Spa-Francorchamps to Host Four Races in Six Years
The Belgian Grand Prix has signed a new contract with Formula 1, ensuring the historic Spa-Francorchamps circuit remains on the calendar for four out of six seasons between 2026 and 2031. This is the first rotational agreement of its kind in F1, designed to accommodate new venues in an already packed schedule.
Under the deal, Spa will host races in 2026, 2027, 2029, and 2031, while other circuits will replace it in 2028 and 2030. The venues for these alternating years are yet to be confirmed.
European Race Rotations and New Opportunities
The rotational strategy reflects F1’s balancing act between retaining its European heartland and exploring global expansion. Here are some key details:
- Potential Rotational Venues:
- Barcelona (Spain): Losing its Grand Prix to Madrid in 2025.
- Imola (Italy): Seeking to renew its contract.
- Dutch GP (Netherlands): Contract ends in 2026, with future uncertain.
- Exploring New Markets:
- Africa: A potential race in Rwanda, slated for 2028 at the earliest.
- Asia: Interest from Thailand for a race by 2030.
- Historic Returns:
- France: Off the calendar since 2022.
- Germany: Last hosted a race in 2019.
- Turkey: A return is possible after its last race in 2021.
Spa-Francorchamps: A Legendary Circuit
F1 President Stefano Domenicali highlighted Spa’s significance:
“Spa-Francorchamps is rightly lauded by drivers and fans alike as one of the finest race tracks in the world… It has played host to some incredible moments over its many seasons in Formula 1.”
In recent years, Spa has undergone major upgrades to enhance the fan experience, further solidifying its place as a cherished venue in F1’s history.
The Bigger Picture for Formula 1
With the F1 calendar already maxed out at 24 races, expanding to 25 races per year would require renegotiating team contracts for the post-2026 regulatory period. However, there’s broad consensus that the sport is at its scheduling limit.
The rotational model allows F1 to keep iconic tracks like Spa while integrating new global venues to maintain the sport’s growth and relevance.
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