Banned F1 circuit allowed to host races again after… read more
Banned F1 circuit allowed to host races again after… read more
A once-infamous Formula 1 circuit, previously banned due to safety concerns, could theoretically return to the racing calendar following a major legal shift. Circuit Bremgarten in Switzerland, notorious for its dangerous conditions, might now meet FIA approval after Switzerland lifted a long-standing ban on spectator motorsport events.
Bremgarten, lined heavily with trees, suffered from poor lighting and inconsistent track surfaces, making it extremely treacherous. Drivers had to contend with rapid transitions between dry and wet sections, especially after rain, as parts of the track under the trees remained wet far longer than areas exposed to the sun. These hazards contributed to the track’s reputation as one of the most dangerous of its time. Tragically, in 1948, Achille Varzi lost his life at Bremgarten during the Swiss Grand Prix.
However, it was not an incident at Bremgarten itself that led to Switzerland’s motorsport ban. Instead, the catalyst came in 1955, when a devastating accident at the 24 Hours of Le Mans in France claimed the lives of driver Pierre Levegh and 83 spectators. The disaster, where Levegh’s car disintegrated and sent debris flying into the crowd, caused multiple countries to introduce temporary bans on motorsport. While most nations lifted these bans relatively quickly, Switzerland’s restrictions remained for decades.
In 2017, Switzerland slightly eased its stance by allowing Formula E to race in the country, although not at Bremgarten. Then, in 2022, the ban was fully lifted, opening the door for the potential return of Formula 1 to Swiss soil — and theoretically to Circuit Bremgarten.
Despite the change in law, it remains highly unlikely that Bremgarten will ever host a Formula 1 race again. The circuit closed soon after the Le Mans disaster, and since then, modern racing safety standards have evolved dramatically. To be considered for FIA approval today, Bremgarten would require significant investment, including major upgrades to its facilities, extensive reworking of its layout, and the implementation of modern safety measures.
Nevertheless, with the primary legal barrier now removed, the possibility — however slim — exists for Switzerland to rejoin the Formula 1 world. While Bremgarten’s dangerous past may prevent its full revival for top-tier racing, the change marks a significant moment in the country’s motorsport history.
