There’s nothing quite like the theatre of Formula One. From championship battles to dramatic finales, there have been some incredible races over the years which have gone down as the best in history. Discover the most exciting F1 races ever, along with the best destinations on the racing calendar.
Abi Dhabi Grand Prix, 2021
When the title comes down to the last race of the season, there's likely to be plenty of nerve-wracking moments and enthralling drama to grip F1 fans.
One of the most exciting F1 races and greatest title-deciders took place in the UAE capital. After 21 of the season's 22 races, Max Verstappen and Lewis Hamilton were locked at the top with 369.5 points. Duelling under the Abu Dhabi sunset for the title, Hamilton took the lead for most of the race, before everything was turned on its head in the five remaining laps.
Following a crash from Nicholas Latifi, a safety car allowed Verstappen time to be fitted with fresh soft tyres. Once the track was deemed safe and several lapped cars had unlapped themselves, Hamilton's crucial buffer over Verstappen disappeared and the pair jostled during the final lap. In the most dramatic fashion, Max Verstappen overtook Lewis Hamilton just as the checkered flag approached, clinching the 2021 Formula 1 World Championship.
Millions of fans watched in awe around the world, and the Spectate team were lucky to be there at Yas Marina Circuit — an unforgettable experience. So, if this year’s race is anything like the dramatic final showdown of the last, you won’t want to miss out!
With Spectate’s VIP hospitality package, you can watch all the sunset racing action from our private air-conditioned suite.
Bahrain Grand Prix, 2014
F1 fans were treated to a fantastic race at the 2014 Bahrain Grand Prix held at Sakhir Circuit, which became known as the 'duel in the desert'.
It was also the year that the Bahrain Grand Prix held its first night race, to celebrate the tenth anniversary of the event.
Under the floodlights, Mercedes' Lewis Hamilton and Nico Rosberg were in fine form, battling lap after lap in one of the most exciting F1 races. The last few circuits became increasingly tense and in the end, Hamilton eventually came out on top by just one second.
Despite being teammates, the race was the start of an intense rivalry between the pair. At the end of the 2014 season, it was Lewis Hamilton who won the World Drivers' Championship with 384 points and an impressive 11 victories, ahead of Rosberg's 317 points.
Fast Facts
Following Michael Schumacher’s 2013 skiing accident, the first turn at the Bahrain F1 track was named in honour of the seven-time World Champion. Schumacher won the inaugural Bahrain Grand Prix in 2004 and even helped with the track's design. It remains the only turn at the circuit with a name other than a number.
Pre-register your interest for the Bahrain Grand Prix 2023.
Monaco Grand Prix, 1992
If you love Formula 1, you've got to add the Monaco Grand Prix to your bucket list. With its narrow and perilous track, it's little surprise that it's hosted some of the most exciting F1 races to date.
Now that our 2023 Monaco Grand Prix package is on sale, we decided to look back at one of the most memorable races that took place on the iconic streets of central Monaco.
Thirty years ago, there was an epic duel in the Principality between Ayrton Senna and Nigel Mansell. Much of the 1992 race was led comfortably by Mansell, until everything changed in Lap 71.
Mechanical issues meant Mansell had to pit, with seemingly enough time to come back out in the lead. However, the stop was sluggish and as he exited the pit lane, Senna flew past. Both ended up nose-to-tail, as Mansell tried everything possible to fight his way back to the lead. Somehow, during a nail-biting finish, Senna continued to wrestle the McLaren and passed the chequered flag in first position.
It was a battle so intense and exhausting, Mansell needed support from the race stewards to walk to the podium. Ayrton Senna went on to win a total of six races at Monaco and still holds the record for the most wins.
Spanish Grand Prix, 1996
Singapore Grand Prix, 2008
Singapore is spectacular enough all on its own. But throw in a Formula 1 race smack in the city centre as night falls, and you have something truly special.
The Singapore Grand Prix was first introduced to the F1 calendar in 2008 as Formula One’s very first night race. It also turned out to be one of the most controversial and dramatic weekends in the sport's history.
It's drama-filled debut saw Fernando Alonso eventually take the win having started in 15th, aided in the final laps by a safety car following Nelson Piquet Jr's crash. At the time, it was an impressive accomplishment, however a year later when Renault ended their contract with Piquet Jr, it emerged that the driver had been ordered by Renault to intentionally crash. This ensured a timely safety car, which aided Alonso's pathway to the front for a surprising victory.
Following the investigation, former Renault Managing Director Flavio Briatore was banned from motorsport for life and Piquet Jr stated that he 'bitterly regretted' the decision to accept the orders.
You can be at Singapore’s thrilling night race at the legendary Marina Bay Circuit. From super cars and Singapore Slings to indulgent hotels and eclectic dining, reserve your spot today for a dream F1 weekend.
Which was the most exciting F1 race?
Brazilian Grand Prix, 2012
The 2012 Brazilian Grand Prix at Interlagos was one of the most drama-filled of the decade.
Red Bull's Sebastian Vettel and Ferrari's Fernando Alonso had been slugging it out for the championship title all season, and Vettel arrived in Brazil with a 13-point lead for the final race.
Damp conditions ensued from the very beginning, and just seconds into the opening lap, Vettel was facing backwards following a crash with Bruno Senna. Vettel ended up at the rear of the field, while Alonso moved into a championship-winning third place.
Despite suffering car damage, Vettel began fighting his way back up the order. By Lap 8, he was already back up to sixth and Alonso in fourth, meaning the title was back in the Red Bull driver's sights. Following torrential rain, several more crashes and retirements, the race ended with Alonso finishing in second-place and Vettel in sixth, which meant he had done enough to claim his third world title by a margin of just three points.
Beyond the Vettel-Alonso face-off, Brazil 2012 was also a race marked by endings. It was Michael Schumacher’s last F1 race, the last pole position for Jenson Button and Hamilton’s final race for McLaren, before his career-defining switch to Mercedes.
What are the new F1 races for 2023?
In 2023, we can all look forward to a brand new Formula One calendar addition, the Las Vegas Grand Prix.
Taking place in November, the night race will be a spectacle of bright lights and fast cars. Pre-register your interest with Spectate today for your next 'I was there' moment.