Does Formula 1 Truly Have a Future at Spa?

      Li Qixiang/Xinhua via Getty Images

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      When whispers began circulating about a year ago regarding the Circuit de Spa-Francorchamps potentially being removed from the Formula 1 calendar, local residents, race organizers, and fans clad in orange filling the grandstands had much to say about it.

      For many, the 2025 expiration of the Belgian Grand Prix’s contract represented more than just the loss of an event from the sport's European roster. For the community, it signifies a blow to the local economy. Residents utilize their farm fields as parking space, and the race contributes 41.8 million euros ($48.7 million) to the area, accounting for 10 percent of a nearby town’s annual income.

      Race organizers saw the contract's expiration as alarming, especially with new events like those in Miami and Las Vegas emerging with greater financial success. “I suppose a lot of things revolve around money these days, which is the issue. It has become a business,” Lando Norris remarked in 2022 as negotiations for the South African Grand Prix threatened Spa’s continuity.

      For fans, the uncertainty surrounding Spa suggested that one of F1’s most storied and legendary tracks could be eliminated from the schedule. Ultimately, F1 renewed its contract with the Belgian Grand Prix until 2031, agreeing to a rotational format every other year starting in 2028.

      NurPhoto via Getty Images

      Last year, fans converged at the circuit, potentially for their last opportunity to witness F1 cars navigate Eau Rouge in person. The 2024 race featured an unexpected winner and some disqualification drama. However, as the 20 drivers faced a slick track under a safety car this year, it left much to be desired.

      With nearly an hour and a half of rain delay to start the Sunday race, an intense competition seemed plausible when Oscar Piastri surged alongside his teammate and championship rival Norris to seize the lead. Unfortunately, aside from a few wide corner mishaps and some clean overtakes, the Grand Prix turned out to be rather uneventful. The final standings were reminiscent of the starting grid, albeit in a slightly different sequence, with Piastri claiming victory, followed by Norris and Charles Leclerc. Contrary to expectations, the sprint race on Saturday proved to be more thrilling, filled with more drama and close racing than the main event.

      Sunday's race did provide some moments to maintain viewer interest, such as Alex Albon maneuvering his Williams to sixth place and Lewis Hamilton advancing from 16th to seventh. However, F1’s broadcast primarily focused on the dominant performance at the front. The most compelling narrative in 2025 involves the midfield competitors, yet the coverage didn't adequately highlight Liam Lawson, Gabriel Bortoleto, and Pierre Gasly, who finished among the top ten point-scorers.

      McLaren’s Oscar Piastri, who triumphed at the Belgian Grand Prix on Sunday, stood center on the podium alongside second-place finisher Lando Norris on his left and Ferrari’s Charles Leclerc in third.

      In the midst of F1's current entertainment crisis, the future of Spa remains uncertain. It possesses all the elements for a beloved race: high speeds, blind corners, historical significance, and relatively low entry and concession prices. Yet, Sunday’s race failed to capitalize on that potential. In reaction to the 44-lap procession, fans took to social media to share Max Verstappen’s radio message from the 2024 Monaco Grand Prix: “This is boring, should have brought my pillow.”

      The upcoming regulations for 2026 may introduce more excitement. Smaller and lighter hybrid cars are expected to increase speeds at one of the fastest tracks on the circuit. However, the new rules also bring elements of unpredictability. The lack of braking opportunities on the track means fewer chances for energy recuperation. With lighter vehicles combined with reduced downforce, greater speeds, and a track that rarely fully dries, the risks associated with racing are significantly heightened.

      NurPhoto via Getty Images

      The 4.3-mile circuit has a long and tragic history, with its safety often called into question: “The two questions are, is Spa safe enough?” George Russell commented last year. “And then, it’s a question of the conditions.” Over the years, F1 has increasingly prioritized safety in its decision-making regarding Spa, as evidenced by the decision to delay the race’s start on Sunday. Still, the venue's extensive list of fatalities and ongoing uncertainty present challenges to its long-term viability.

      So, what lies ahead for Spa?

      Perhaps it is indeed better suited for the history books or for this intermittent format that makes room for more contemporary race-hosting locations. Yet, traditionalists still passionately discuss the Belgian Grand Prix as a timeless homage to the sport and its legends: “It's one of the best tracks in the world,” as Hamilton stated