The Belgian Formula 1 Grand Prix has been extended for several years, the premier category of motorsport announced on Wednesday. It was already on the calendar until 2025 and has now been included there for four of the following six years, until 2031. Only the 2028 and 2030 seasons are missing, for the moment, from the list.
The extension therefore includes the Grands Prix in 2026, 2027, 2029 and 2031. For the two missing years, Spa GP does not rule out being able to still negotiate to include the event on the calendar. Vanessa Maes, the director of the company organizing the event, however, underlines the importance of having been able to sustain the GP until 2031 in the current context of the discipline.
There was at one time talk of an alternation between the Dutch GP, contested in Zandvoort, and that of Belgium. This will ultimately not be the case, with the Dutch event disappearing from the calendar after 2026. The extension announced on Wednesday follows significant investments made on the circuit in recent years, notably the addition of two new stands – increasing the capacity of 10,000 seats – and improved off-track entertainment and fan experience, reminiscent of Formula 1.
“The Belgian Grand Prix was one of the races in our first championship in 1950. As we enter our 75th anniversary year, it was only fitting that we were able to share the news of this important expansion”comments Stefano Domenicali, President and CEO of Formula 1. “Spa-Francorchamps is rightly regarded by drivers and fans as one of the best circuits in the world and has been the scene of some incredible moments during its many Formula 1 seasons. In recent years it has “the subject of significant work to improve the facilities and the 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.”
“Proud of this renewal”
“I am delighted that the Belgian Grand Prix, an essential event for Wallonia, is confirmed on the F1 calendar for several years”agrees Pierre-Yves Jeholet (MR), the Walloon Minister of the Economy, quoted in the F1 press release. He recalls that thanks to the quality sporting infrastructure that is the circuit, Spa-Francorchamps and Wallonia are placed at the center of world attention.
“In addition to this international showcase, the event generates significant economic benefits for Wallonia, but also for Belgium. The extension of this relationship over several years will also allow the circuit teams to plan for the future, which is extremely positivef”, believes the liberal.
“We are both very proud of this renewal”rejoice Melchior Wathelet and Vanessa Maes, respectively president and general director of Spa Grand Prix. That “reflects the mutual trust that has been built as we have modernized our infrastructure and delivered record attendances and a fantastic fan experience over recent years. This contract extension has once was made possible thanks to the support of the Walloon government, but also of the fans of what we believe to be the most beautiful circuit in the world. Together, we are strengthening our commitment to the development of our wonderful Region.
Last year, the Belgian Grand Prix welcomed 380,000 spectators throughout the three days of the race weekend. This year, the event will take place from July 25 to 27 and will see the return of a Sprint race to the circuit.
F1 spa-francorchamps Belgian GP
