There have been many street races on the Formula 1 calendar over the decades. From roads of Monaco to the streets of Las Vegas (twice), from the excitement of Pescara to the highways of Baku, the series has always found ways to bring motorsport closer the public.
However, not all the circuits have enjoyed equal success. Some, like the 15.8-mile long Pescara, were one hit wonders before being taken of the calendar whilst others, like Monaco, have remained staples since the series began in 1950.
It was hoped that Vietnam’s Hanoi street circuit would be more like the latter, but in fact it wasn’t even like the former. Built at a cost of £450m ($600m), the race didn’t taken place at all.
Its downfall was twofold. Firstly, there were allegations of unrelated corruption charges against one of the event’s key stakeholders Đức Chung, and secondly, there was the Covid-19 pandemic. The race had been due to take place on April 5th, 2020, but lockdowns and global travel restrictions put paid to that.
Today, nature is taking over where once Formula 1 cars were meant to be. The circuit’s outline remains alongside the pit buildings, and grid markings.
Photos show local traffic, people, and cyclists attempting to take turn one where Formula 1 cars it would hoped would do.
Despite the circuit’s inability to host a grand prix in 2020, it had been hoped that it would return to the calendar for the now legendary 2021 season. However, in light of Vietnam’s Covid and typhoon recovery plans, it was decided to cancel the event, reports the BBC.
In a statement released at the time, then F1 chairman and chief executive officer Chase Carey said: “We are planning for 2021 events with fans that provide an experience close to normal and expect our agreements to be honoured.
“We have proven that we can safely travel and operate our races and our promoters increasingly recognise the need to move forward and manage the virus.”
Five years on from the cancellation, the Hanoi street circuit joins the pantheon of a great many motor-racing ‘What ifs’.
What’s more, it isn’t the only circuit to have been designed, but which never featured on an F1 calendar, there are plenty of places around the world that have designed tracks, but never held a Grand Prix.
This includes London, with proposals submitted as recently as 2023 for a race that would take place around the Docklands in the east of the city.
The circuit, dubbed the East London Grand Prix, was believed to feature floating grandstands and form of a £250m redevelopment of the area, reports Motor Sport.
In a statement released that year, CEO of the LDN Collective project design consultancy Max Farrell said: “We know that Formula 1 are interested in hosting a grand prix here and we have designed a track that meets all of their requirements and regulations.”
“By extending the promenade we are creating a flexible eventscape and by creating floating commercial uses we are making the proposal financially viable and deliverable, without the taxpayer footing the bill.”