F1 have announced that the Belgian Grand Prix will remain on the calendar until the end of the 2025 season.
The race at Spa-Francorchamps was set to see its contract expire at the end of2024 but F1 and race organisers have now agreed a new one-year contract to keep the Belgian GP on the calendar for 2025.
This announcement that 58 Begian Grands Prix will of been held at Spa by the end of 2025 – having debuted on the calendar in 1950, but the race endured spells away from the circuit at Nivelles and Zolder duringg the 1970 & 80s for safety reasons.
The Belgian GP also was left off the caleendar in 1957, 59, 69, 71, 2003 & 06 for various reasons from financial to safety reasons, and latterly a full circuit refurbishment in 2006.
F1 President and CEO, Stefano Domenicali is “delighted” to retain the Belgian GP with Spa considered “synonymous” with F1 due to its history and popularity with fans.
Domenicali also praised organisers for their race-weekend improvemnts, as he commented: “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.”
Vice President and Minister for the Economy of Wallonia, Willy Borsus meanwhile is “proud” that the Belgian GP will remain at Spa, where “considereable economic impact” will continue to benefit the region with reduced public funding.
Borsus also iterated that the race is important for motorsport and economic growth for the Belgian region, as he said: “The Formula 1 Grand Prix thus embodies both an emblematic moment in motor sport and a powerful engine of economic growth for our Region.”
The Belgian GP’s most recent race winner is Red Bull’s Max Verstappen who has won the last three races at Spa-Francorchamps, including that controversial 2021 race where only one lap was completed with half-points awarded en-route to his maiden title.
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