Hakkinen big fan of street circuits: 'More challenges for the drivers'

Not everyone in the Formula 1 world is a fan of street circuits. More and more street races are being added to the official calendar. Mika Hakkinen is a big fan of street circuits and thinks Miami and Baku are brilliant additions to F1.

With Monaco, Formula 1 has had a true classic on its calendar for years, but more and more street circuits are being added to the calendar. The Miami Grand Prix and the Saudi Arabia Grand Prix are the latest additions, and next season Las Vegas will also be added to the list.

By 2023, almost one-third of the races will take place on street circuits. In his time, Hakkinen only drove on three street circuits during an F1 season, but the two-time world champion is positive about the addition of the challenging races. He says this in conversation with Top Gear.

F1 needs to find balance

Street circuits are not only attractive to fans because of the nearby restaurants, shops and hotels. "Formula 1, it’s a luxury business, and people can enjoy incredible atmosphere. So to have races in the cities, I think it’s brilliant.” Drivers also enjoy street circuits. "It gives more challenges for the teams and the drivers. But you know, drivers, we are paid to take these challenges and bring a great show for the fans. Go flat out.”

The F1 calendar is becoming increasingly crowded, so we have already had to say goodbye to a number of countries (think France and Germany). The Belgian Grand Prix is also in danger of disappearing from the calendar after 2023. Hakkinen thinks it is important to find a balance. "Every race cannot be a city, and every race cannot be out of the cities. So it has to be a balance. You have to have compromises."