The Circuit de Spa-Francorchamps and the Belgian Grand Prix: The Crown Jewel of Formula 1
The Circuit de Spa-Francorchamps is one of the oldest and most iconic venues in Formula 1. Its original 1921 design used public roads, stretching nearly 15 kilometers through the Ardennes forest between Francorchamps, Malmedy, and Stavelot. In 1979, Spa underwent a major redesign that shortened it to 7.004 km, but it remains the longest circuit on the current F1 calendar.
First hosting a Grand Prix in 1925, Spa has a history marked by dramatic elevation changes, challenging high-speed corners, and notoriously unpredictable weather. Spa joined the inaugural F1 world championship season in 1950 and, aside from a few exceptions due to cancellations and calendar changes, has hosted the Belgian Grand Prix every year since 1985.
The modern layout preserves signature turns such as Eau Rouge and Raidillon—corners revered by drivers for their technical difficulty and sheer commitment. The La Source hairpin, Kemmel Straight, Pouhon, Blanchimont, and the Bus Stop chicane complete a lap that challenges both machinery and skill. The track’s setting among forests and hills is not just breathtaking but also plays into the ever-changing weather, making races here famously unpredictable.
Spa’s racing history is equally distinguished. Legendary names like Juan Manuel Fangio, Ayrton Senna, Michael Schumacher, Lewis Hamilton, and Max Verstappen have each added Spa victories to their résumés. Michael Schumacher, in particular, holds the record for most Belgian Grand Prix wins at six.
Race weekends at Spa typically cover 44 laps, totalling just over 308 kilometers. The circuit’s current official lap record in a Grand Prix is 1:46.286, set by Valtteri Bottas in 2018.
In recent years, Spa continues to deliver drama, including tight championship battles, disqualifications, strategic masterstrokes, memorable wet races, and fierce on-track rivalries.
For many fans and drivers, Spa-Francorchamps is the ultimate test and highlight of the Formula 1 calendar—a place where motorsport history, technical challenge, and natural beauty converge in every race.