The Belgian Grand Prix will remain a fixture on the Formula 1 calendar for four out of the six years leading up to 2031.
The Belgian Grand Prix at Spa-Francorchamps will be removed from the Formula One schedule in 2028 and 2030 as part of a contract extension that was announced on Wednesday. Under this extension, the race will be hosted four times in the six-year period leading up to 2031. The upcoming grand prix for this year has already been confirmed for July 27 and will also include a Saturday sprint race.
The location for the alternate venue in 2028 and 2030 has not yet been determined. However, there are potential options in other parts of Europe as Formula One plans to introduce a rotational system for its 24-race format. Imola in Italy and the current Spanish Grand Prix circuit near Barcelona are both facing uncertain futures. Madrid is scheduled to host a race from 2026 to 2035.
Imola’s contract is set to expire in 2026, while Italy’s main race at Monza has been confirmed until at least 2031. The Dutch Grand Prix at Zandvoort has already made the decision to remove itself from the calendar after 2026. On the other hand, France, which last hosted a grand prix in 2022, and Germany, absent since 2020, have the possibility of making a comeback.
Formula One is eager to make a comeback in Africa, marking the first time since 1993. Both Rwanda and South Africa have expressed interest, and there have been discussions about expanding further into Asia.
Belgium played a significant role in the inaugural season of the Formula One World Championship in 1950. The Spa circuit, along with Monaco, Monza, and Silverstone, holds a revered status as one of the sport’s most historic venues.
The contract for Spa was originally set to expire after this year’s race. Having been in use since 1921, the circuit has hosted a total of 57 grands prix. It stands as the longest track on the calendar, featuring the iconic Eau Rouge/Raidillon plunge and the lengthy Kemmel straight.
F1 Chief Executive Stefano Domenicali stated, “Spa-Francorchamps is rightfully praised by both drivers and fans as one of the world’s finest racetracks. It has witnessed numerous unforgettable moments throughout its extensive history in Formula One.” Domenicali also highlighted the recent improvements made to enhance the facility and overall fan experience.
In recent years, new grandstands have been constructed at Spa-Francorchamps. Last season, the circuit saw an impressive attendance of 380,000 over the course of the three-day weekend.
