Formula 1 has a long history of incorporating street circuits into its calendar. These races have brought the sport to the public, with events held in locations like Monaco, Las Vegas, Pescara, and Baku. However, the success of these circuits has varied. Some, like the lengthy Pescara track, were short-lived, while others, such as Monaco, have become enduring fixtures since the series' inception in 1950.
The Hanoi street circuit in Vietnam was intended to be a long-term addition to the calendar. Despite a significant investment in its construction, the race never materialized. The cancellation was due to a combination of factors, including corruption allegations against a key stakeholder and the onset of the Covid-19 pandemic, which led to lockdowns and travel restrictions. The race was originally scheduled for April 5th, 2020.
Today, the Hanoi circuit's infrastructure, including the track outline, pit buildings, and grid markings, remains. While it was hoped that the race would return for the 2021 season, it was ultimately canceled due to Vietnam's recovery efforts from both Covid and typhoons.
The Hanoi street circuit now joins a list of "what if" scenarios in motor racing. Numerous circuits have been designed but never hosted an F1 Grand Prix. One recent example is a proposed race in London, with plans for a circuit around the Docklands area. The project, known as the East London Grand Prix, included innovative features like floating grandstands and a redevelopment plan.
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