The Belgian Grand Prix to be maintained on a rotational basis until 2031
Formula 1 announced on Wednesday, January 8, that the Belgian Grand Prix will be on the calendar until 2031, marking a record six-year extension. However, the event will only be held four times during this period.
This Wednesday, January 8, F1 confirmed the extension of the Belgian Grand Prix until 2031. Historically, the extensions of the Belgian Grand Prix were negotiated for one or two years, constantly leaving uncertainty about the future of the event. But this time, thanks to significant investments in infrastructure and compliance with modern F1 standards, the Spa-Francorchamps circuit is securing its medium-term future. However, it will forego two of the next six editions (2028 and 2030) to allow for a rotation of European rounds in the calendar.
A true breath of fresh air for Spa
By announcing the news, the CEO of Formula 1, Stefano Domenicali, did not hide his relief. « Belgium is among the countries that have hosted a Grand Prix since the inception of F1 in 1950. In 2025, we will celebrate the 75th anniversary of the World Championship and even the centenary of the first Grand Prix held at Spa in 1925. » Indeed, a hundred years ago, the Belgian road circuit hosted the very first European Grand Prix, won by the Alfa Romeo P2 of Antonio Ascari, father of the double world champion Alberto Ascari, the last Italian driver to have been crowned in Formula 1.
The absence of the Grand Prix in 2028 and 2030 still raises questions, but it primarily reflects F1’s desire to ensure greater flexibility in its schedule. This strategy also provides organizers the opportunity to spread the organizational costs over six years while maintaining the circuit’s visibility in the F1 world.
