Formula 1 have agreed a one-year contract extension with the Belgian Grand Prix that will see the event remain on the calendar until 2025.
The event at Spa-Francorchamps has come under pressure to keep its place on the schedule since the Covid-19 pandemic, with the return of the Dutch GP and criticism about the venue’s infrastructure.
In July 2023, Formula Regional driver Dilano van ‘t Hoff died in an accident on the Kemmel Straight in wet conditions, which came three years after the death of Formula 2 driver Anthoine Hubert.
It shone a light on the safety of Spa, which divided the paddock, but F1 will be racing there in 2024 and 2025.
“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,” said F1 CEO Stefano Domenicali.
“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.”
Positive news around Belgian GP
Willy Borsus, Vice-President and Minister for the Economy of Wallonia, added: “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.
“Beyond the prestige, I would like to emphasize 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.”
