F1 agrees to contract extension with classic Belgian track that keeps it on the calendar until 2031, albeit on a rotational basis.

The extension, which includes Grands Prix in the 2026, 2027, 2029 and 2031 seasons, follows significant investment at the circuit in recent years, including the addition of two new grandstands - increasing capacity by 10,000 - and enhancement of the off-track entertainment and fan experience.

In 2024, the Belgian Grand Prix welcomed 380,000 fans across the race weekend, which saw Lewis Hamilton claim his second win of the season and his fifth at Spa.

Built in 1921, Spa-Francorchamps was one of just seven circuits to be part of Formula 1's maiden championship in 1950 and has since hosted 57 Grands Prix.

The Wallonian circuit is celebrated by fans and drivers alike for its mixture of long straights and challenging fast corners, including one of the most famous sections of racetrack in the world as drivers power through Eau Rouge and Raidillon, then on to the Kemmel straight.

At 7.004km, it is the longest circuit on the calendar and has seen some of the sport's most decorated drivers, including Ayrton Senna, Michael Schumacher, Niki Lauda, and Sebastian Vettel, win there. From the current grid, Lewis Hamilton, Charles Leclerc and Max Verstappen have also taken victory at the circuit.

This 2025 Belgian Grand Prix, scheduled for 25-27 July, will see the return of the Sprint to the track.

"The Belgian Grand Prix was one of the races that made up our maiden Championship in 1950," said Stefano Domenicali, "so as we kick off our 75th anniversary year it is fitting that we can share the news of this important extension.

"Spa-Francorchamps is rightly lauded by drivers and fans alike 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. 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."

"I am delighted that the Belgian Grand Prix - a must-attend event for Wallonia - has been confirmed on the F1 calendar for several years," added Pierre-Yves Jeholet, Vice President of the Walloon Government and Minister of the Economy. "The circuit provides the Region with high-quality sports infrastructure capable of hosting exceptional events, and thanks to the FIA Formula 1 World Championship, Spa-Francorchamps, and through it, Wallonia, is placed at the centre of global attention. In addition to this international showcase, the event generates significant economic benefits for Wallonia, as well as for Belgium. The extension of this relationship over several years will also allow the circuit teams to plan for the future, which is hugely positive."

"We are both very proud of this renewal, which reflects the mutual trust built as we have upgraded our infrastructure and delivered record attendance and fantastic fan experience over recent years," said Melchior Wathelet, President of Spa Grand Prix, and Vanessa Maes, CEO of Spa Grand Prix. "This contract extension has once again been made possible thanks to the support of the Walloon Government but also the fans of what we believe is the most beautiful circuit in the world. Together we are strengthening our commitment to the development of our wonderful region."

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READERS COMMENTS

1. Posted by Celtic Tiger, 2 hours ago

"Its a damn shame that they've been tossed on the rotation block. It seems to be an emerging trend that if fans and drivers are for something, FOM blows it nose on it."

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2. Posted by ffracer, 3 hours ago

"Agree 150 %, an F1 championship without Spa - and Silverstone, Monza, Suzuka and Monaco - is blasphemous.

F1 fans should have a veto option here."

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3. Posted by kenji, 4 hours ago

" F1 can tinker with the peripherals but Spa is, IMO, sacrosanct."

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4. Posted by Team Hack, 15 hours ago

"The slippery slope beckons..."

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5. Posted by Chester, 15 hours ago

"I am a strong believer in markets. Right now F1 is near its peak in world popularity. That popularity will inevitably ebb.

Some of these Johnny-Come-Lately countries will eventually withdraw, especially if there is a global recession-type event/period. We are currently at tops in most financial markets, except China. That will not continue forever.

Hopefully, the true racer tracks can weather this popularity storm."

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6. Posted by Burton, 16 hours ago

"RIP"

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7. Posted by Motorsport-fan, 17 hours ago

"I suspect this is the beginning of losing some tracks to be able to fit in the ever increasing number of races in other parts of the world that are willing / able to pay sky high hosting fees.
If Spa is one of the "finest racetracks in the world" its recent circuit investment, 380,000 attendance, generating significant economic benefit to the region cannot afford a full time slot (which is surely the reason for this) how many more circuits are going to succumb to the economic pressures of holding a race?"

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F1 to continue at Spa-Francorchamps on rotational basis

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