F1 News: F1 to race at Spa in 2026, 2027, 2029 and 2031 (2nd Update)

(GMM) Spa-Francorchamps could host Formula 1 beyond its guaranteed years under the sport’s new rotation system, according to circuit chairman Melchior Wathelet.

Earlier this year, following a period of uncertainty, F1 and the iconic venue agreed a new six-year deal running to 2031, with the Belgian GP confirmed for 2026, 2027, 2029 and 2031 – skipping 2028 and 2030 as part of Liberty Media’s plan to make room for other venues.

But Wathelet told Dutch publication Formule 1: “Maybe there will be races in the other two years as well – I’m not ruling anything out.”

The former Belgian deputy prime minister, who chairs both the grand prix organization and the circuit, explained: “In principle, there will be another circuit on the calendar in 2028 and 2030 instead of Spa-Francorchamps.

“But still, what if this doesn’t happen or doesn’t work out? Then the Belgians would be more than happy to fill the vacancy. The contract is for a minimum of four races in those years – not the maximum.”

Wathelet said Spa’s popularity is “currently enormous, greater than ever”, boosted by Netflix’s Drive to Survive and the hugely successful Brad Pitt F1 movie.

“About a third of our visitors are under 34, and about a third are also women,” he revealed. “There’s a great mix, and that’s exactly what we want. It helps keep the sport attractive, especially in Europe, where competition for attention is fierce.”

He acknowledged, however, that Liberty Media’s negotiations were “strict” – but credited the Walloon Region’s backing for securing the six-year deal.

“They do ensure a very good image for Formula 1,” he said, referring to F1’s American commercial rights holders. “The sport is currently very strong.

“Many countries want to host a race, and that’s causing the calendar to shift more and more. We now have a six-year contract with four races, which gives us perspective for the coming years, the medium term.”

Wathelet said the priority for Spa was to secure the event at least until 2027. “And after that, too, like in 2029 and 2031,” he said.

“So not in 2028 and 2030 – at least it’s possible we won’t have a race then. But it’s also possible we will, although I won’t put a percentage on that.”

This year’s Belgian GP crowd was a record 389,000 over the three days, and word is the promoters want to renegotiate their deal with F1 to include the missing years 2028 and 2030.

Formula 1 has agreed a multi-year extension with the Belgian Grand Prix that will see the sport race at the iconic Circuit de Spa-Francorchamps in four of the next six years.

The extension, which includes Grands Prix in the 2026, 2027, 2029 and 2031 seasons, follows significant investment at the circuit in recent years, including the addition of two new grandstands – increasing capacity by 10,000 – and enhancement of the off-track entertainment and fan experience.

The Wallonian circuit is celebrated by fans and drivers alike for its mixture of long straights and challenging fast corners, including one of the most famous sections of racetrack in the world as drivers power through Eau Rouge and Raidillon, then on to the Kemmel straight.

This year, the Belgian Grand Prix welcomed 380,000 fans across the race weekend in a gripping three days of action which saw Mercedes’ Lewis Hamilton claim his second win of the season, and his fifth at Spa.

Built in 1921, Spa-Francorchamps was one of just seven circuits to be part of Formula 1’s maiden championship in 1950 and has since hosted 57 Grands Prix.

Spanning 7.004km, it’s the longest circuit on the Formula 1 calendar and has seen some of the sport’s most decorated drivers, including Ayrton Senna, Michael Schumacher, Niki Lauda, and Sebastian Vettel, win there. From the current grid, Lewis Hamilton, Charles Leclerc and Max Verstappen have also taken victory at the circuit.

Stefano Domenicali, President and CEO of Formula 1, said: “The Belgian Grand Prix was one of the races that made up our maiden Championship in 1950, so as we kick off our 75th anniversary year it is fitting that we can share the news of this important extension.

“Spa-Francorchamps is rightly lauded by drivers and fans alike as one of the finest racetracks in the world and it has played host to some incredible moments over its many seasons in Formula 1. In recent years it has undergone significant work to improve the facility and overall fan experience, and I would like to pay tribute to the promoter and the Government of Wallonia for their dedication and passionate support for Formula 1 in Belgium.”

The 2025 Belgian Grand Prix will take place on 25-27 July and will see the return of the F1 Sprint to the track, providing fans with even more great racing entertainment across all three days of the race weekend.

Pierre-Yves Jeholet, Vice President of the Walloon Government and Minister of the Economy, commented: “I am delighted that the Belgian Grand Prix – a must-attend event for Wallonia – has been confirmed on the F1 calendar for several years.

“The circuit provides the Region with high-quality sports 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.

“In addition to this international showcase, the event generates significant economic benefits for Wallonia, as well as for Belgium. The extension of this relationship over several years will also allow the circuit teams to plan for the future, which is hugely positive.”

Melchior Wathelet, President of Spa Grand Prix, and Vanessa Maes, CEO of Spa Grand Prix, added: “We are both very proud of this renewal, which reflects the mutual trust built as we have upgraded our infrastructure and delivered record attendance and fantastic fan experience over recent years.

“This contract extension has once again been made possible thanks to the support of the Walloon Government but also the fans of what we believe is the most beautiful circuit in the world. Together we are strengthening our commitment to the development of our wonderful region.”