What if Spa-Francorchamps pulled off a major coup to host Formula 1 in 2028 and 2030?
The president of the Belgian circuit does not rule out the possibility of staging a Grand Prix in 2028 and 2030, although the event is not currently scheduled for those years.
The announcement had greatly angered Formula 1 fans. Earlier in the year, Spa-Francorchamps had signed a new contract with the sport’s leaders to host the single-seaters until 2031. But that does not mean six Grand Prix.
Indeed, the F1 will come to the Ardennes in 2026 and 2027, but it will be necessary to wait until 2029 and 2031 to see them again on the Belgian track.
« Liberty Media is a group with rigorous negotiators, and they know exactly what they want. They ensure to give a very good image of Formula 1, and the discipline is currently very strong », explains Melchior Wathelet, president of the Spa-Francorchamps circuit, in an interview with Formule1.nl.
Many circuits want to host Formula 1, which has been the trendsetting discipline for a few seasons. But with a very high number of applications against a more limited number of slots, the leaders must make choices.
If Spa does not appear on the calendar for the hypothetical years 2028 and 2030, the massive investments made in recent years could well turn in favor of the Walloon region and this essential motorsport site. Thanks to the support of the Walloon Region, we have been able to negotiate well. We now have a six-year contract with four races, which gives us a perspective for the coming years, in the medium term.
« For us, it was important to be certain of having a Grand Prix at least until 2027. And also after, like in 2029 and 2031. And so not in 2028 and 2030. At least, it is possible that we may not have a race in those years. But it could also be that we will have one, even though I won’t give a percentage chance. »
These statements bring a glimmer of hope to Belgians and residents of neighboring countries, but especially to the drivers who are unanimous when it comes to mentioning the pleasure of going to the Ardennes for the Belgian Grand Prix.
