The Hanoi street circuit, initially slated to host the inaugural Vietnam Grand Prix on April 5th, 2020, remains largely unused five years after the race’s cancellation due to the COVID-19 pandemic. Despite significant investment in its construction, the circuit has not been rescheduled on the Formula 1 calendar since the initial postponement.
Constructed at an estimated cost of £450 million ($600 million), the Hanoi circuit was intended to bring the prestige and excitement of Formula 1 to Vietnam’s capital city. However, the global health crisis in 2020 led to the postponement of the event, and subsequent years have not seen its return to the race calendar.
While Formula 1 has a history of successful street races in iconic locations around the world, the Hanoi circuit’s situation highlights the challenges and unforeseen circumstances that can impact major sporting events. The purpose-built track, which briefly saw use by local commuters after its initial shelving, now stands as a reminder of the Grand Prix that never was. Future plans for the circuit remain uncertain.
