Spa secures 2025 F1 race with one-year extension
Spa-Francorchamps secures its place on the Formula 1 calendar until 2025 after signing a one-year contract extension, following upgrades to infrastructure and safety.
The iconic Spa-Francorchamps circuit will remain on the Formula 1 calendar in 2025 after signing a one-year contract extension with Formula 1 promoters, it was announced today.
The deal provides a reprieve for the legendary Belgian Grand Prix, which has faced an uncertain future amidst the rapid expansion of new events in F1’s calendar.
Spa has held a place in F1 since the championship's inception in 1950, with its sweeping layout through the Ardennes forests making it a firm favorite of drivers and fans alike.
However, nearby competition from 2021’s hugely popular Dutch Grand Prix at Zandvoort placed Spa’s future in doubt.
Additionally, the disastrous 2021 Belgian GP, which saw just two laps run behind the safety car due to rain, amplified scrutiny surrounding the venue.
Nonetheless, Max Verstappen’s meteoric championship campaigns have continued boosting spectator numbers at Spa despite the Orange Army’s migration to the Netherlands.
Buoyed by added grandstand capacity, 2023’s race weekend saw a 20,000 attendance increase to 380,000.
Moving from its traditional August date to July for 2024, Spa clearly remains a drawcard location for Formula 1.
Announcing the extension, Formula 1 noted significant infrastructural upgrades implemented by Spa organizers in enlarging spectator capacity and improving entertainment offerings.
F1 CEO Stefano Domenicali emphasized Spa’s importance as a historic circuit, hinting also at the ongoing collaboration between stakeholders to optimize racing safety.
With sweeping modifications made to notorious corners like Eau Rouge in recent years, it’s clear Spa is willing to adapt itself to secure its F1 future.
While only a brief extension, this deal represents a vote of confidence in Spa’s ability to attract substantial crowds while delivering an engrossing F1 event.
The iconic circuit continues holding a special place in Formula 1, meaning any permanent removal from the calendar would be highly contentious.
For now, the Ardennes forests can continue echoing to the screams of F1 engines through 2025 at least. Fans and drivers will surely rejoice at the news.
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