Meskel Square Circuit – Addis Ababa

When was the track built?

Even if the country is still facing numerous challenges and issues, Ethiopia is one of the fastest growing economies, biggest and most populous countries in the World, which helped securing the necessary funding for a GP within the new F1 Organization.
The area selected for the circuit, designed by me, is spectacular: cars will pass through some of the tallest skyscrapers of the capital, Addis Ababa, then they’ll start climbing up 60 meters to reach Unity Park before a steep downhill section that leads to the iconic Meskel Square, that will be the final corner and a natural stand.
A semi-permanent pit building will be created close to the football stadium.
Being close to 2,400m above sea it will be in the list of highest F1 circuits ever.

When was its first Grand Prix?

This will be the first ever F1 GP held in Ethiopia. The new circuit will be ready to host a Continental series race in 2023.

What’s the circuit like?

Despite being a street circuit, its layout is unique; only in sector 2 there is a small bit with the typical short straights and 90° turns of an urban track.
The first sector has 3 straights long and wide enough to allow for wheel-to-wheel action. Amazing skyscrapers offer a spectacular background.
The most interesting part of the circuit starts with Turn 8: from there it climbs steeply up to T11, exploiting the super wide Menelik Avenue.
A tricky hairpin, made of four corners, overlooked by the natural stand given by the park, launch cars into the amazing Sector 3, extremely fast and downhill, with a tight chicane at the end of the return of Menelik Avenue, which will be an overtaking spot for the bravest ones.
A flat-out chicane introduces the final corner in Meskel Square, which will also be the amphitheater for the fans that will provide memorable pictures.

Where is it located?

In the heart of the Ethiopian capital, passing by Meskel Square, the football stadium and the Ethiopian park (9°00’37.2″N; 38°45’42.0″E)