It’s no surprise that the new contract between F1 and the Belgian Grand Prix starting in 2026 will make the event a rotational one. Spa-Francorchamps will be vacating its traditional spot in 2028 and 2030, in which we will not see the legendary circuit on the calendar.
The message is clear. No matter the history, or “the status” of the Grand Prix, it is not safe from the chopping block in the hands of F1’s management.
This is a symptom of a wider issue in the world of F1. The chase for money and who can give the most means there is a serious danger of alienating the core fan base — and that is not a good thing.
What it curtails
Let’s set the stage, current contracts are ending, as is routine. As part of contract negotiations, you’re bidding for to be in the F1 calendar, you have to outbid other countries as well.
This poses one key factor to reel in, money. The more money the circuit is willing to bid, the more likely they are to be picked as part of the calendar.
This is a delight to the Middle East. With their seemingly infinite money, they are able to ease their way in the calendar. Saudi Arabia, Bahrain, Qatar, and the United Arab Emirates all have spots inside the now 24-race calendar.
Such is their wealth, Italian and Spanish club cup finals are now held in Saudi Arabia. Many respected human rights groups see it as sportswashing.
Where’s the problem?
Alongside the organisation and logistics of an F1 weekend. Contract negotiations mean the circuits have to pay F1 for the race to be hosted there.
However, this poses a threat to the European circuits like Spa-Francorchamps. How? They have to bid at a level the Middle Eastern countries, or be close to it. That is virtually impossible.
As a matter of fact, let’s give an example. Recently, Zandvoort decided to not continue to bid for F1 races. While we may not know the exact reason, it seems to be likely that the heavy burden was way too much for the organisers to handle.
Where does the fan aspect come from?
The added pressure of other circuits taking their beloved spot means they have to make a choice. Whether they make a compromise, as we saw with Spa, to vacate years, in order to save money. Or they bite the bullet and increase the price of tickets. Essentially passing on the cost to the consumer.
In either case, it is not a good look for fans willing to watch trackside.
Who is really to blame here?
As we cannot really blame the Middle East for being more fortunate with their wealth, it can be circled back to FOM. Their unwillingness to budge in the name of short-term profit means a few things. Organisers are hurt, for one thing. Since they have to foot the bill somehow. Fans are hurt. Since the agreed upon contract, in most cases, isn’t enough.
It doesn’t help that the TV deals make it harder for the typical fan to watch. As the same problems occur for each rights holder, wherein pay television almost always triumphs.
What now, exactly?
This is only one of the mistakes that FOM has made. Your best bet is to keep speaking up, and not let this be the end of it.
It seems that now is the time to realise that FOM should not take viewers for granted. Because, as with all things, the bubble will burst at some point.
