The list of Formula One Grands Prix records every event that has been included on the FIA Formula One World Championship calendar since the championship began in 1950. The phrase "Grand Prix" predates the modern championship and has long been used for major motor races; within the championship context it denotes a World Championship round, typically named for a nation, region or city.
Scope and organization
A single "Grand Prix" entry in the World Championship refers to an organized, timed race meeting that awarded championship points to competitors. The official list distinguishes events that counted toward the World Championship from non-championship Grands Prix and other major races. Entries on the list may change names, venues or national designations across seasons; some countries have hosted multiple distinct World Championship events in the same year under different official names.
Types of venues
- Permanent racing circuits (purpose-built tracks)
- Street circuits (temporary layouts through city streets)
- Hybrid or parkland circuits combining permanent sections and temporary infrastructure
Different characteristics—such as circuit length, layout, and safety features—have influenced which Grands Prix are retained on the calendar from year to year. Race names are commonly derived from the host country or city, though some events retain historic or commercial titles.
History and notable facts
The modern World Championship began in 1950; since then many Grands Prix have been added, removed and sometimes revived. A distinctive historical footnote is the inclusion of the Indianapolis 500 in the World Championship from 1950 until 1960, an anomaly because the event was organized to different technical rules and rarely attracted regular championship entrants. By the end of the 2019 season a total of 1,018 World Championship Grands Prix had been held, a figure that specifically counts each official round on the championship calendar.
Uses of the list and further research
Lists of Grands Prix are useful for historians, statisticians and fans tracking venues, race winners, and championship evolution. Comprehensive lists typically present dates, circuit names, winners and notes on changes of venue or name. For official definitions and historical calendars see the governing body pages such as the FIA Formula One World Championship overview and archival sources that document the championship's inception in 1950. For the specific case of the Indy 500 and its unique relationship to the championship, consult dedicated event histories such as the archived entries for the Indianapolis 500.