F1 News: Belgian Grand Prix Future Confirmed

Spa is here to stay until 2025.

After much speculation, the iconic Spa Francorchamps that hosts the Belgian Grand Prix will continue to be a part of the F1 calendar until 2025 after the signing of a one-year contract extension.

For many years the future of the Belgian GP had been a bit hazy as the sport looks to add tracks to its calendar that go far beyond European boundaries, like the Kyalami in South Africa. However, talks of its addition didn't fall through. 

Spa was under pressure to keep its place on the Formula 1 calendar as a result of the current Concorde Agreement that limits the number of races to 24 per season. Fortunately, the extension of the contract would do justice to the latest changes made to the circuit.

Two new grandstands were added increasing its seating capacity by 10,000. The 2023 edition of the Belgian Grand Prix witnessed an attendance of 380,000 people through the weekend, which is 20,000 more than last year's count.

Speaking about the extension of the contract, the President and CEO of F1 Stefano Domenicali said:

"Spa is synonymous with Formula 1 having been one of the circuits in our first ever season and is much-loved by fans and drivers alike, so I am delighted to extend our relationship with them until 2025.

The promoter has taken big strides in the last few years to improve the fan experience and infrastructure, and work is ongoing between all the stakeholders with a clear focus on delivering safe and exciting racing. I would like to thank the promoter and the Government of Wallonia for their continued support.”

Positive Economic Impact

Willy Borsus, Vice-President and Minister for the Economy of Wallonia spoke of the positive economic impact the contract extension brought to the region. He added:

“We are proud and excited to announce that the Formula 1 Grand Prix will take place in Wallonia in 2025. Our region will once again rise to the top of the international scene, thanks to its high-quality events and legendary sports infrastructure.

Beyond the prestige, I would like to emphasise the considerable economic impact that this event brings to Wallonia and Belgium. According to a study carried out in 2021, the Grand Prix generates positive spin-offs of €41.8 million for our region, after deduction of public funding, which is steadily decreasing.

These figures constitute a solid indication of the financial impact, and the positive outlook means that we can expect even more positive results this year. The Formula 1 Grand Prix thus embodies both an emblematic moment in motor sport and a powerful engine of economic growth for our Region.”

Just like the current season, the Belgian Grand Prix in 2024 is expected to take place before the summer break.