MADRID, 8 Ene. (EUROPA PRESS) –
The Belgian Grand Prix renewed this Wednesday with Formula 1 in a “multi-year” agreement by which it will be run at the emblematic Spa-Francorchamps Circuit in four of the next six years -2026, 2027, 2029 and 2031-, as it will become a rotating career, according to a statement.
“Formula 1 has agreed a multi-year extension with the Belgian Grand Prix that will see the sport race at the iconic Spa-Francorchamps Circuit in four of the next six years,” the competition announced on its website.
The extension includes the Grand Prix of the 2026, 2027, 2029 and 2031 seasons, and comes after the “significant investments made in the circuit in recent years”, highlighted F1, including the addition of two new grandstands – increasing capacity in 10,000 spectators.
The circuit is considered one of the most appreciated by fans and drivers alike for its “mix of long straights and fast, challenging corners, including one of the most famous circuit sections in the world, where drivers pass at full speed. speed through Eau Rouge and Raidillon, and then along the Kemmel straight”.
Built in 1921, Spa-Francorchamps was one of seven circuits that formed part of the inaugural Formula 1 championship in 1950 and has since hosted 57 Grands Prix. This year, the Belgian Grand Prix welcomed 380,000 fans during the weekend with the victory of the British Lewis Hamilton (Mercedes), who added his fifth victory on this track.
At 7,004 km, it is the longest circuit on the Formula 1 calendar and some of the most successful drivers in this sport have won there, such as Ayrton Senna, Michael Schumacher, Niki Lauda and Sebastian Vettel. From the current grid, Lewis Hamilton, Charles Leclerc and Max Verstappen have also achieved victory at the circuit.
“The Belgian Grand Prix was one of the races that formed part of our inaugural Championship in 1950, so as we enter our 75th anniversary year it is fitting that we can share the news of this important expansion,” said Stefano Domenicali, President and CEO of Formula 1.
For the leader, “Spa-Francorchamps is rightly praised by drivers and fans alike” and considered it “one of the best circuits in the world.” “In recent years it has undergone significant works to improve the facilities and the overall fan experience, and I would like to pay tribute to the promoter and the Government of Wallonia for their dedication and passionate support of Formula 1 in Belgium,” he added. .
Pierre-Yves Jeholet, Vice President of the Walloon Government and Minister of the Economy, was “delighted that the Belgian GP remains on the calendar. “The circuit provides the Region with high-quality sporting infrastructure capable of hosting exceptional events, and thanks to the FIA Formula 1 World Championship, Spa-Francorchamps, and through it, Wallonia, is placed at the center of global attention,” he said.
For their part, the president of the track, Melchior Wathelet, and the general director of the GP, Vanessa Maes, acknowledged being “very proud of this renovation”, because it “reflects the mutual trust” between F1 and the circuit, thanks to the improvement of the “infrastructure”, “record attendance and a fantastic fan experience in recent years.”
“This extension of the contract has been possible once again thanks to the support of the Walloon Government, but also of the fans of what we believe is the most beautiful circuit in the world. Together we reinforce our commitment to the development of our wonderful region,” they concluded.