Brooklyn Street Circuit
Location
Red Hook, Brooklyn, New York City, USA
Current Local Time
Track Info
Brooklyn Street Circuit - New York City, United States
Compact Formula E street circuit around Brooklyn's Red Hook waterfront - known for tight concrete walls, close racing and spectacular views of Lower Manhattan
When was the track built?
The Brooklyn Street Circuit was a temporary race track created around the Brooklyn Cruise Terminal in the Red Hook neighbourhood. Roads and large paved areas beside the waterfront were surrounded by barriers, fencing and temporary grandstands for each Formula E weekend.
The first version measured 1.947 km and had 10 turns. For 2018, the layout was extended with an additional loop, eventually developing into the 14-turn circuit used during Formula E's later visits.
When was its first race?
The first New York City E-Prix took place on 15 July 2017. Sam Bird won for DS Virgin Racing and then repeated the result the following day, completing a perfect victory double during Formula E's first weekend in Brooklyn.
The event was also historic for the city, becoming the first FIA-sanctioned open-wheel race held within New York City's five boroughs.
What's the circuit like?
- Tight and unforgiving: Concrete barriers lined most of the lap, so drivers had very little space to recover from a mistake.
- Strong braking zones: Several tight corners followed short straights, giving drivers opportunities to attack under braking.
- Changing grip: Because the circuit used everyday paved areas rather than permanent racing asphalt, grip could change significantly as the weekend progressed.
- Energy management matters: Formula E drivers had to balance overtaking with saving electricity, making position on track only part of the battle.
Formula E benchmarks
- First winner: Sam Bird won both races during the inaugural 2017 weekend.
- Most successful driver: Bird won three times in Brooklyn, adding another victory for Jaguar in 2021.
- 2019 race-lap benchmark: Daniel Abt recorded a 1:11.305 during the second race of the 2019 weekend.
- 2022 qualifying benchmark: Nick Cassidy recorded a 1:08.584 during Formula E's final visit.
- Final winner: António Félix da Costa won the last Brooklyn E-Prix on 17 July 2022.
Why go?
Brooklyn offered one of Formula E's most recognisable settings. From the waterfront circuit, spectators could see Lower Manhattan and the Statue of Liberty across New York Harbor while the cars raced only metres away between concrete walls.
The short lap also made the action easy to follow. Cars returned quickly, overtaking was possible and Formula E's energy-saving strategies often kept the result uncertain until the final laps.
Formula E no longer races at the Brooklyn Street Circuit. The championship's United States round moved to Portland from 2023.
Where's the best place to watch?
- Turn 1: A strong choice for race starts and overtaking as the field arrived together at the opening braking zone.
- Hairpin section: One of the slowest parts of the circuit, where cars bunched together and drivers could attempt late-braking moves.
- Waterfront sections: Best for combining views of the racing with the Manhattan skyline and Statue of Liberty in the background.
These viewing suggestions refer to the former Formula E event configuration; there is currently no New York City E-Prix at the circuit.
Transportation & Parking
Getting to Brooklyn Street Circuit (New York City)
The Brooklyn Street Circuit was a temporary Formula E track around the Brooklyn Cruise Terminal in Red Hook. Formula E no longer races here, but the waterfront area is still easy to visit by ferry, bus or subway from Manhattan and other parts of New York City.
Is the Brooklyn Street Circuit still active?
The Brooklyn Street Circuit is no longer an active Formula E venue. New York hosted Formula E in Red Hook from 2017, with the final double-header taking place in July 2022.
The barriers, grandstands, pit buildings and other racing infrastructure were temporary and were removed after the event. The Brooklyn Cruise Terminal and surrounding waterfront continue to serve normal port and cruise activities.
Do not travel to Red Hook expecting to find a permanent race track or Formula E spectator facilities.
Best way to get there
For visitors coming from Manhattan, NYC Ferry is one of the easiest ways to reach the former circuit area. The South Brooklyn route serves Red Hook at Atlantic Basin, very close to the waterfront used by Formula E.
Subway and bus combinations are another good option. Red Hook itself does not have a subway station, so you will normally complete the final part of the journey by bus or on foot.
Ferry, subway & bus
- NYC Ferry: use the South Brooklyn route and leave at Red Hook / Atlantic Basin.
- From Lower Manhattan: Wall St. / Pier 11 is served by the same ferry network, making the waterfront journey particularly convenient.
- Smith-9 Sts: the nearest useful subway station, served by F and G trains.
- B61 bus: runs through Red Hook via Van Brunt Street and connects the neighborhood with Downtown Brooklyn and Park Slope.
- Final walk: use the Brooklyn Cruise Terminal and Atlantic Basin as reference points for the former circuit area.
Check MTA and NYC Ferry service information shortly before travelling, especially at weekends when maintenance can affect subway routes.
Driving & parking
Driving is possible, but it is rarely necessary if you are staying in Manhattan or central Brooklyn.
- Navigation: use Brooklyn Cruise Terminal, 72 Bowne Street, Brooklyn as a useful reference point.
- Traffic: allow extra time for congestion on approaches through Brooklyn.
- Parking: use current legal public or private parking in Red Hook.
- Cruise terminal: do not assume terminal parking is available unless it is specifically open for your visit.
- No race parking: old Formula E spectator parking information is no longer relevant.
New York airports
- JFK Airport: the main international gateway for many overseas visitors.
- Easiest transfer: taxi or authorized ride-hailing service directly to Red Hook or your hotel.
- Public transport: AirTrain JFK connects the airport with Jamaica and Howard Beach, where you can transfer to New York's rail and subway network.
- LaGuardia Airport: another useful option, particularly for domestic flights.
- Staying in Manhattan: it is normally easier to reach your hotel first and visit Red Hook separately by ferry or subway.
About the former circuit
The Brooklyn Street Circuit was built around the working waterfront at Red Hook and became one of Formula E's most recognizable city venues.
- Length: 2.32 km.
- Corners: 14.
- Type: temporary street circuit.
- Setting: Brooklyn Cruise Terminal and Atlantic Basin.
- Formula E era: 2017–2022, excluding the cancelled 2020 season.
Visiting the area today
Atlantic Basin and the streets of Red Hook provide the best way to see the setting of the old circuit. The Manhattan skyline and harbor views make the area easy to recognize from Formula E photographs.
However, parts of the racing layout used cruise-terminal and working-port land, so you cannot expect to walk the complete former lap. Respect fences, gates and restricted maritime areas.
Historic circuit maps are useful for identifying where individual corners and straights once ran.
Accessibility
NYC Ferry vessels and many MTA services provide accessible travel options, but individual subway stations vary. If you have specific mobility requirements, check current MTA and NYC Ferry accessibility information before choosing your route.
Brooklyn Street Circuit is no longer an active Formula E venue. Ferry services, subway routes, bus services, parking and access around the working Brooklyn waterfront can change, so check current transport and local information before travelling.
Nearby Activities
Things to do around Brooklyn Street Circuit (New York City, USA)
Brooklyn Street Circuit brought all-electric Formula E racing to the Red Hook waterfront with Manhattan and the Statue of Liberty as its backdrop. The race no longer takes place here, but the former circuit area is still a great starting point for waterfront parks, art, maritime history and some of Brooklyn’s most distinctive neighbourhoods.
Family-friendly highlights around Red Hook
- Louis Valentino Jr. Park and Pier: One of the easiest places to enjoy Red Hook’s waterfront, with open space and excellent views towards the Statue of Liberty and New York Harbor.
- Brooklyn Bridge Park Pier 6: A strong choice with children thanks to playgrounds including Slide Mountain, Swing Valley, Sandbox Village and seasonal water play.
- Waterfront Museum: Step aboard a historic railroad barge to learn how cargo once moved around New York Harbor. Public visiting hours are limited, so check before going.
Culture hits & rainy-day winners
- Pioneer Works: A Red Hook cultural centre combining art, science, music and technology inside a former industrial building, with exhibitions and events throughout the year.
- Waterfront Museum: The floating museum contains maritime and railroad objects connected with the working history of New York Harbor.
- Brooklyn Museum: Head farther into Brooklyn for a much larger collection covering art and cultures from around the world - a useful option when the weather turns wet.
Eat & drink around Red Hook
- Van Brunt Street: Red Hook’s main neighbourhood strip is the simplest place to look for cafés, bakeries, bars and casual restaurants.
- Waterfront food stops: The neighbourhood’s maritime setting makes seafood an easy choice, while local bakeries and dessert shops provide something quicker between attractions.
- Try key lime pie: Red Hook has become particularly well known for this sweet, sharp dessert - a fun local treat after a waterfront walk.
Explore the Brooklyn waterfront
- Red Hook waterfront walk: Wander between Valentino Pier, Coffey Park and the old industrial streets for views of cranes, warehouses, the harbor and Statue of Liberty.
- Brooklyn Bridge Park: Continue north along Brooklyn’s waterfront for lawns, paths, playgrounds and famous views of Lower Manhattan.
- Brooklyn Heights Promenade: Add this elevated walkway for one of the classic panoramas across New York Harbor and the Manhattan skyline.
Easy trips if you have more time
- DUMBO & Brooklyn Bridge: Explore the waterfront beneath the Manhattan and Brooklyn Bridges, then walk across the Brooklyn Bridge if you want to continue into Manhattan.
- Prospect Park: Brooklyn’s large urban park offers walking, cycling, lawns and family activities and can be combined with the nearby Brooklyn Museum.
- Governors Island: Spend a few hours exploring car-free paths, parks, historic buildings and harbor viewpoints just offshore.
- Lower Manhattan: Wall Street, the 9/11 Memorial, One World Trade Center and Battery Park make an easy full-day extension across the water.
Good to know when visiting the old circuit
- There is no permanent race track: The Formula E circuit used roads and large paved areas around the Brooklyn Cruise Terminal, so barriers and grandstands are no longer present.
- Formula E has moved on: Brooklyn has not hosted the championship since 2022, so check the current Formula E calendar if attending a live race is your main goal.
- Consider the ferry: NYC Ferry currently serves Red Hook at Atlantic Basin and provides useful waterfront connections, including Brooklyn Bridge Park and Manhattan.
- Prepare for summer weather: New York can be hot and humid in July and August. Carry water and sun protection for longer waterfront walks.
Formula E no longer races at Brooklyn Street Circuit. Ferry schedules, museum hours, events and attraction access can change - check current information before travelling.