Formula 1's evolving calendar continues to stir up emotions, particularly with its apparent strategy to reduce the number of European races to just eight — a move confirmed by Belgian Grand Prix president Melchior Wathelet. With Spa-Francorchamps securing a rotation contract until 2031, the move reflects F1's global expansion ambitions, but also raises concerns among fans who view Europe as the heart of the sport.
The Spa contract: A new era
Spa-Francorchamps will host the Belgian Grand Prix in 2026, 2027, 2029 and 2031, moving to a rotation model rather than an annual presence. Wathelet expressed satisfaction with the deal, but acknowledged the difficult discussions:
“Formula 1 only wants eight GPs in Europe,” he noted, highlighting the difficulty of securing a long-term contract.
Currently, F1 has 10 European races on the calendar, but the reduction mechanisms are becoming evident. The one-year extension of the Dutch GP until 2026 and the potential rotation of the Circuit de Barcelona-Catalunya with Spa after 2027 could reduce the number of European races to align with F1's purported goal .
The global expansion of F1
The reduction in European races coincides with the growing popularity of F1 around the world. New venues like Rwanda, South Africa, South Korea and Argentina are vying for a place on the calendar, while CEO Stefano Domenicali has hinted there could be rotating European races to accommodate global growth.
This strategy aligns with F1's quota of 24 races per season, which was reached in 2024, and the desire to spread the calendar across diversified markets. However, the plan has drawn criticism from fans who fear iconic circuits will be sacrificed in favor of less traditional venues.
Spa Investment and Challenges
Spa's continued inclusion in F1 comes at a high cost. Ahead of the 2024 race, significant investment was made to upgrade the facilities, including safety improvements, which helped attract a record audience of 380,000 spectators. Despite this, the event recorded a loss of 3 million euros.
Subsidies from the Walloon government, which previously supported the event, will be limited in the future. Wathelet remains optimistic, stating:
“The amount is higher from 2026, but it is an increase of 3 to 4 percent. We thought that was reasonable. »
The Debate: Tradition vs. Globalization
The decision to reduce European races highlights a wider debate within F1. While expanding into new markets offers financial opportunities and a global audience, it risks alienating longtime fans who cherish the sport's traditional venues.
Spa, with its rich history and thrilling races, embodies this conflict. Wathelet hinted that Spa's rotating deal could expand if new races do not materialize, suggesting flexibility in the face of fan and financial pressures.
Conclusion: A Balancing Act
F1's desire to limit the number of European races reflects its globalization strategy, but it must move carefully to preserve its heritage. Spa-Francorchamps remains a cornerstone of the sport, and while its rotational status guarantees its presence, this move signals a shift in priorities that could redefine the essence of Formula 1.
The question now is whether F1 can balance its ambition for global growth with the deep-rooted traditions that have defined the sport for decades. Only time will tell if this strategy will succeed in keeping fans engaged or leave them longing for the golden age of European F1 domination.
