Belgian Grand Prix Remains Positive For Place On F1 Calendar As Contract Expiry Looms

The contract with the Belgian Grand Prix is due to expire at the end of this year.

The racing world is abuzz with speculation as to whether the iconic Belgian Grand Prix will be on the F1 calendar in 2024. Despite strong competition from the South African GP, which is vying for a place on the schedule, the mood in Belgium is decidedly optimistic.

For many F1 drivers, Spa-Francorchamps is a beloved circuit, yet the future of the GP has often been precarious, with European races facing increasing difficulties in keeping their heads above water while American GPs seem to be thriving as the sport has dramatically increased in popularity in the States.

Despite these challenges, the Belgian GP has remained on the calendar for 2023. However, it has yet to secure a new deal for 2024, and much will depend on the outcome of the South African Grand Prix. F1 officials are keen to return to Kyalami, bringing the sport to almost every continent, but there have been delays in securing the necessary finances. Even in 2023, the circuit failed to meet all the financial requirements.

Spa-Francorchamps, on the other hand, is confident that a positive outcome will eventually prevail. "A delegation from the F1 Group came by this month,'' Vanessa Maes, head of organisation at Francorchamps, told Het Laatste Nieuws. 

If the South African Grand Prix is still not in a place to go ahead, the organisers for the Belgian GP are hoping to secure a further two year contract to be on the F1 calendar. While this may not be as impressive as some of the Middle Eastern countries' contracts and Las Vegas which is looking to extend its contract until 2032, the track is not too worried about it, given the upcoming new regulations in 2026.