Formula One confirms multi-year extension for Belgium’s iconic Spa-Francorchamps race track

Belgium’s Grand Prix has signed an agreement with Formula One for the Spa-Francorchamps racetrack to host four Grands Prix in the next six years, reports RTBF.

The historic Ardennes track will stage the coveted event in 2025 (already confirmed), as well as 2026, 2027, 2029 and 2031. It’s not yet known which circuits will replace Spa in 2028 and 2030.

This announcement by Formula 1 follows a long period of negotiations and uncertainty for Spa as new glitzy tracks such as Las Vegas have joined the race calendar.

While Spa will host a ‘classic’ Grand Prix and sprint race this year from 25 to 27 July, many in the racing world are already lamenting its future  loss. As one of the most demanding tracks in the world with its mixture of long straights and challenging fast corners, Spa is a favourite for drivers and fans alike.

"The good thing is that there is a long-term project. The bad thing is that there will be two years without it," commented RTBF’s F1 specialist Gaëtan Vigneron.

“It's all a question of money, of course," he added. "It's a shame that F1 doesn't take into account the historical legacy aspect of Spa-Francorchamps. On the other hand, we have a more or less assured future.”

Faced with merciless competition, the organisers of the Belgian GP have underlined the importance of a historic circuit for F1. Built in 1921, Spa-Francorchamps has hosted Formula One almost without fail since its maiden championship in 1950.

“Spa-Francorchamps is rightly lauded by drivers and fans as one of the finest racetracks in the world and it has played host to some incredible moments over its many seasons in Formula 1,” said F1 president Stefano Domenicali. “In recent years it has undergone significant work to improve the facility and overall fan experience, and I would like to pay tribute to the promoter and the Government of Wallonia for their dedication and passionate support for Formula 1 in Belgium.”

His positive words were echoed by Belgian officials. “We are both very proud,” said Melchior Wathelet and Vanessa Maes, president and CEO of Spa Grand Prix.

"This reflects the mutual trust that has been built in recent years and which has been strengthened by the improvement of our infrastructure, the record attendance and the fantastic experience we offer to spectators," they said in a joint statement referencing the addition of two new grandstands that increased spectator capacity by 10,000.

Pierre-Yves Jeholet, vice-president of the Walloon government, welcomed the fact that Wallonia remains “at the centre of attention thanks to Spa-Francorchamps and F1” while “generating significant benefits for the Walloon and Belgian economy”.

Photos: (main image) ©Sarah Crew; ©Formula One