Formula One has announced that the Belgian Grand Prix at the Circuit de Spa-Francorchamps will be staged on a rotational basis in the future as part of a new contract agreement.
The Belgian Grand Prix will appear on the F1 calendar for four of the next six seasons after 2025, taking place in 2026, 2027, 2029 and 2031. It marks a first step from F1 to introduce circuit rotation to its calendar amid sizable demand from countries around the world to host a grand prix.
The practice has not been common in F1 since the early 2010s when two tracks, Hockenheim and the Nurburgring, shared hosting duties for the now-defunct German Grand Prix.
F1 is yet to announce which circuits will be taking part in the rotation with Spa, but it is recognized as a way to take the sport to more markets as it continues to enjoy a swell in popularity.
“The Belgian Grand Prix was one of the races that made up our maiden championship in 1950, so as we kick off our 75th anniversary year it is fitting that we can share the news of this important extension,” said Stefano Domenicali, F1’s CEO and president.
“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 One.
“In recent years it has undergone significant work to improve the facility and overall fan experience, and I would like to pay tribute to the promoter and the Government of Wallonia for their dedication and passionate support for Formula One in Belgium.”
Mercedes’ George Russell won the Belgian GP in 2024 (Jonas Roosens/BELGA MAG/AFP via Getty Images)
Spa’s rotational deal is the latest shift for F1’s European calendar going forward after it was confirmed in December that the Dutch Grand Prix would not take place after 2026. This came after the promoters at Zandvoort opted against seeking a long-term contract extension.
The Circuit de Barcelona-Catalunya will host its final Spanish Grand Prix this year before the race moves to Madrid for 2026, but there remains interest from the promoters in Barcelona to remain on the calendar should the right deal be struck.
Outside of Europe, Rwanda and South Africa have both shown an interest in hosting a grand prix in the future, while there remains early interest from South Korea and Thailand.
The future of the Belgian Grand Prix looked in doubt a few years ago due to concerns from the local government about the cost of hosting the race, leading to a series of one-year extensions.
Spa is renowned for being one of F1’s most challenging and revered circuits due to its high-speed corners and undulations, making it a favorite among the drivers.
The track underwent a number of safety upgrades in the wake of Anthoine Hubert’s death in a Formula Two race in 2019. Two years ago, Formula Four driver Dilano van ’t Hoff was killed in a similar accident, prompting numerous F1 drivers to raise further questions over the suitability and safety of the track.
This year’s Belgian Grand Prix is scheduled to take place on July 27.
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(Rudy Carezzevoli/Getty Images)
