Formula 1: Belgian Grand Prix to Continue at Spa-Francorchamps Until 2031

The Belgian Grand Prix at Spa-Francorchamps will remain on the Formula 1 calendar until 2031, with the circuit securing a new contract.

The Belgian Grand Prix at Spa-Francorchamps will continue to be a part of the Formula 1 calendar, albeit with a slightly reduced frequency. As part of a contract extension announced by Liberty Media-owned Formula 1 on Wednesday, the Belgian Grand Prix will be held in four out of six years leading up to 2031.

The specific years in which the Belgian Grand Prix will take place are 2026, 2027, 2029, and 2031. Conversely, this means that the event will not be held in 2028 and 2030. This year's Belgian Grand Prix is already scheduled to take place on July 27.

The Formula 1 calendar is set to undergo significant changes in the coming years, with several venues facing uncertain futures. While the alternate venue for the 2028 and 2030 seasons has yet to be confirmed, it is clear that the 2028 campaign will mark the first time since 2006 that Spa will not host a race.

Imola in Italy and the Spanish Grand Prix circuit outside Barcelona are two tracks whose futures are up in the air. Imola's contract is set to expire in 2026, whereas Italy's primary race at Monza has been secured until at least 2031. Meanwhile, Madrid is scheduled to host a Grand Prix from 2026 to 2035, potentially adding another Spanish venue to the calendar.

Other European tracks, such as the Dutch Grand Prix at Zandvoort, have already announced their departure from the calendar after 2026. However, France and Germany, which last hosted Grands Prix in 2022 and 2020, respectively, may return to the calendar in the future. Furthermore, Formula 1 is actively exploring opportunities to expand its presence in Africa, with Rwanda and South Africa emerging as potential hosts, as well as further expansion in Asia.

The Belgian Grand Prix has a rich history in Formula 1, dating back to the inaugural world championship season in 1950. The Spa-Francorchamps circuit is revered alongside iconic tracks like Monaco, Monza, and Silverstone as one of the sport's most historic and beloved venues. Initially, the circuit's contract was set to expire after the 2023 race, but a recent extension has ensured its continued presence on the calendar, albeit with a reduced frequency.

The Spa-Francorchamps circuit boasts an impressive heritage, having first hosted racing events in 1921. Over the years, it has been the site of 57 Grands Prix and remains the longest track on the current Formula 1 calendar. The circuit's layout features several iconic sections, including the daunting plunge down to Eau Rouge/Raidillon and the lengthy Kemmel straight. These characteristics have cemented Spa-Francorchamps' reputation as a true driver's track.

Formula 1 have announced a multi-year extension deal with the Belgian Grand Prix that will see Spa on the calendar in 4 of the next 6 seasons: 2026, 2027, 2029, and 2031 🇧🇪🚨 pic.twitter.com/gJKoDFi7at

— Sky Sports F1 (@SkySportsF1) January 8, 2025

Formula 1 chief executive Stefano Domenicali praised the circuit, saying, “Spa-Francorchamps is rightly lauded by drivers and fans alike as one of the finest racetracks in the world and it has played host to some incredible moments over its many seasons in Formula 1. In recent years it has undergone significant work to improve the facility and overall fan experience.” Domenicali's comments highlight the circuit's enduring appeal and the efforts made to enhance the spectator experience. These upgrades include the construction of new grandstands, contributing to the circuit's impressive attendance figures, such as the 380,000 spectators who attended the event over the three-day weekend last season.