© Vladimir RysHeading Back To Four Of Our FavouritesFour races have returned to the calendar for 2022 and we can’t wait to visit them again.
It seems a lifetime ago that we were in Melbourne ahead of the 2020 Australian Grand Prix and all the teams departed back to their bases before the weekend had even got underway. And that brief encounter was the closest we’ve been to Albert Park for two years.
However, 2022 is full of promise – in terms of the Formula One calendar – and the whole paddock is heading back to four racing locations we’ve missed deeply. For this season we’re heading back not only to Australia, but Singapore, Japan and Canada are all back on and in our diaries. With this in mind, we thought we’d remind you why we can’t wait to go back to these special locations…
For the current crop of Formula One drivers Albert Park holds a special place in their heart, because for many of them it was where they got their first taste of competing in Formula One.
2022 Marks The Return To Melbourne After Two Years© Getty Images
It was the traditional season opener in recent years and has always been a spectacular race since it started hosting the Australian Grand Prix in 1996.
Although, it hasn’t been the most successful venue for the Team, with only one win and three podiums, however it’s always been a fantastic venue for the Team due to the passionate Australian fans. No more so than when we had Australian drivers such as Mark Webber and Daniel Ricciardo. The Aussies always love a home-grown hero and would wish them good luck.
We’ve also had a hell of a lot of fun Down Under: surfing with Mick Fanning, racing on coolers and even a high-octane dinghy dash along the Yarra River.
Compared to Australia, Singapore has been a much happier hunting ground for Oracle Red Bull Racing. In the 12 seasons the Marina Bay Circuit has been on the calendar, the Team has collected an impressive 13 podiums, including three wins in a row for Sebastian Vettel.
The Singapore Skyline At Night© Vladimir Rys
Singapore is also in the history books for being the first location to host a night race in Formula One – and there’s something special about night racing! On top of that it’s a street race, with the drivers pushing the limit around the tight circuit, paired with extreme physically demanding conditions in the cities humidity.
The Team has also had a lot of fun in Singapore, for example the time Max and Daniel Ricciardo were introduced to the Asian delicacy, or even when Max and Alex Albon ventured into the mystery box.
Circuit Gilles Villeneuve, Montréal has a habit of being a fan’s favourite. However, it’s not just the huge crowds that are pleased to be heading back to the Canadian circuit, Oracle Red Bull Racing is pleased about it as well.
Oh Canada We've Missed You© Getty Images
The Team had success winning in 2013 and 2014 and has also amassed seven podiums in Canada.
The circuit is one of the favourites due to the fast low-downforce nature of the track. It has sections which need heavy breaking as you enter the corner, but it’s fast and flowing on the way out, not forgetting the infamous wall of champions at the end of the lap.
And we also love Canada, because you get to do things like this:
Now if there’s one country we’re excited to get back to, it’s Japan! The circuit is historic, but we love the Japanese fans. And it seems they love us here at too, especially with our connections to Honda.
The Iconic Suzuka Circuit Is Back On The Calendar For 2022© Getty Images
In 2019 more than 10,000 fans watched our show run on the streets of Tokyo after the announcement of us teaming up with Honda.
Japan has a strong racing heritage and since 1963 has held a Formula One race 45 times. Fiji hosted several races, but the iconic Suzuka Circuit is where the drivers want to be, and is often listed as one of the drivers’ favourite circuits to compete at. In fact, Alex Albon says it is his favourite! We probably love it because we’ve had two, one-two finishes there as well.
When we last visited, Max indulged himself into some of Honda’s history, and, let’s not forget when it comes to learning Japanese, Max and Checo enlisted the help of none other than AlphaTauri’s Yuki Tsunoda to help them.
