A track guide is essential reading as Formula 1 returns to Spa-Francorchamps and the Belgian Grand Prix at one of the sport’s most storied venues.
A favourite of drivers and fans alike, Spa carries a rich history and tradition, having held every Belgian Grand Prix since 1983, missing only three races in that time. Races were held before that date even, though it was on the daunting 8.76-mile public road monster that came before the current permanent layout.
More changes have been made in recent years, with the famous Eau Rouge-Raidillon complex modified following a spate of horrific incidents in all racing categories, yet the charm is yet to disappear.
It may be going on rotation soon, but Spa remains a true challenge for driver and machine – and that’s before the weather decides to play a part!
Belgian Grand Prix track guide
A thrilling, high-speed circuit is naturally kicked off with a tight, slow, right-hand hairpin at La Source, though traction is crucial for the long slog that follows.
Turns two and three are there in name only, with the first a kink unnoticeable to an F1 car. T3 is a kink to the left after a run downhill which sets up the exhilarating change of direction while moving sharply uphill – first to the right at Eau Rouge and then left, over the crest, at Raidillon.
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All that momentum is crucial as the throttle sticks on all the way down the Kemmel Straight and the first of the DRS zones before drivers have to pick a braking point after what seems an eternity to get the car slowed down for the Les Combes chicane.
That takes cars right and then left, though entry is compromised to ensure a good run through the right-handed Malmedy. Gravel waits on the outside to punish any mistake.
Back down the hill now towards Bruxelles, a painfully long right-hander that tempts drivers into squirting the throttle too early. Once that’s out the way, the track continues downhill towards Speaker’s Corner, a small lift to the left with danger lurking on the outside.
A small run to Pouhon, which is one of the most exciting corners on the calendar: speeds of at least 160mph as cars tilt in to a double-apexed left-hander with the track continuing to fall downwards – throttles applied after the first apex.
The tricky Fagnes Chicane comes next – time can be lost when too greedy through the first right-hander, which then compromises entry to the left. Once negotiated, Stavelot‘s mid-speed right-hander brings an end to sector two.
Traction there is vital as the speed is wound up through the Curve Paul Frere, and onto the Blanchimont run, perhaps not as fearless as once was in modern machinery but stunning nevertheless. Two full-throttle flicks to the left through this section leads to the heaviest – and final – braking zone on the track.
The final chicane is tight, technical and slightly clumsy. In place of the old Bus Stop, this is now an acute right over a lump in the road before another acute left and onto the start-finish line – made more awkward by pit-entry being located on the outside.
DRS can be activated here as drivers cross the line to complete a lap.
Belgian Grand Prix 2025 directions: How to get to Spa-Francorchamps
Despite the circuit’s remote location in the Ardennes Forest, transport links are handy for getting to the circuit.
Located between Liege and Brussels, the capital city’s airport is nearest for those flying to Belgium for the race, albeit some 70 miles away.
Shuttle buses run from a number of major cities in Belgium, Germany, France and the Netherlands, including Amsterdam, Brussels, Eindhoven, Lille and even Luxembourg.
The nearest major train station to Spa is Verviers Central Station, which does run buses to the circuit on race weekends, while country roads link the venue to the E42 motorway for those driving the journey by car.
Belgian Grand Prix: Spa-Francorchamps records
Perhaps unsurprisingly, given the circuit’s heritage, some of the biggest names in F1 have amassed the most victories at Spa, though that is not to say that the rain hasn’t brought plenty of drama in its history.
Take the 1998 grand prix that saw a huge pile-up on the run to Eau Rouge: that was won by the Jordan team, a one-two secured by Damon Hill and Ralf Schumacher to give what was then the Irish team’s biggest day in the sport.
In recent years, the race has belonged to one driver in particular, Max Verstappen, with the Dutch/Belgian support getting behind the Belgian-born Dutchman.
Belgian Grand Prix: Drivers with the most wins at Spa-Francorchamps
- Michael Schumacher – 6 wins [1992, 1995, 1996, 1997, 2001, 2002]
- Ayrton Senna – 5 wins [1985, 1988, 1989, 1990, 1991]
- Lewis Hamilton – 5 wins [2010, 2015, 2017, 2020, 2024]
- Jim Clark – 4 wins [1962, 1963, 1964, 1965]
- Kimi Raikkonen – 4 wins [2004, 2005, 2007, 2009]
Belgian Grand Prix: Teams with the most wins at Spa-Francorchamps
- Ferrari – 14 wins [1952, 1953, 1956, 1961, 1966, 1996, 1997, 2001, 2002, 2007, 2008, 2009, 2018, 2019]
- McLaren – 12 wins [1968, 1987, 1988, 1989, 1990, 1991, 1999, 2000, 2004, 2005, 2010, 2012]
- Lotus – 5 wins [1962, 1963, 1964, 1965, 1985]
- Mercedes – 5 wins [2015, 2016, 2017, 2020, 2024]
- Red Bull – 3 wins [2021, 2022, 2023]
Belgian Grand Prix: Last 10 winners at Spa-Francorchamps
- 2024 – Lewis Hamilton, Mercedes
- 2023 – Max Verstappen, Red Bull
- 2022 – Max Verstappen, Red Bull
- 2021 – Max Verstappen, Red Bull
- 2020 – Lewis Hamilton, Mercedes
- 2019 – Charles Leclerc, Ferrari
- 2018 – Sebastian Vettel, Ferrari
- 2017 – Lewis Hamilton, Mercedes
- 2016 – Nico Rosberg, Mercedes
- 2015 – Lewis Hamilton, Mercedes
Belgian Grand Prix fastest lap
The lap record for Spa fell last season when Sergio Perez set a 1:44.701s in the race, smashing the previous race benchmark set by Valtteri Bottas in 2018 by almost one-and-a-half seconds.
Lewis Hamilton‘s pole position in 2020 is the fastest outright lap of the circuit, the seven-time champion posting an effort of 1:41.252s.
