Curacao International Circuit – Willemstad

When was the track built?

Curacao has been the most serious candidate to host a Formula One GP in the past: in 1985, a F3000 non-titled race was held in the streets of the Punda quartier of Willemstad; it was supposed to be the final test to F1, but the gaps in terms of safety and organization forced the circuit out of the 1986 calendar.
The Curacao International Raceway, instead, has been one of the most important drag strips of north America.
It is no surprise that Curacao has been awarded the final race of the Formula One Caribbean series thanks to a new multi-purpose racetrack, designed by me, located in the former Raceway lot, which features a new re-structured drag strip, two ~2km short loops, two~3km variants for sport cars, a 4.2km outer loop and a 4.8km Formula 1 circuit.
With this venue, the country aims at taking back the spotlight of motorsport in the region.

When was its first Grand Prix?

The new circuit will be ready for the new F1 in 2023 and will host the first ever GP in the country.

What’s the circuit like?

The idea behind this layout was to create a unique flow of long corners, increasing challenges for drivers while maximizing the driving experience, and making tyre management particularly difficult.
Sector 1 and 2 have three straights offering various overtaking opportunities; Turn 6 is particularly challenging as it can be a long radius or a double short corner.
After Turn 10 the continuous sequence of long and fast changes of direction starts, featuring among the many the two multi-apex bends 14 and 17, the latter inspired by the iconic corner in Istanbul.
The width of the track and the gentle banking allow for several lines to be, meaning wheel-to-wheel action and chances for lunges.
Engineers will have to trade-off between straight line efficiency, and perfect stability in high-speed corners.
The G force changes in the final sector will put F1 drivers to the test.

Where is it located?

On a plateau around 50 meters above sea level, close to the Ocean shore, in the north part of the capital and around 10 Km east of the airport. (+ 12°06’21”, – 68°55’36”)