The Formula 1 have agreed to a multi-year extension on Belgian Grand Prixwhich includes the Grand Prix in the 2026, 2027, 2029 and 2031 seasons, as announced this Wednesday. Spa is the first European permanent circuit to accept the future circuit system and shows the way to Barcelona-Catalunya and Imola, while also pending the renewal of their current contract.
The iconic Circuit de Spa-Francorchamps will host the events in four of the next six years and the agreement comes after significant investment in the circuit in recent years, including the addition of two new grandstands (increasing capacity of 10,000 spectators) and improving off-track entertainment and fan experience, demands that are becoming ‘mandatory’ to keep events on the permanent European circuit.
The path of carrying out deep renovations and updates as well as considering the rounds is shown in other permanent circuits in Europe that negotiate their continuation in the F1 calendar such as Barcelona-Catalunya and Imola, which should be announced next.
This year, the Belgian Grand Prix welcomed 380,000 fans over the race weekend for three exciting days of action as Mercedes’ Lewis Hamilton took his second victory of the season and his fifth at Spa.
Built in 1921, Spa-Francorchamps was one of the seven circuits that formed part of the first Formula 1 championship in 1950 and has since hosted 57 Grands Prix. With an extension of 7,004 km, it is the longest circuit on the calendar.
The renewal of the agreement with the legendary Spa comes as its neighbors in the Netherlands give up hosting the GP in Zandvoort so they can fulfill their current contract in 2026.
Stefano Domenicali, president and CEO of Formula 1, explained in the official statement that: “The Belgian Grand Prix was one of the races that formed our first championship in 1950, so, at the beginning of the year of our 75. anniversary, it is fitting that we can share the news of this important expansion.”
“Spa-Francorchamps is rightly hailed by drivers and fans as one of the best circuits in the world and has been the scene of some incredible moments over its many seasons in Formula 1. Over the years, it has had an important made to improve the facilities and the overall fan experience, and I would like to pay tribute to the promoter and the Government of Wallonia for their dedication and passionate support of Formula 1 in Belgium.”
Source: La Verdad
I’m Rose Herman and I work as an author for Today Times Live. My expertise lies in writing about sports, a passion of mine that has been with me since childhood. As part of my job, I provide comprehensive coverage on everything from football to tennis to golf.
