Spa extends with F1 but sees its presence reduced

With the applications from Rwanda and the possibility of a second race in Saudi Arabia, Formula 1 wishes to integrate new events into its calendar without increasing the number of Grands Prix per year, which will involve races organized one year out of two. We knew that the Spa circuit was the closest to switching to this model, which was made official for the coming years.

The Belgian GP contract ended after the 2025 season and the new one provides for its presence until 2031 but only for four of the six seasons over this period. Spa will thus have its race in 2026 and 2027, then only in odd years, 2029 and 2031, even if the idea of ​​alternating with Zandvoort was abandoned and then the Dutch GP will simply disappear.

This extension contrasts with those of Monaco and Monza recently, until the same deadline but with an annual presence for these two other historic routes. Spa nevertheless found a compromise allowing it to keep a race organized for the first time in 1950, the first season of the championship. The Belgian GP was held regularly at this circuit until the early 1970s, before visits to Nivelles and Zolder. Spa has since been featured on the calendar every year since 1985, with the exception of the 2003 and 2006 seasons.

“The Belgian Grand Prix was part of our very first championship in 1950, so as we enter our 75th year, it is natural to be able to announce this important extension”welcomes Stefano Domenicali, CEO of Formula 1, welcoming the “meaningful work” to improve the facilities in recent years, including the addition of two new stands which increased the capacity by 10,000 seats.

Pierre-Yves Jeholet, vice-president of the Walloon government and minister of the economy, sees this race as a way to bring “global attention” on Wallonia, with “significant economic benefits” throughout the country.

In a joint statement, the president of the circuit, Melchior Wathelet, and Vanessa Maes, general director, say they “very proud” of this extension which “reflects the mutual trust established by updating” Spa infrastructure.