Belgian Grand Prix: Spa-Francorchamps, a legendary circuit
The Belgian Grand Prix at Spa-Francorchamps is a legendary Formula 1 event. Introduced in 1950, the layout is accompanied by steep gradients, with almost zero visibility in some parts of the circuit. With conditions often difficult, especially in the rain, Spa remains a favorite with drivers.
This week, Formula 1 will be dropping its bags in Spa-Francorchamps for the Belgian Grand Prix and its legendary circuit of the discipline. With a historic venue, we can expect a race that is both intense, but equally dangerous.
A circuit anchored in the ages
What makes the Spa-Francorchamps circuit one of the most renowned in motorsport, and particularly in Formula 1, is probably its history. Introduced in 1950, during the first year of Formula 1, it is located in the middle of the Belgian Ardennes, offering a spectacular view, and above all, an elevation that makes the track challenging to navigate.
Beyond being a historic circuit, Spa-Francorchamps is above all a very technical circuit conducive to many accidents. The famous Raidillon, a sadly famous turn, is one of the corners that is taken blindly. With an almost 17% incline, difficult for drivers to see the track. An invisible danger that has led to many tragedies since its introduction to the calendar.
In the 1969, the circuit, being considered too dangerous, also left the Formula 1 calendar for almost fifteen years. Despite a new layout since then, its presence does not seem guaranteed in the list of Grand Prix races due to rain. With a track already dangerous in ideal conditions, the rain present at the Grand Prix for 20 editions makes visibility absolutely zero. An alarming situation for the drivers’ health.
This year again, the Belgium Grand Prix announced rain. After the death of Dilano van’t Hoff last year following poor visibility on the track and that of Anthoine Hubert in 2019 on a dry track, the Spa-Francorchamps circuit requires special caution from the drivers throughout the race.
The favorite Grand Prix of the drivers
Despite difficult race conditions, the Spa-Francorchamps circuit only experienced 2 DNFs for the 2023 Formula 1 Grand Prix edition. It was won by Max Verstappen, who had started in sixth place due to a penalty.
Spa-Francorchamps circuit is currently the largest circuit on the Formula 1 calendar. With just over 7km to cover, it has only about forty laps which makes it both short, but also very long. The best time set to date on the circuit is held by Lewis Hamilton in 1:41.252 during the qualifying session in 2020. What makes its layout so unique is the mix of straight lines and fast corners that require impressive technical skill.
Although it remains one of the most complicated races to this day, the Belgian Grand Prix and its track remain one of the favorites so far. It’s one of my favorites. But of course, the circuit has changed a lot over time, just like the cars we drive, Sebastian Vettel declared before his departure. Some corners are easier now because we have more aerodynamic support. We can now take Eau Rouge flat out, but the turn remains unique, as do those of Pouhon and Blanchimont, which are spectacular.
The Formula 1 grid is therefore eagerly awaiting the Grand Prix, just like the fans who attend every year. With a race that acts as the last one before the summer break, much will be at stake in this Grand Prix. However, it will be necessary to remain cautious in order not to be caught by the danger that the circuit represents.
