| Date | July 25th-27th |
|---|---|
| Circuit Length | 7.004 km |
| Laps | 44 |
| Lap Record | 1:44.701 – Sergio Perez (2024) |
| Previous Winner | Lewis Hamilton – Mercedes (2024) |
History of the F1 Belgian GP
The original Spa-Francorchamps circuit, designed by Jules de Thier and Henri Langlois van Ophem, was constructed in 1921. It utilized public roads connecting Francorchamps, Malmedy, and Stavelot to form a stunning 14.9 km triangle-shaped track winding through the Ardennes region’s lush forests and rolling hills.
In 1979, the track underwent significant redevelopment, reducing its length by half. Despite this, the modern circuit remains the longest on the F1 calendar at 7.004 km, preserving its reputation as one of the most challenging and picturesque tracks in motorsport.
Spa-Francorchamps hosted its first non-championship Grand Prix in 1924, setting the stage for its legendary status in Formula 1. The track became part of the inaugural F1 championship in 1950, joining just six other circuits on the schedule.
That year’s race was won by Juan Manuel Fangio, one of the best Formula 1 drivers of all time, who led an Alfa Romeo one-two finish ahead of teammate Nino Farina. Fangio’s mastery of Spa, along with his five world championships, cemented his legacy among the sport’s greatest icons. Today, Spa remains a favorite among Formula 1 drivers, known for its fast, flowing corners and iconic sections like Eau Rouge and Raidillon.
Spa-Francorchamps Highlights
Spa-Francorchamps, a classic staple of the F1 calendar, has been the stage for countless dramatic moments and unforgettable overtakes in Belgian Grand Prix history. Among these, one stands out above the rest: Mika Hakkinen’s legendary maneuver during the 2000 season.
Battling his championship rival Michael Schumacher, Hakkinen delivered one of the most iconic overtakes in Formula 1 history, capitalizing on the presence of backmarker Ricardo Zonta. As the trio approached the Eau Rouge/Raidillon complex, Schumacher moved to the left of Zonta’s BAR-Honda, but Hakkinen seized the opportunity. Using the double slipstream to his advantage, he darted to the right, overtaking both cars under braking at Les Combes.
Hakkinen’s daring move not only earned him the race lead but also secured a victory that remains etched in Formula 1 lore as a masterclass in precision, bravery, and racecraft.
Circuit Specifications
- Corners: 19
- DRS Zones: 2
- Pit Stop Strategies: One-Stop Strategy
- Most Used Tires: The most common approach involves starting on medium tires and switching to hard tires.
The Spa-Francorchamps circuit is known for its demanding layout, which can lead to significant tire wear, especially on the left front tire due to high-speed corners like Eau Rouge and Pouhon. However, advancements in tire technology and improved car setups have enabled F1 teams to manage tire degradation effectively, making a single pit stop feasible under normal race conditions.
Spa is one of the most cherished circuits among drivers, offering a thrilling blend of long straights and high-speed, challenging corners that push cars and drivers to their absolute limits—at least when the weather cooperates.
The sheer size of the track, combined with Belgium’s unpredictable weather, often creates unique challenges, with rain soaking one section of the circuit while another remains completely dry. This variability means drivers must constantly adapt as grip levels can shift dramatically from one corner to the next.
A standout feature of the circuit is Eau Rouge, perhaps the most iconic corner sequence in motorsport. As drivers sweep left, right, and power uphill through Raidillon, this breathtaking section tests their precision, bravery, and skill like few others in the world.
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F1 Belgian GP FAQs
- Which driver has the most wins at Spa?
Michael Schumacher holds the record with 6 victories at Spa-Francorchamps. - What is the average speed during the Belgian GP?
The average speed is approximately 230 km/h, depending on weather conditions. - Why is the corner called Eau Rouge?
Eau Rouge is named after the small stream that flows beneath the circuit at that section. The name translates to “Red Water” in French due to the reddish tint of the water caused by iron deposits.