5 anti-clockwise circuits in F1 this year 

The number of anti-clockwise tracks in Formula 1 has risen over the years with the addition of tracks. An anti-clockwise circuit contains more left-hand turns than right-hand ones, placing greater physical demands on the drivers whose bodies, particularly their necks, are more adapted to the lateral g-forces of clockwise circuits.

Most of the major European tracks are clockwise: Monza, Spa, Silverstone, Donington, Zandvoort, Nurburgring, etc. Imola (Italy), Istanbul Park (Turkey), Kyalami Circuit (South Africa) and Yeongam Circuit (South Korea) previously featured in the F1 calendar ran anti-clockwise too.

Suzuka (Japan) is one of few circuits in the world to have a figure-of-eight layout, meaning the circuit runs both clockwise and anti-clockwise. Hence, technically, it is not classified as anti-clockwise. The track does not actually intersect with itself, instead the back straight passes over the front section by means of an overpass.

Let's look at the 5 anti-clockwise tracks that are hosting races in 2018.

#5 Baku City Circuit, Azerbaijan

Baku City Circuit is the first venue neighboring the Caspian Sea

Length 6.003 km | Turns 20

Lap Record 1:43.441 Sebastian Vettel, Ferrari, 2017

Memorable Race: 2017, won by Daniel Ricciardo (Red Bull-TAG Heuer)

Trivia: The second-longest circuit on the Formula One calendar behind Circuit de Spa-Francorchamps, Belgium. It is also a street circuit with very long straights, which enables a lot of overtaking opportunities unlike the tracks of Monaco and Singapore.

#4 Marina Bay Street Circuit, Singapore

Singapore was host to the first ever night race in F1 in 2008

Length 5.061 km | Turns 23

Lap record 1:48.574 Sebastian Vettel, Red Bull-Renault, 2013

Memorable Race: 2010, won by Fernando Alonso (Renault)

Trivia: Marina Bay circuit holds a unique record of having a safety car appearance in every race since 2008, which also gave the infamous Renault Crashgate controversy.

#3 Circuit of The Americas, Austin-Texas

The steep first turn incline makes it easier to start second instead of

pole

at COTA

Length 5.513 km | Turns 20

Lap Record 1:37.766 Sebastian Vettel, Ferrari, 2017

Memorable Race: 2012, won by Lewis Hamilton (McLaren-Mercedes)

Trivia: The circuit is the first in the United States to be built for Formula One by German circuit designer Hermann Tilke. The iconic observation tower gives a 360-degree panorama of the circuit.

#2 Interlagos, São Paulo

Interlagos has been the venue of a number of title-deciding races (2007, 2008, 2009, 2012)

Length: 309 km | Turns 15

Lap record 1:11.044 Max Verstappen, Red Bull Racing-TAG Heuer, 2017

Memorable Race: 1991, won by Ayrton Senna (McLaren Honda)

Trivia: 5 Brazilian drivers have won here, with Emerson Fittipaldi, Nelson Piquet, Ayrton Senna and Felipe Massa each winning twice, and Jose Carlos Pace, after whom the circuit is named, winning once.

#1 Yas Marina Circuit, Abu Dhabi

Yas Marina Circuit has hosted the last Grand Prix of the season since 2013

Length 5.554 km | Turns 21

Lap record 1:40.279 Sebastian Vettel, Red Bull Racing, 2009

Memorable Race: 2011 won by Lewis Hamilton (McLaren-Mercedes)

Trivia: The inaugural race in 2009 was F1's first ever day-night race. The circuit has five grandstand areas and the pit lane exit is the only underground one in the sport. The new Yas Marina circuit also features the longest straight of 1.2 kms.