F1 Tracks: Circuit de Spa-Francorchamps - Belgium Grand Prix

Located in the Wallonian town of Stavelot, the circuit has been a fixture on the Formula 1 calendar since returning in 1983.

Traditionally the venue for the first race back after the summer break, the track is now stationed before the mid-summer hiatus on the F1 calendar.

The layout is characterised by its fast, sweeping corners and significant changes in elevations and is known as one of the most challenging on the schedule, with the weather often playing a huge part in the outcome of races at the 'University of Driving'.

Circuit de Spa-Francorchamps location

Although widely known as Spa, the Circuit de Spa-Francorchamps lies closer to Francorchamps, which is in the municipality of Stavelot.

When was Circuit de Spa-Francorchamps first built?

The original circuit was designed in 1920 and incorporated public roads running between the areas of Francorchamps, Malmedy and Stavelot.

Its first race in 1921 was cancelled after only one driver entered and after finally staging an event in 1922, the venue joined the Grand Prix ranks in 1925. However, its brutal layout meant it was often taken on and off the schedule.

Modifications meant it was deemed suitable to be included in the first official F1 World Championship in 1950 but the decision to shorten the track led to the tightening of corners and often eye-watering speeds.

Add in that the weather often plays its part and Circuit de Spa-Francorchamps gained a reputation for both excitement and notoriety, with Stirling Moss once crashing in practice and missing the remainder of the season.

Further changes were made in 1969, but the race was moved two years later due to fresh safety concerns and did not return until 1983, retaining its place ever since.

Circuit de Spa-Francorchamps track length

Originally around 15km long, the current layout used for Grand Prix is measured at 7.004km, or 4.352 miles, allowing organisers to pack in 70,000 supporters per day during race weekends.

When did Circuit de Spa-Francorchamps first host an F1 race?

Circuit de Spa-Francorchamps first held a Grand Prix in 1925 and staged its maiden F1 race in 1950 when it was one of seven venues included in the first official championship.

It was won by Alfa Romeo driver Juan Manuel Fangio, who also took the chequered flag in both 1954 and 1955.

Circuit de Spa-Francorchamps most wins

Michael Schumacher won six times at the Circuit de Spa-Francorchamps, triumphing in 1992, 1995, 1996, 1997, 2001 and 2002.

That was one more occasion than Ayrton Senna (1985, 1988, 1989, 1990 and 1991) and Lewis Hamilton (2010, 2015, 2017, 2020 and 2024), while Jim Clark and Kimi Raikkonen have each won four times in Belgium.

Does Circuit de Spa-Francorchamps host any other events?

The Circuit de Spa-Francorchamps is well-utilised across the range of motorsport disciplines.

The FIA World Endurance Championship, FIM Endurance World Championship, Intercontinental GT Challenge and GT World Challenge Europe have regular stops in Belgium.

Formula Two and Formula Three also race at Spa-Francorchamps, with their events scheduled to coincide with Formula One's week-long residence at the track.

The venue also hosts the eponymous 24 hours race, as well as the 1000km Spa, while fans of two-wheeled racing can catch the FIM Endurance World Championship at the event.

Circuit de Spa-Francorchamps weather

The weather at Circuit de Spa-Francorchamps is variable, to say the least.

Previously taking an August slot in the calendar had often led to wet and windy conditions wreaking havoc among the drivers, prompting the race to be scheduled a month in advance by organisers.

The conditions can notably play a part around the double-whammy of the section between Eau Rouge and Blanchimont, with its famous switchback "S" curve.