F1 News
Belgian Grand Prix remains on Formula 1 calendar through 2025
Formula 1 has announced that the Belgian Grand Prix will remain on the calendar until 2025. The Spa-Francorchamps circuit has a rich history in F1. It has hosted 56 Grands Prix since the first race in 1950, and at 7,004 kilometres it is the longest circuit on the current Formula 1 calendar.
In recent years, the infrastructure around the circuit has been significantly developed, including a 10,000-seat capacity increase with the addition of two new grandstands along the track. In addition, new venues for entertainment for Formula 1 fans have emerged, including space for music concerts. This year's Belgian Grand Prix attracted as many as 380,000 visitors over the whole weekend, an increase of 20,000 compared to 2022. The circuit is loved by drivers, spectators, and television viewers at home.
Domenicali is satisfied
Stefano Domenicali, President and CEO of Formula 1, says he is very pleased with the new deal with the Belgians: ""Spa is synonymous with Formula 1 having been one of the circuits in our first ever season and is much-loved by fans and drivers alike, so I am delighted to extend our relationship with them until 2025."
According to Domenicali, the circuit has made many positive changes, and there is strong support from the local government: "The promoter has taken big strides in the last few years to improve the fan experience and infrastructure, and work is ongoing between all the stakeholders with a clear focus on delivering safe and exciting racing. I would like to thank the promoter and the Government of Wallonia for their continued support."
Willy Borsus, Vice-President and Minister of Economy of Wallonia, where the circuit is located, is proud of the new agreement: "We are proud and excited to announce that the Formula 1 Grand Prix will take place in Wallonia in 2025. Our region will once again rise to the top of the international scene, thanks to its high-quality events and legendary sports infrastructure."
Prestige and economic impact
According to Borsus, the Grand Prix generates significant economic growth for Wallonia, and more broadly for Belgium. In addition, according to the vice-president, the event is good for the prestige of the region and the country.
"Beyond the prestige, I would like to emphasise the considerable economic impact that this event brings to Wallonia and Belgium. According to a study carried out in 2021, the Grand Prix generates positive spin-offs of €41.8 million for our region, after deduction of public funding, which is steadily decreasing. These figures constitute a solid indication of the financial impact, and the positive outlook means that we can expect even more positive results this year. The Formula 1 Grand Prix thus embodies both an emblematic moment in motor sport and a powerful engine of economic growth for our region."