How F1 racetracks are designed

High-speed corners or tricky hairpins? Flat-out straights or tight chicanes? Every Formula 1 racetrack is a unique challenge for the drivers and teams, and the work to create them is a blend of artistry and engineering.

F1 Explains how F1 circuits go from a sketch on a piece of paper, through state-of-the-art digital simulation, to reality.

What are the challenges of building a racetrack? How are they designed to allow close racing, overtaking and interesting strategy? Christian and Katie put your questions on track design to the team from Apex Circuit Design, who were behind the Miami International Autodrome:

Dafydd Broom - Managing Director

Andrew Wallis - Engineering Director

We want to answer your F1 question. Record a voice note on your phone or write us an email and send it to [email protected]

Check out our previous episodes:

How car liveries are created - with Alfa Romeo + McLaren

The mental pressure of F1 - with David Coulthard

Steering wheels - how they're designed + what the buttons do

DRS - how F1's overtaking aid works and why it matters

Tyres - an engineer, a driver and a designer explains why they matter

The 2024 F1 calendar - why it helps make F1 more sustainable

Wind Tunnels - the top secret tools where cars are created

Race engineers - the voices on F1 Team Radio, with Zhou Guanyu

Pit stops - two seconds of total teamwork

Simulators with Aston Martin's Stoffel Vandoorne

Racing in the rain with Mika Hakkinen + Haas race engineer Mark Slade

Street circuits with Mika Hakkinen + Bernie Collins

F1 driver fitness with Alexander Rossi + Sebastian Vettel's former trainer

F1 in the USA - why the US has 3 races in 2023

F1 Sprint weekends with Haas driver Kevin Magnussen

For in-depth interviews with F1's biggest names, listen to F1 Beyond The Grid. For race previews and reviews, head over to F1 Nation.