With the recent release of the 2021 Mercedes-AMG F1 W12 car to iRacing, there are still many Grand Prix tracks not yet part of the service.
Image credit: iRacing
As of late, the iRacing service has been providing more and more content for F1 fans. Up until about a year ago, the only modern F1 cars in the service were the 2009 Williams FW31 and the 2015 McLaren MP4-30, both being not frontrunning cars when they raced.
iRacing recently added a fantasy F1 car in collaboration with Dallara called the iR-01, and have now the 2021 constructors championship winning Mercedes-AMG F1 W12 is on the service, with its successor that will compete this year also set to be added at some point.
There’s also been an influx of Grand Prix venues added to the game, with the Hockenheimring, Red Bull Ring and Hungaroring all coming to iRacing. They join a lot of pre-existing circuits that have hosted F1 races like Silverstone, Monza, Spa-Francorchamps, Suzuka and Interlagos to name a few.
I have my own list going but it’s fun periodically to see what is on your wish list. What worldwide recognizable tracks are missing from @iRacing that you think would be fun for our community to race on?
— Steve Myers (@iRacingMyers) January 11, 2022
iRacing‘s president Steve Myers asked the community as to what tracks they’d like to see come to the game. It’s only fair we add in our own two cents, isn’t it?
Portimão
When the 2020 F1 season was heavily restructured, one of the many tracks that came onto the schedule was Algarve International Circuit in Portugal, marking the end of a 24-year wait for F1 to return to the country. What F1 raced on was a hidden gem, with some of the most amazing corners and unmatched elevation change that reminded drivers of Suzuka. You could say that it’s a superior version of the Barcelona circuit.
It returned for 2021 but there is no place for it on the 2022 schedule, which is a shame. We believe that having this track in iRacing would prove to be an immensely popular addition to the service, and hopefully the more simulation-based handling model would mean players can navigate the infamous Turn 8 without the car spinning under the slightest bit of acceleration like on F1 2021.
Autódromo Hermanos Rodríguez
F1 went 23 years between visits to Mexico City before coming back in 2015. The track did undergo a reconfiguration with its standout feature being the stadium section, although that was at the expense of a lot of its esses corners and really fast final corner. Still though, even with its new layout, the circuit remains a firm fan favourite.
It’s a surprise that the circuit hasn’t already come to iRacing. One would assume with it being somewhat local to the devs – at least more so than European venues – as well as the amount of high level racing taking place there that it would have made it in by now. Nevertheless, better late than never with this track.
Sepang
Another favourite of many F1 drivers and fans alike, Sepang last hosted an F1 Grand Prix back in 2017 and its departure left a noticeable void on the schedule. It’s a wide and flowing track with plenty of passing zones, some notable highlights being the Turns 5 and 6 section and also the tricky run to the penultimate corner where you have to brake and turn simultaneously and at high speed.
Sepang is known for its immensely humid weather, which is a common feature of its region. Thankfully for us gamers though, the only sweating we’ll be doing will come from constantly trying to get the best laptime possible. Of course, the circuit would need to be scanned into the game first.
Istanbul
Next up is another venue that dropped off the schedule in recent years, however it made a comeback for the past two seasons due to the cancellation of other races. Istanbul Park played host to the Turkish Grand Prix, and it was well liked by both drivers and fans. It boasts a series of undulating corners, but none are more renowned than the quadruple apex Turn 8.
The track provided incredible racing and was always extremely satisfying to drive. With a track as incredible as this, it’s a shame that it isn’t a more permenant fixture on the F1 schedule, or of the iRacing service.
Monaco
Last but not least, it’s the circuit that always fails to deliver a good race in F1 but is forgiven due to its historical significance. With that being said, it would make a fantastic addition to the game, although it would probably be a logistical nightmare to laserscan in. It’s only ever cordoned off from the public for a few days a year, and it would probably take longer for iRacing to scan it.
Nevertheless, we believe that it’s imperative that this circuit comes to the service. If for no other reason than to allow players to complete the triple crown of motorsport, since both Indianapolis and Le Mans are already on iRacing. It would make so much sense to have an iRacing Special Event on the Monaco circuit in Mercedes-AMG W12 cars.
What tracks would you like to see added to iRacing? Tell us on Twitter at @OverTake_gg or in the comments down below!
