The Formula 1 drivers will once again visit 24 circuits next season, spread across all continents, with the exception of Africa. In the series ‘Forgotten Circuits’, we take a trip down memory lane and revisit some forgotten Formula 1 circuits. Today in our forgotten circuits series: Adelaide, the place where Ayrton Senna achieved his last F1 victory in 1993.
The Formula 1 circuit has been landing in Albert Park in Melbourne for the Australian Grand Prix annually since 1996. Before that, Adelaide was the successful venue for many years. In 1995, 210,000 spectators were present at the farewell of Formula 1 from Adelaide. It still holds the record for the largest number of spectators ever at a one-day sporting event in Australia. Adelaide is also known as the circuit where Ayrton Senna achieved his very last F1 triumph in 1993.
The plan to organize a Formula 1 race Down Under emerged in the early eighties. Businessman Bill O’Gormon and the Premier of South Australia, John Bannon, wanted to boost Adelaide’s dull image with an F1 race and compete with cities like Melbourne and Sydney. A meeting with F1 boss Bernie Ecclestone paid off and immediately resulted in a seven-year contract.
The temporary street circuit, measuring 3.780 kilometers, was built on and around the dilapidated Victoria Park Racecourse. It started in Victoria Park and wound its way through the center of Adelaide. Temporary pit buildings and stands were constructed, which could be set up and dismantled relatively quickly.
Adelaide Inextricably Linked with Senna
The Grand Prix in Adelaide coincided with the rise of Ayrton Senna. The Brazilian managed to win the race twice, in 1993 and 1993. His triumph in 1993 was also his very last Formula 1 victory. On May 1, 1994, the Brazilian died in Bologna as a result of a severe crash on the Imola circuit. As a tribute, the first chicane of the circuit was subsequently renamed the ‘Senna Chicane’.
The Grand Prix was an instant hit from the very beginning. The drivers and teams were extremely enthusiastic. The race represented a pleasant end to the season for them, especially due to the festival-like atmosphere surrounding the event. The drivers were also excited about the challenging nature of the track with fast straight sections and little room for error.
Thrilling Conclusions: Mansell and Schumacher
The World Championship was decided twice during the final race in Adelaide. In 1986, Nigel Mansell lost a certain world title due to a puncture in the final phase, which ultimately led to Alain Prost grabbing the title. In 1994, Michael Schumacher won the world title, despite a highly controversial move on his part against Damon Hill.
The British driver won the very last Formula 1 race in Adelaide a year later. By then, it was already clear that the city had lost the battle to Melbourne, which could pay more to host the race. In Australia, there was a long-standing story that Melbourne had stolen the race from Adelaide. Today, the Adelaide circuit (a shortened version) is still used for a touring car event as well as the Adelaide Motorsport Festival.
