London

London hosts motorsport events on temporary street circuits rather than permanent racing facilities. The city has a motorsport history that dates back over a century, with various venues contributing to its racing legacy. Today, the ExCeL London Circuit serves as the primary racing venue, hosting the Formula E World Championship. London's racing landscape combines historical significance with modern innovation and ambitious future plans.

Crystal Palace Circuit: London's Historic Racing Venue

The Crystal Palace Circuit stands as one of the world's oldest motorsport venues. Located in Crystal Palace Park in South London, the track began hosting races in 1899. The circuit received permanent construction in 1927, with the first motorcycle race held on May 21 of that year. The initial track measured 1 mile (1.6 km) and used existing park paths with tarmac-covered bends and gravel straights. Major improvements in 1936 extended the circuit to 2 miles (3.219 km) with complete tarmac surfacing. This renovation enabled the circuit to host the first London Grand Prix on July 17, 1937, won by Prince Bira. The track attracted legendary drivers including Stirling Moss, Jim Clark, and Graham Hill. Racing at Crystal Palace continued until September 1972. Today, parts of the original circuit remain as access roads to the Crystal Palace National Sports Centre. An annual Sprint Meeting during Spring Bank Holiday weekend maintains the venue's motorsport connection.

ExCeL London Circuit: Current Formula E Venue

The ExCeL London Circuit has hosted the London E-Prix since July 2021. This temporary circuit features a unique design that runs both inside and outside the ExCeL exhibition centre in East London. The track challenges drivers with varying surfaces—smooth floors indoors and abrasive asphalt outdoors—plus elevation changes and shifting light conditions. The circuit underwent modifications for the 2023 season to accommodate building works at the ExCeL, reducing its length to 2.09 km (1.30 miles). Multi-year agreements ensure the London E-Prix remains on the Formula E calendar, with the 2025 event scheduled for July 26th and 27th. The event includes a fan festival that offers entertainment, exploration, and innovation alongside the racing action. This indoor-outdoor configuration creates a distinctive racing experience unique to London.

Battersea Park Street Circuit: A Brief Chapter

The Battersea Park Street Circuit brought Formula E racing to London for the first two editions of the London E-Prix in 2015 and 2016. This temporary 2.925 km (1.818 mi) circuit featured 17 turns through the Grade II listed Battersea Park. The track's narrow, bumpy layout with sweeping corners and temporary chicanes created challenging racing conditions. Opposition from local residents and threats of legal action led to the discontinuation of racing at Battersea Park after just two years.

Future Plans: Proposed Formula 1 Circuit

Consultants working on the redevelopment of East London's Royal Docks have proposed plans for a Formula 1 circuit. The proposed 3.6-mile, 22-corner track draws inspiration from Montreal's circuit design and could host races as early as 2026. Plans include innovative features such as a track that can be uncovered and re-covered within two weeks, floating grandstands on the waterfront, and capacity for 95,000 spectators. Formula 1 has expressed openness to a London race that would complement the British Grand Prix at Silverstone. The ExCeL London will also host the inaugural Motorsport Expo from February 26-28, 2027, featuring a 3,000-seat Live Action & Experience Arena alongside the London International Motor Show.