Formula 1: 5 possible locations for another American Grand Prix

Patrick Friesacher, Red Bull, Formula 1, Miami Grand Prix (Photo by Michael Reaves/Getty Images for Red Bull)
Patrick Friesacher, Red Bull, Formula 1, Miami Grand Prix (Photo by Michael Reaves/Getty Images for Red Bull) /
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Nelson Piquet, Brabham, Long Beach, Formula 1
Nelson Piquet, Brabham, Long Beach, Formula 1 (Photo by Bernard Cahier/Getty Images) /

Possible F1 venues: No. 3 – Long Beach Street Circuit (2.0)

One of the most iconic street races of the Americas and a staple of multiple U.S. racing series, Long Beach Street Circuit features the beautiful weather of southern California as a backdrop to the racing action.

Having been a success for the likes of IndyCar and IMSA sports car racing, the track layout is unquestionably effective at producing entertaining racing while drivers manage the tight gaps between cement walls.

But this translation of entertaining racing would very likely falter when put into the framing of a Formula 1 Grand Prix. The course features an ultra-tight final hairpin as well as multiple other chokepoints squeezing cars into single-file lines, and the reduced steering lock so often talked about on Formula 1 cars would make the circuit nearly undrivable.

When contrasted with the wide, sweeping nature of modern Formula 1 facilities, Long Beach simply appears outdated and a relic of historical racing which still functions in the American motorsports scene.

Despite being a gorgeous venue with the perfect off-track attractions for visiting fans, the sad reality is that Long Beach is unsuitable for modern Formula 1 cars without major technical adjustments to steering systems.