But above all it is a great victory for Spa Grand Prix and the Walloon Region, who fought to maintain this international showcase on the most beautiful circuit in the world. Negotiating with F1 is never easy. A few years ago we were told that we would no longer be on the calendar. So, having a contract until 2031, certainly with two holes, is a long-term vision. This allows us to sustain, to invest, to better negotiate our contracts with our partners, to keep our skills, and above all to put the Walloon Region forward, in the long term. So yes, we are super happy », Can only smile Vanessa Maes, general director of Spa Grand Prix, organizer of the F1 Grand Prix in Francorchamps. A director who is confident, especially with this new contract which ensures that the most beautiful circuit in the world and the region will still live to the rhythm of F1 in the coming years. “ For 2028, it’s still a long way off, but we’re talking more about alternation, so we’ll see from then on. But if we were to find ourselves without a Grand Prix we would then plan for 2028 an event around Formula 1 », to maintain this spirit and the connection with the spectators.
The Walloon Minister of the Economy, Pierre-Yves Jeholet, also reacted, welcoming the maintenance of F1 in Francorchamps, “ the circuit offers the Region a high-quality sporting infrastructure capable of hosting exceptional events and, thanks to the F1 GP, the Spa-Francorchamps Circuit, and through it, Wallonia, is placed at the center of global attention . Beyond this international showcase, the event generates significant economic benefits for Wallonia (1€ invested = 7€ benefits for the region), but also for Belgium. A Grand Prix weekend means 380,000 spectators, half a billion viewers, economic benefits of €42 million for Wallonia and €55.1 million for Belgium », explains and recalls Pierre-Yves Jeholet.
But in the immediate future, while everyone is delighted with this contract, it is the 2025 edition that is being actively prepared. “ An edition which is presenting itself well, we are approaching the mark of 70,000 tickets sold out of 115,000 available per day, because yes we were still able to increase the gauge by 5,000 spectators per day for this year. One of the new features especially for 2025 is that Francorchamps will be the only Grand Prix in Europe to host the Sprint Race, which promises two great days on Friday and Saturday, in addition to the Grand Prix on Sunday, we will therefore have two races in 2025”, smiles Vanessa Maes again, who has spared no effort in recent months, like many other people involved in Spa Grand Prix and the Walloon Region, to maintain this unique showcase for the image of Wallonia. Also as a reminder, the big F1 celebration at Francorchamps will take place this year from Friday July 25 to Sunday July 27.
