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Hanoi Circuit
Hanoi Circuit
Hanoi Circuit
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The Hanoi Circuit[2] or Hanoi Street Circuit[3] (Vietnamese: Trường đua đường phố Hà Nội[4]) is a motor racing venue located in the Nam Từ Liêm district of Hanoi, the capital of Vietnam. It is a street circuit designed to host the Vietnamese Grand Prix, a planned round of the Formula One World Championship. The circuit is 5.613 km (3.488 mi) long and was designed by circuit architect Hermann Tilke.[5]

Key Information

History

[edit]

The Hanoi Circuit was originally expected to make its debut on the Formula One calendar in 2020 with the inaugural Vietnamese Grand Prix, but the race was cancelled in response to the COVID-19 pandemic.[6] The planned next Formula One race on the circuit was also dropped from the 2021 calendar due to the arrest of Hanoi People's Committee Chairman Nguyễn Đức Chung, a key official responsible for the race, on corruption charges.[7]

The circuit, going anticlockwise, was located next to the Mỹ Đình National Stadium and consisted of a temporary street section and a purpose-built layout that was intended to be open to the public once completed.[8] It also features one of the longest straights on the calendar at 1.5 km (0.9 mi) in length. The purpose-built section drew inspiration from several existing circuits including the Circuit de Monaco, Suzuka Circuit, Sepang International Circuit and the Nürburgring "GP-Strecke". This philosophy of adapting corners from other circuits had previously been used in designing the layout of the Circuit of the Americas.[9]

The original layout consisted of 22 corners, but this was revised in December 2019 to include an additional corner in the third sector. The extra corner was added to improve safety.[1] Construction of the circuit was completed in February 2020.[10]

The circuit has been closed to the public since the cancellation of the planned Grand Prix, with the exception of between 31 December 2022 and 1 January 2023, when it hosted a Honda Thanks Day event.[11][12] On 14 April 2024, the main straight was used as the venue for the 50th anniversary of the Mobile Police Command's Traditional Day parade.[13]

As the full circuit has never been used for a race, the only representation of the complete circuit is in the video game F1 2020, which retains the original 2020 season calendar; that rendition was featured as the second round of the 2020 Formula One Esports Series.

Panoramic view of the start/finish line of the Hanoi Circuit in December 2022

References

[edit]
Revisions and contributorsEdit on WikipediaRead on Wikipedia

Hanoi Circuit

View on Grokipedia
from Grokipedia
The Hanoi Street Circuit is a semi-permanent motor racing venue in , , constructed as a hybrid of street and purpose-built sections to host the inaugural . Spanning 5.613 kilometers with 23 turns, the anticlockwise layout incorporates long straights for high-speed and technical corner complexes inspired by historic circuits such as , , and Spa-Francorchamps, aiming to facilitate overtaking opportunities. Designed by Tilke GmbH and homologated for standards, the track features permanent infrastructure including pit buildings and a 1.6-kilometer zone linking key sectors. Completed in February 2020 at a reported cost of $600 million USD, the circuit was slated to debut on the calendar in April of that year but was indefinitely postponed due to the and subsequent corruption investigations involving Vietnamese organizers, including the arrest of key figures linked to the event's promotion. As of 2025, the facility remains largely unused for international , with vegetation encroaching on the track and limited repurposing for local events such as promotional fairs or military assemblies, marking it as Vietnam's unfulfilled ambition for a major global racing venue. Despite its advanced design elements, the circuit has hosted no races or equivalent high-level competitions, highlighting challenges in geopolitical stability, economic priorities, and governance transparency that derailed its operationalization.

Design and Layout

Technical Specifications

The Hanoi Circuit is a hybrid street circuit measuring 5.607 kilometers in length, incorporating both temporary street sections and permanent track infrastructure adjacent to the in , . It features 23 corners, following a 2019 revision that added an extra turn to the original 22-corner configuration, enhancing the final sector's challenge with a revised sequence of left-right combinations. The track surface consists of asphalt, with widths varying between 10 and 15 meters in key sections, including a widening of approximately 15 meters in the final area to accommodate the additional corner. Designed by German architect Hermann Tilke, the layout emphasizes a mix of corner types, including a slow-speed hairpin at Turn 11, technical slow- to medium-speed combinations, high-speed esses, and narrow chicanes to test driver skill and car setup. A prominent feature is the 1.6-kilometer acceleration straight between Turns 6 and 11, facilitating high top speeds exceeding 300 km/h for Formula 1 cars. The circuit was engineered to meet FIA Grade 1 safety and homologation standards required for Formula One events, incorporating run-off areas where feasible within the urban constraints. Pit lane facilities were planned with entry and exit points optimized for quick stops, featuring a layout that minimizes time loss during races, though specific lane lengths remain aligned with standard F1 specifications of around 300-400 meters. The track's elevation changes are minimal, with a focus on flat, flowing sections inspired by historic circuits such as and Suzuka's high-speed sweeps.

Track Configuration and Inspiration

The Hanoi Circuit adopts a hybrid configuration that integrates elements with permanent track sections, resulting in a total length of 5.607 kilometers. This anticlockwise layout, situated near the My Dinh National Stadium on Hanoi's western outskirts, incorporates a mix of narrow, technical corners and a prominent 1.5-kilometer straight designed for . Initially planned with 22 turns, the design was revised in December 2019 to add an extra corner, enhancing the circuit's complexity while maintaining its street-hybrid character. Architect , renowned for designing numerous venues, oversaw the track's development to blend the adrenaline of urban with the precision of dedicated racing facilities. The configuration draws inspiration from historic circuits, aiming to evoke the intensity of classic street races like but augmented by purpose-built sections for improved safety and flow. This approach sought to differentiate from pure street circuits by incorporating flowing, countryside-style segments within an urban setting. Supporting infrastructure, including the three-story pit building, incorporates architectural motifs from Vietnamese citadel structures, such as layered facades, to harmonize the circuit with local heritage while prioritizing functional demands. The overall design emphasized challenging sequences of left-right turns and high-speed combinations to test driver skill and vehicle performance.

Development and Construction

Announcement and Planning

The Hanoi Circuit project was formally announced on November 7, 2018, when Management confirmed Vietnam's inclusion on the calendar for the inaugural , scheduled for April 2020 in the capital city of . This marked the first new race added under Liberty Media's ownership of the series since their 2017 acquisition, with an initial multi-year agreement for at least five events starting in 2020. The announcement positioned the event as a means to promote Vietnam's sector, aligning with government efforts to leverage international for . Planning for the circuit emphasized a hybrid street layout incorporating existing public roads in Hanoi's My Dinh area, supplemented by purpose-built sections to create a challenging track blending urban and technical elements. German architect , known for designing numerous venues, led the circuit design, producing a 5.565-kilometer layout with 23 corners inspired by historic tracks like and Hanoi-inspired sectors for overtaking opportunities. Key preparatory steps included securing site approvals for approximately 217 acres of land, finalizing detailed circuit and building designs, and obtaining construction project permissions, all coordinated by the Vietnam Grand Prix Corporation in partnership with local authorities. The planning phase prioritized rapid development to meet the 2020 deadline, with initial 3D renders and layout visualizations released by mid-2019 to build anticipation and facilitate stakeholder buy-in. plans encompassed essential facilities such as pit buildings, a , medical operating rooms, and spectator viewing areas, while ensuring the purpose-built segments could potentially transition to public use post-event. These efforts reflected Vietnam's strategic ambitions to integrate the circuit into broader urban development, though they relied heavily on government-backed and expedited regulatory processes.

Construction Timeline and Challenges

Construction of the Hanoi Circuit began with in March 2019, initiating a rapid development phase for the 5.607-kilometer designed to FIA Grade 1 standards. The project focused on constructing approximately 2.2 kilometers of bespoke track sections, including a 1.5-kilometer straight modeled after Hanoi's Long Bien Bridge and a series of tight, technical corners integrated with existing public roads in the My Dinh area. Progress advanced steadily, with aerial imagery in October 2019 documenting substantial site preparation and foundational work after six months of activity. The pit complex, a 300-meter-long structure housing facilities for teams and media, reached completion in January 2020, while asphalt laying continued on the track surface. Full circuit certification and sign-off followed in February 2020, achieving operational readiness less than 12 months after inception. The primary challenge was the compressed timeline, deemed ambitious by circuit designer Carsten Sinders, necessitating precise sequencing of urban modifications amid ongoing city operations to minimize disruptions. constraints compounded this, requiring navigation around fixed infrastructure like bridges and buildings, with adjustments such as an added corner to optimize flow without extensive relocations. Despite these logistical hurdles, no significant delays or cost overruns were publicly reported during the build phase, attributed to coordinated efforts by Grand Prix Corporation and contractors.

Association with Formula One

Preparations for the Vietnamese Grand Prix

Preparations for the Vietnamese Grand Prix commenced with the announcement on November 7, 2018, of a multi-year hosting agreement between Formula One Management and Vietnam's Vingroup conglomerate, designating Hanoi as the venue for the inaugural race scheduled for April 5, 2020. The deal positioned the event as Formula 1's fourth street circuit, emphasizing a layout that integrated urban roads in central Hanoi with purpose-built sections near the My Dinh National Stadium, approximately 12 km west of the city center. The track design, developed by GmbH, spanned 5.613 km with an initial 22 turns—later expanded to 23—drawing inspiration from 's historic streets, the Hanoi Citadel, and elements of legendary circuits such as Monaco's tight corners, Spa-Francorchamps' elevation changes, and Silverstone's high-speed sweeps. Permanent infrastructure included a pit lane and facilities around the stadium area, while temporary barriers and modifications were planned for public roads to ensure compliance with FIA Grade 1 standards. committed substantial investment, estimated at $600 million for the circuit's development, underscoring Vietnam's ambition to establish a prominent motorsport presence in . Construction of the permanent sections broke ground on , 2019, under a compressed 12-month timeline to meet the 2020 race deadline, a schedule described by Tilke as ambitious given the hybrid street-permanent configuration. Progress advanced rapidly, with the pit building finalized by January 2020 and the full circuit layout completed by February 2020, including asphalt laying, safety barriers, and runoff areas. Organizers anticipated final preparations, such as testing and , to conclude by March 2020, aligning with promotional activities and team familiarization ahead of the April event.

Race Cancellation and Aftermath

The inaugural , scheduled for April 5, 2020, at the Hanoi Circuit, was cancelled on March 13, 2020, by Management and the (FIA) due to the escalating , which had disrupted global travel and public gatherings. The event was initially postponed and rescheduled for April 2021, with organizers expressing commitment to hosting despite the challenges. In October 2020, Vietnam Grand Prix Corporation (VGPC) announced the indefinite cancellation of the 2021 race, citing ongoing "uncertainty" from the pandemic, though this followed closely the August 2020 arrest of Nguyen Duc Chung, Chairman of the People's Committee and a primary advocate for the project since its inception in 2018. Chung, who had overseen the circuit's development and secured backing, faced multiple charges unrelated directly to the F1 project but eroding political support for ; he was convicted in December 2020 on charges of abusing power and , receiving a three-year sentence, with additional terms added in later trials totaling up to eight years by 2022. The Circuit, despite completion of its 5.613 km layout at a reported cost exceeding $600 million, has hosted no activity. Post-cancellation, the circuit entered disuse, with grandstands, pit facilities, and track surfaces showing signs of deterioration and vegetation overgrowth by 2022, as evidenced in on-site imagery from that period. Formula 1 removed Hanoi from future calendars, including 2022–2025 schedules, amid stalled promoter negotiations and Vietnam's prioritization of anti-corruption campaigns over international . Limited alternative uses emerged, such as a 2022 Honda promotional event utilizing portions of the track for displays, but no competitive racing has occurred, leaving the site's long-term fate—potential revival, repurposing, or demolition—uncertain under current Vietnamese administration.

Controversies and Criticisms

Corruption Allegations

Nguyễn Đức Chung, the Chairman of the Hanoi People's Committee and a primary proponent of the Hanoi Circuit and , was arrested on August 27, 2020, by Vietnamese authorities on corruption charges unrelated to the project. On December 10, 2020, following a closed , Chung was convicted of stealing state documents and falsifying documentation, receiving a five-year sentence after pleading guilty. In a subsequent trial on December 13, 2021, Chung faced additional charges of abusing power, resulting in the conviction for directing the siphoning of 36 billion Vietnamese dong (approximately $1.57 million) from a investment project unrelated to the circuit; he was sentenced to eight more years, bringing his total imprisonment to at least 10 years across multiple cases. These convictions occurred amid Vietnam's broader campaign under the , which has targeted high-level officials but did not publicly implicate direct financial irregularities in the Hanoi Circuit's $600 million construction, primarily funded by private developer . Chung's downfall prompted the removal of the from the 2021 calendar, as his role in securing government approvals and event organization came under scrutiny, effectively halting revival efforts despite the circuit's completion in late 2019. Sources close to the project noted that without Chung's political backing, prospects for hosting the race diminished significantly, though no formal charges linked directly to circuit-specific contracts or expenditures. The incident highlighted risks in Vietnam's event-hosting ambitions, where individual officials' influence can tie major infrastructure projects to personal legal vulnerabilities.

Economic and Political Critiques

The Circuit's development, estimated at $600 million in construction costs, has drawn economic criticism for yielding negligible returns despite promises of and investment boosts. Proponents anticipated significant inflows from hosting the , including hotel occupancy surges and global exposure, but the circuit's abandonment after no races were held—due to the 2020 postponement and subsequent cancellations—left it as an underutilized asset overtaken by . This outcome amplified concerns over opportunity costs, with funds potentially redirected toward pressing needs like urban infrastructure or recovery in a developing where public resources remain constrained. Critics, including analysts in Vietnamese state-affiliated media, urged cancellation of the event in 2020 to prioritize resource allocation for economic stabilization amid global disruptions, arguing that the high hosting fees—typically tens of millions annually for Formula 1 races—and maintenance burdens outweighed speculative benefits in a market with limited domestic interest. Earlier assessments questioned the project's viability in , a city lacking regional wealth peers like or , labeling it a potential "flop" that diverts from core development priorities such as basic roadways over glamorous but unproven spectacles. Politically, the circuit exemplifies risks in Vietnam's centralized decision-making under the , where high-profile initiatives like the Grand Prix serve as tools for national prestige and projection but falter amid leadership shifts and enforcement. The project's termination followed the 2020 arrest of Mayor Duc Chung, a key advocate, on graft charges unrelated directly to the circuit but emblematic of broader purges under General Secretary Phu Trong that chilled ambitious public ventures. This episode reinforced critiques that state-orchestrated megaprojects prioritize regime image over fiscal prudence, exposing to external dependencies like Formula 1's commercial demands while internal political campaigns can abruptly deprioritize them, as evidenced by the government's pivot away from the sport post-2021. Such dynamics highlight systemic vulnerabilities in a one-party framework, where individual officials' influence can inflate project risks without robust independent oversight.

Current Status and Legacy

Abandonment and Alternative Uses

The Hanoi Circuit was abandoned following the cancellation of the inaugural on March 13, 2020, due to the , with the event never rescheduled after Formula 1 removed from its calendar in November 2020. The abandonment was exacerbated by the August 2020 arrest of Hanoi People's Committee Chairman Nguyen Duc Chung on charges, including allegations related to contracts awarded for the Grand Prix organizer, leading to the permanent shelving of F1 plans by the FIA. Constructed at a cost of approximately $600 million, the 5.613 km has since deteriorated, with reports in 2025 indicating overgrowth by vegetation and structural neglect across its pit buildings and track sections. Despite its primary purpose remaining unfulfilled, portions of the circuit have been repurposed for limited alternative uses. Sections of the track have been integrated into the local road network, allowing everyday vehicular traffic by residents. In December 2022, the facility hosted its first competitive racing activity when it served as the venue for rounds of the Vietnamese national . Additional sporadic utilization has included private promotional events, such as a New Year's fair in late 2022, though these have been infrequent and do not indicate sustained redevelopment. As of 2025, the site predominantly lies idle, with no major events or investments reported to restore its functionality.

Prospects for Revival or Demolition

As of May 2025, the Street Circuit remains dormant without any announced plans for revival as a venue, five years after the cancellation of the inaugural . The facility, constructed at a reported cost of approximately $600 million, has seen no major racing events since its completion in late , with the political fallout from the 2020 arrest of People's Committee Chairman Nguyễn Đức Chung—on charges including corruption related to infrastructure projects—effectively halting government support for the F1 initiative. management paused discussions for a potential return in 2024 and has shown no interest in reinstating it for 2025 or beyond, amid a crowded prioritizing established markets and venues with proven operational reliability. Alternative uses have emerged sporadically, underscoring the circuit's shift from ambitions to utilitarian purposes. In September 2025, the track served as an assembly point for military vehicles during preparations for Vietnam's Independence Day Parade, marking one of its few documented post-abandonment functions. However, such applications do not indicate a sustainable revival strategy, as the site's expansive layout—spanning 5.613 km with 23 turns—lacks investment for maintenance or adaptation to other series like MotoGP or regional events. Overgrowth and deterioration have accelerated since 2023, with vegetation encroaching on asphalt sections, further diminishing viability without substantial refurbishment estimated in the tens of millions. Demolition prospects appear equally remote, with no official proposals from authorities or Vietnam's Ministry of Transport as of October 2025. The , including permanent pit buildings and grandstands, continues to occupy urban land near key districts like Hoan Kiem and Ba Dinh, but repurposing for public parks, logistics hubs, or event spaces has not materialized amid economic critiques of the original project's opportunity costs. Analysts attribute this stasis to Vietnam's post-scandal caution in high-profile , where reviving or razing the site could reopen debates on fiscal mismanagement without yielding prestige benefits. Absent private investment or international pressure, the circuit's legacy points toward indefinite neglect rather than deliberate renewal or removal.

References

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  9. https://www.formula1.com/en/latest/article/revealed-new-vietnam-circuit-layout-after-extra-corner-added.4iLrvepmebiNySei26Ijx0
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  23. https://www.bbc.com/sport/formula1/46122431
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