Santiago Street Circuit
Location
Santiago, Chile
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Track Info
Santiago Street Circuit - Santiago, Chile
Temporary Formula E circuit through central Santiago - crossing the Mapocho River and racing beside Parque Forestal on a tight, bumpy city-centre layout
When was the track built?
The Santiago Street Circuit was created specifically for Formula E's first visit to Chile in 2018. It was a temporary track, so normal city roads were fitted with barriers, fencing, grandstands and other racing facilities for the event.
The route started beside the Mapocho River before passing through some of central Santiago's best-known streets and public spaces, including Plaza Baquedano and Parque Forestal.
When was its first race?
The circuit hosted its first and only Formula E race on 3 February 2018. Jean-Éric Vergne started from pole position and won after a close late-race fight with his TECHEETAH team-mate André Lotterer.
The result was also historic for Formula E: Vergne and Lotterer recorded the championship's first ever team one-two finish.
What's the circuit like?
- Tight and technical: Drivers had to deal with narrow streets, sharp corners and concrete barriers that left little room for mistakes.
- Very bumpy: These were everyday city roads rather than smooth racing asphalt, making the cars move around noticeably under braking.
- Two river crossings: The unusual route crossed the Mapocho River twice, giving the circuit a distinctive shape compared with most Formula E tracks.
- Slow hairpin: One of the tightest corners created a major change of pace after the quicker street sections and gave drivers a chance to close on rivals.
Formula E benchmarks
- Race winner: Jean-Éric Vergne won the only Santiago E-Prix held on this circuit.
- Race lap record: Sam Bird recorded a 1:20.235 during the 2018 race.
- Fastest session lap: Vergne went quicker in practice with a 1:18.662.
- Historic finish: Vergne led André Lotterer home for Formula E's first team one-two.
Why go?
The original Santiago circuit offered something Formula E does particularly well: bringing racing directly into the centre of a major city. Cars raced beside parks, crossed the Mapocho River and passed through streets normally filled with everyday traffic.
It was also a significant event for Chile, marking the arrival of a major international championship race in the country and producing one of Formula E's most dramatic early-season battles.
This circuit is no longer used by Formula E. The Santiago E-Prix moved to a new circuit inside Parque O'Higgins for 2019.
Where's the best place to watch?
- Turn 1: A good location for the race start and opening-lap battles as the field arrived together at the first major braking zone.
- Plaza Baquedano section: One of the circuit's most recognisable city-centre areas, combining tight racing with a distinctly Santiago setting.
- Parque Forestal: The most scenic section of the lap, with the cars threading through streets beside the park before returning towards the river.
These viewing suggestions refer to the former 2018 Formula E configuration; the temporary circuit is no longer operated as a racing venue.
Transportation & Parking
Getting to Santiago Street Circuit (Chile)
The Santiago Street Circuit was a temporary Formula E course around Parque Forestal and the Mapocho River in central Santiago. Formula E no longer races here, but the former circuit area is very easy to visit using the city's Metro.
Is the Santiago Street Circuit still active?
The original Santiago Street Circuit is no longer an active Formula E venue. It hosted one Formula E race in February 2018 before the championship moved its Santiago event to Parque O'Higgins for 2019.
The barriers, grandstands, pit lane and other racing infrastructure were temporary, so the roads around Parque Forestal have returned to normal city use.
Do not confuse this circuit with Parque O'Higgins Circuit, which hosted Santiago's later Formula E races.
Best way to get there
For most visitors, Metro + walking is the easiest way to explore the former circuit. The course ran through central Santiago, so there is little reason to hire a car simply to visit the location.
Baquedano is particularly useful for the eastern end of the old course, while Bellas Artes provides convenient access to Parque Forestal and the western section.
Metro & public transport
- Baquedano: served by Metro Lines 1 and 5 and close to the former circuit around Plaza Baquedano.
- Bellas Artes: on Line 5 and useful for Parque Forestal and the Museo Nacional de Bellas Artes area.
- Universidad Católica: another useful Line 1 station for the southern side of the former route.
- From elsewhere in Santiago: use the Metro to reach one of these stations and explore the area on foot.
Check Red Movilidad before travelling for temporary station closures, engineering work or changes to accessibility.
Driving & parking
Driving is possible, but public transport is normally easier in central Santiago. The former circuit roads now carry everyday city traffic.
- Navigation: Parque Forestal, Plaza Baquedano or Museo Nacional de Bellas Artes are useful reference points.
- Parking: use current legal public or private parking in the surrounding neighbourhoods.
- No race parking: old Formula E spectator parking and road-closure information is no longer relevant.
- Traffic: central Santiago can become congested, particularly during weekday commuting periods.
Santiago airport
- Santiago International Airport (SCL): the main airport for international visitors.
- Public transport: Red Movilidad route 555 connects the airport interchange with Pajaritos Metro station.
- Pajaritos → former circuit: take Metro Line 1 towards central Santiago and leave at Baquedano or Universidad Católica.
- Alternative: airport coaches also provide connections towards central Santiago.
- Taxi or transfer: the simplest option if you have luggage or arrive late at night.
About the former circuit
The original Santiago Formula E course was a true city street circuit, crossing the Mapocho River and connecting several well-known parts of central Santiago.
- Length: approximately 2.46 km.
- Corners: 12.
- Direction: clockwise.
- Type: temporary street circuit.
- Formula E race: 3 February 2018.
Visiting the area today
A good place to begin is Parque Forestal. From here you can explore the riverfront, Museo Nacional de Bellas Artes and the streets towards Plaza Baquedano that formed important parts of the original circuit.
Avenida Santa María on the northern side of the Mapocho was home to the start and finish area, while the course crossed the river before travelling through the city centre and returning through Parque Forestal.
An old circuit map is useful for identifying the general location of individual corners, but remember that these are busy public streets rather than a preserved racing facility.
Accessibility
The former circuit is in a central urban area with paved pedestrian routes, but individual Metro entrances and street crossings can vary in accessibility. Bellas Artes has lift access, while visitors with specific mobility requirements should check the current Red Movilidad accessibility information before travelling.
Santiago Street Circuit is no longer an active Formula E venue. Metro services, road layouts, parking and pedestrian access can change, so check current Red Movilidad and local information before travelling.
Nearby Activities
Things to do around Santiago Street Circuit (Santiago, Chile)
Santiago’s original Formula E circuit brought electric racing into the heart of Chile’s capital, crossing the Mapocho River and running beside Parque Forestal. The race has moved on, but the former route is surrounded by museums, lively neighbourhoods, city viewpoints and easy escapes towards the Andes.
Family-friendly highlights near the old circuit
- Parque Forestal: The former circuit ran directly through this long green park beside the Mapocho River. It is an easy place for a walk, picnic or quieter break from the surrounding city streets.
- Cerro Santa Lucía: Climb this landscaped hill for gardens, historic architecture and views across central Santiago towards the Andes.
- Cerro San Cristóbal: One of Santiago's best-known viewpoints, with parkland and several ways to reach the upper areas. Allow a few hours if you want to explore rather than simply enjoy the view.
Culture hits & rainy-day winners
- Museo Nacional de Bellas Artes: Located inside Parque Forestal and beside the former circuit, this free museum displays Chilean and international paintings, sculptures and other visual art.
- Centro Cultural Gabriela Mistral: Better known as GAM, this contemporary cultural centre hosts theatre, music, dance, exhibitions and family activities close to the old track.
- La Chascona: Visit the unusual Bellavista home of Chilean poet Pablo Neruda, now preserved as a museum.
Eat & drink away from the old circuit
- Lastarria: One of the easiest places near Parque Forestal for cafés, restaurants and an evening meal, with plenty to see within a small walkable area.
- Bellavista: Cross the river for colourful streets, restaurants, bars and a livelier atmosphere around the foot of Cerro San Cristóbal.
- Try something Chilean: Empanadas, pastel de choclo and the famously loaded completo hot dog are approachable introductions to local food.
Explore central Santiago on foot
- Parque Forestal & Mapocho River: Follow the park between the Fine Arts Museum and Plaza Baquedano to see one of the main areas used by the 2018 circuit.
- Lastarria & Santa Lucía: Combine the neighbourhood's small streets with a climb up Cerro Santa Lucía for an easy half-day walk.
- Cerro San Cristóbal: Head into Santiago Metropolitan Park for longer walks and some of the widest city and mountain views.
You cannot safely follow every metre of the former racing line on foot because the circuit used busy public roads and river crossings. Treat it as a sightseeing area rather than a preserved race track.
Easy trips if you have more time
- Cajón del Maipo: Escape into the Andes for mountain scenery, hiking and outdoor activities around the Maipo River and San José de Maipo.
- Maipo wine country: Vineyards south of Santiago make an easy excursion for adults interested in Chile's famous wine industry. Book transport if you plan to taste wine.
- Valparaíso: Spend a full day exploring colourful hillside neighbourhoods, street art and Pacific Ocean views in this historic port city.
- Casablanca Valley: Combine vineyard scenery and wine tasting with a journey towards the coast if you are extending your stay.
Good to know when visiting the old circuit
- There is no permanent track: Formula E used ordinary streets around Parque Forestal, so barriers, grandstands and pit buildings are no longer present.
- Do not confuse the two Santiago circuits: The 2018 race used this downtown route. Formula E moved to Parque O'Higgins for the 2019 and 2020 Santiago E-Prix.
- Use public transport: Santiago's Metro makes central attractions easy to reach without driving through busy downtown streets.
- Prepare for summer sun: If you visit during the same February period as the original race, carry water and sun protection and leave longer walks for cooler parts of the day.
Formula E no longer races at Santiago Street Circuit. Museum hours, transport services, attraction access and events can change - check current information before travelling.