Located in the Tuscan hills near Scarperia e San Piero, the Autodromo Internazionale del Mugello is one of Europe’s most celebrated permanent racing circuits.
Set in a natural amphitheatre north of Florence, Mugello is renowned for its sweeping high-speed corners, dramatic elevation changes and long, fast main straight. Unlike many modern venues, the circuit combines world-class safety standards with an old-school, flowing character that has made it a favourite among both drivers and riders.
Best known today as the home of the Italian Motorcycle Grand Prix, Mugello has also played an important role in car racing history. Owned by Ferrari since 1988, the circuit has long been used for testing and development, and in 2020 it finally hosted its first Formula One World Championship race.
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Mugello
| First Grand Prix | 2020 Tuscan Grand Prix |
| Number of Laps | 59 |
| Circuit Length | 5.245 km |
| Race Distance | 309.455 km |
| Lap Record | 1:18.833 Lewis Hamilton (2020) |
Circuit
When was the Autodromo Internazionale del Mugello built?
The permanent Mugello circuit was built in 1973 and officially opened on 23 June 1974.
It was created as a successor to the original Mugello road circuit, which had hosted racing on public roads in the region for decades. That historic layout wound through Tuscan villages and mountain roads, but safety concerns — particularly after a fatal accident during testing in 1970 — brought an end to racing on the long public-road course.
The new permanent venue was constructed around 5 km east of the old road circuit and provided a safer, modern alternative while preserving the fast, flowing spirit for which Mugello had become famous.
Since 1988, the circuit has been owned by Ferrari, which has used the venue extensively for Formula One testing and development.
What makes Mugello unique?
Mugello’s modern Grand Prix layout measures 5.245 km and features 15 turns, plus a 1.141 km main straight that creates one of the key overtaking opportunities on the lap.
The circuit is especially famous for its rhythm and elevation change. Rather than relying on stop-start hairpins, Mugello rewards commitment through long, fast corner sequences and constant changes in gradient.
One of its most iconic sections is the Arrabbiata 1 and 2 complex, a demanding pair of high-speed right-handers that test bravery, downforce and balance. Other parts of the lap combine heavy braking zones with fast direction changes, making the circuit both technically challenging and physically demanding.
Because of this, Mugello has often been praised by drivers as one of the most enjoyable tracks in the world.
When was the first Mugello Grand Prix?
Motor racing at Mugello dates back to the 1920s, when races were held on long public-road circuits through the region.
The permanent circuit began hosting major international events shortly after opening in 1974, and it quickly became a regular venue for categories such as Formula 2, Formula 3000, touring cars, endurance racing and motorcycle Grands Prix.
Its first and only Formula One World Championship race came on 13 September 2020, when Mugello hosted the Tuscan Grand Prix during the reshaped 2020 season. The event was especially significant because it marked Ferrari’s 1000th Formula One World Championship Grand Prix.
Lewis Hamilton won that race for Mercedes, giving Mugello its place on the official Formula One calendar at last.
Autodromo Internazionale del Mugello lap record
The official Formula One race lap record at Mugello is 1:18.833, set by Lewis Hamilton driving the Mercedes W11 during the 2020 Tuscan Grand Prix.
Although Formula One has only raced there once, Mugello remains one of the sport’s most admired circuits. Its reputation has been built over decades through major international motorcycle racing, Ferrari’s long association with the venue, and a layout widely regarded as one of the finest in world motorsport.