After a disastrous Belgian Grand Prix in 2021, which was contested over just one scored lap behind the Safety Car due to heavy rain, it was long believed that the 2022 edition of the race would be the last one for a very long time. Multiple new venues like Kyalami lined up to fill the gap that Spa-Francorchamps would leave behind once the contract ran out.
However, due to the South African Grand Prix not being able to finalise their bid and securing a place on the ever-growing Formula 1 calendar, the race returned for both 2023 and 2024. And according to Belgian news outlet Het Laatste Nieuws the race is secured for 2025 as well.
Always a fan favourite, the Belgian Grand Prix has seen a increased attendance in the last few years, primarily caused by the success of Max Verstappen, who is both part Belgian and has a very large fanbase living close to the seven kilometer long track in the Ardennes.
A calendar without the Belgian Grand Prix wouldn’t be out of the ordinary, as the race has been off the calendar multiple times before for political, economical or safety reasons, but the organisation has capitalised on the recent success and managed to convince Formula 1 to return to Spa-Francorchamps.
Sources close to the newspaper say that if there are no sudden issues the negotiations should be finalised this week, capping of a successfull bid by former politician Melchior Wathelet. This means the extension isn’t formally confirmed yet, but that will only be a matter of time, according to HLN.
The organisers aimed for an extension until 2026 or even 2027, but only managed to secure a spot on the 2025 calendar. There is however room for optimism, because “as long as you are actually on the calendar and doing good work, you are in a stronger negotiating position for the future,” the newspaper noted.
It was officially confirmed on Friday that Spa is remaining on the calendar for at least another two seasons.
“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,” said Stefano Domenicali, President and CEO of Formula 1.
“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.”
