"explanation":"“Flowy, fast circuits” are tracks designed around continuous cornering with high average speed. They can be exciting to watch—especially in qualifying—but may reduce overtaking if there are fewer braking zones and fewer distinct passing opportunities."}},{"startTime":1662.4,"endTime":1672.9,"type":"term","title":"gravel","url":"/glossary/gravel","quote":"I'd love an alternate universe where Paul Ricard didn't have the kind of seizure inducing runoff area and had gravel and, you know, grass and, you know, grass","canonicalId":"term:gravel","priority":0.5,"confidence":0.85,"source":"hybrid-fuzzy+gpt-5.4-nano","data":{"explanation":"Gravel is a common runoff material used to help slow a car if it leaves the track, because it increases rolling resistance and can destabilize the car. The speaker contrasts gravel/grass runoff with what they see as problematic runoff design at Paul Ricard.","simplifiedExplanation":"Gravel is loose material placed near the track to help slow cars down if they go off. It’s often used because it’s harder for a car to keep rolling fast on it."}},{"startTime":1706.4,"endTime":1715.7,"type":"term","title":"chicane","url":"/glossary/chicane","quote":"they're going into a chicane and you look at the chicane and there's like seven different ways they can take it","canonicalId":"term:chicane","priority":0.5,"confidence":0.9,"source":"hybrid-fuzzy+gpt-5.4-nano","data":{"explanation":"A chicane is a sequence of tight turns used to slow cars down and add direction changes. In F1, chicanes can be tricky because small differences in braking and line choice can create big gaps, and multiple possible lines can make the action feel less straightforward.","simplifiedExplanation":"A chicane is a part of the track where you have to turn left-right (or right-left) in quick succession to slow down. It can be difficult because the best line can vary a lot."}},{"startTime":1808.5,"endTime":1813.6,"type":"concept","title":"runoff area","url":"/glossary/runoff-area","quote":"Allow them to use their boost button on the the blue runoff area and just go for it and see how the race goes. Okay, I like how he just gone completely serious suggestion.","canonicalId":"concept:runoff-area","priority":0.5,"confidence":0.85,"source":"hybrid-fuzzy+gpt-5.4-nano","data":{"explanation":"Runoff areas are the sections beside the track meant to safely slow cars that leave the racing line. Their design (grip level, surface type, and how quickly they slow the car) strongly affects how drivers can push at the limit.","simplifiedExplanation":"Runoff areas are the “escape zones” next to the track. If you go off the racing line, the surface helps slow the car down more safely."}},{"startTime":1889.8,"endTime":1896.5,"type":"concept","title":"big hairpin","url":"/glossary/big-hairpin","quote":"Although I do think it would quite suit modern F1 in the sense that you have that amazing run down to a big hairpin. Yeah, it's a fun, fast, flowy track.","canonicalId":"concept:big-hairpin","priority":0.5,"confidence":0.85,"source":"hybrid-fuzzy+gpt-5.4-nano","data":{"explanation":"A “hairpin” is a very tight, slow corner that typically requires heavy braking and low-speed cornering. The “run down to a big hairpin” comment highlights how Magny-Cours’ layout creates a strong braking/traction challenge that modern F1 cars could exploit.","simplifiedExplanation":"A hairpin is a very tight turn that you usually have to slow down a lot for. The speaker is saying Magny-Cours has a big one that could make racing exciting."}},{"startTime":1942.5,"endTime":1949.3,"type":"concept","title":"French Grand Prix","url":"/glossary/french-grand-prix","quote":"...if we're getting the French Grand Prix back, I would take this one over Paul Ricard any day.","canonicalId":"concept:french-grand-prix","priority":0.9,"confidence":0.95,"source":"hybrid-fuzzy+gpt-5.4-nano","data":{"explanation":"The French Grand Prix is one of Formula 1’s historic races, and the speaker is discussing which circuit should host it. That context matters because different tracks have different overtaking characteristics and racing styles.","simplifiedExplanation":"The French Grand Prix is a major Formula 1 race. The discussion is basically about which track would make the racing more exciting."}},{"startTime":1989.5,"endTime":1996.4,"type":"concept","title":"cut the corner","url":"/glossary/cut-the-corner","quote":"I used to do that on our factor mods and stuff. You just cut the corner and just join at turn 14.","canonicalId":"concept:cut-the-corner","priority":0.5,"confidence":0.85,"source":"hybrid-fuzzy+gpt-5.4-nano","data":{"explanation":"“Cut the corner” describes taking a shorter line through a section, effectively reducing distance and sometimes lap time. In racing, whether it’s allowed depends on track limits and rules, and it can also affect tire wear and traction.","simplifiedExplanation":"Cutting a corner means taking a tighter, shorter path through a turn. In real racing, you can’t just do it anywhere—you have to stay within the track limits."}},{"startTime":2028.3,"endTime":2036.6,"type":"concept","title":"soft tires","url":"/glossary/soft-tires","quote":"...the thing that I remember the best and it's a core memory of mine is Kimmy Reichenan. My God, the guy starting on soft tires in slightly slippery conditions.","canonicalId":"concept:soft-tires","priority":0.5,"confidence":0.9,"source":"hybrid-fuzzy+gpt-5.4-nano","data":{"explanation":"Soft tires are a tire compound designed for maximum grip, typically offering faster lap times but wearing out sooner. The speaker’s “core memory” highlights how tire choice and conditions can dramatically change race behavior.","simplifiedExplanation":"Soft tires grip the road better, so the car feels faster. The tradeoff is they usually wear out faster than harder tires."}},{"startTime":2415.3,"endTime":2422.8,"type":"concept","title":"Nürburgring","url":"/glossary/nurburgring-ab05d53b-79fd-416b-b4e6-e35f80a14244","quote":"...I think it's sad that we don't have a German circuit, considering there's the Nürburgring and Hockenheim...","canonicalId":"concept:nurburgring-ab05d53b-79fd-416b-b4e6-e35f80a14244","priority":0.5,"confidence":0.9,"source":"hybrid-fuzzy+gpt-5.4-nano","data":{"explanation":"Nürburgring is another iconic German F1 venue, known for its challenging layout and deep motorsport heritage. The segment mentions Germany having both Nürburgring and Hockenheim, and how they used to alternate on the calendar.","simplifiedExplanation":"Nürburgring is a legendary German race track. The hosts are pointing out that Germany used to have two major F1 venues and they would swap years."}},{"startTime":2465.4,"endTime":2489.1,"type":"concept","title":"Monaco","url":"/glossary/monaco","quote":"...Monaco for Vietnam. Look, Monaco is going to be amazing this year. They're going to be 800 overtakes... One of the only high downforce circuits of the calendar.","canonicalId":"concept:monaco","priority":0.5,"confidence":0.9,"source":"hybrid-fuzzy+gpt-5.4-nano","data":{"explanation":"Monaco is a famous street circuit on the Formula One calendar, known for tight corners and a high emphasis on downforce and driver precision. The segment calls it “one of the only high downforce circuits,” tying circuit characteristics to how cars are set up and how overtaking works.","simplifiedExplanation":"Monaco is a special F1 race because it’s run on tight streets instead of a normal track. The hosts mention it’s a place where cars need lots of downforce to stay planted."}},{"startTime":2716.2,"endTime":2728.7,"type":"concept","title":"track layout","url":"/glossary/track-layout","quote":"it's nowhere near as good as Suzuki in terms of like a track layout and excitement from, you know, a lap","canonicalId":"concept:track-layout","priority":0.5,"confidence":0.86,"source":"hybrid-fuzzy+gpt-5.4-nano","data":{"explanation":"Track layout is the physical design of a circuit—its straights, corners, elevation changes, and overall flow. Different layouts can change how easy it is to overtake, how tires are stressed, and what makes a lap feel exciting."}}],"speakers":[{"id":"s1","name":"Stak","role":"host"}],"transcripts":[{"url":"http://getcarcurious.com/episodes/these-f1-circuits-need-to-make-a-comeback/transcript.vtt","type":"text/vtt"}]}