Belgian Grand Prix

A triangle of Ardennes public roads became Europe's most demanding circuit the moment Ascari's Alfa Romeo P2 crossed the line in June 1925.

The first Belgian Grand Prix took place on 28 June 1925 on the original Spa-Francorchamps circuit, a 14.9-kilometre triangle of public roads linking the villages of Francorchamps, Malmedy, and Stavelot. Antonio Ascari won the inaugural race driving an Alfa Romeo P2. The circuit, designed by Jules de Thier and Henri Langlois Van Ophem, had opened in August 1921 for motorcycle racing and quickly proved itself as one of Europe's most demanding tracks.

Fangio took the first championship Belgian Grand Prix in 1950 on a circuit where the roads had barely changed and the margin for error was nil.

When the FIA launched the Formula 1 World Championship in 1950, Spa-Francorchamps was included as the fifth round of the inaugural season. Juan Manuel Fangio won that first championship Belgian Grand Prix on 18 June 1950, driving an Alfa Romeo 158. The old circuit remained largely unchanged: a fearsome stretch of fast, open road where average speeds climbed year on year and the margin for error was essentially nil.

Clark took four straight Belgian wins at old Spa, but driver safety protests led by Stewart saw the race quit the circuit after 1970, never to return.

Through the 1960s, the old Spa circuit became synonymous with both brilliance and tragedy. Jim Clark dominated here, winning four consecutive Belgian Grands Prix from 1962 to 1965. But the circuit's lack of barriers, run-off areas, and medical facilities drew increasing concern. In 1969, drivers led by Jackie Stewart threatened to boycott the race over safety standards. The Grand Prix moved away from Spa after 1970, rotating between the purpose-built circuits at Nivelles (1972, 1974) and Zolder (1973, 1975–1982).

Half the kilometres, every last metre of magic intact.

After a massive redesign that shortened the circuit from 14.1 kilometres to 6.9 kilometres, Formula 1 returned to Spa in 1983. The new layout retained the essential character of the old track, including the Eau Rouge-Raidillon section and the long Kemmel Straight, but added modern safety features. Alain Prost won the comeback race for Renault. The shortened circuit preserved what made Spa special: elevation changes of over 100 metres, blind crests, and that unique microclimate where it can rain on one part of the track while the sun shines on another.

A debut ended by a failed clutch; six Belgian victories followed. Spa never forgot him.

On 25 August 1991, a 22-year-old German named Michael Schumacher made his Formula 1 debut at Spa-Francorchamps, qualifying seventh for Jordan. His clutch failed on the first lap, but the performance was enough to earn him a Benetton seat the following week. Schumacher would go on to win the Belgian Grand Prix six times, more than any other driver, forging an unbreakable bond between the man and the circuit. His first F1 victory also came at Spa, in 1992.

Thirteen cars gone on lap one; Hill's 22nd win made it Jordan's first.

The 1998 Belgian Grand Prix remains one of the most extraordinary races in F1 history. Torrential rain triggered a 13-car pile-up on the opening lap at La Source. The race was restarted, and Damon Hill, in his final season, drove a masterful wet-weather race to give the Jordan team their first ever Grand Prix victory. It was Hill's 22nd and final win. Spa's weather had once again written the script, reminding everyone why this circuit produces drama that no other venue can match.

Räikkönen climbed from tenth to the top step; the rebuilt circuit had already secured its place on the calendar before the chequered flag fell.

After the 2002 race, Spa dropped off the calendar due to Belgium's tobacco advertising ban, which conflicted with F1's major sponsors. The circuit underwent significant upgrades during its absence, including new pit facilities, improved run-off areas, and enhanced spectator infrastructure. F1 returned in 2004, and Kimi Räikkönen won a thrilling race from tenth on the grid. The investment ensured Spa-Francorchamps would remain a permanent fixture on the calendar rather than a rotating guest.

Two laps behind a safety car was enough to crown a world champion and rewrite the rulebook.

The 2021 Belgian Grand Prix became the shortest race in Formula 1 history. Persistent heavy rain delayed the start for over three hours before the cars completed just two laps behind the safety car. Max Verstappen was declared the winner, with half points awarded. The farcical result prompted the FIA to change its rules, requiring a minimum racing distance before points could be awarded. Spa's weather had always been part of its character, but this was a step too far even for the Ardennes.

Over 80 races run and a centenary approaching, Spa-Francorchamps remains the ultimate test of a driver's courage and skill.

A major redevelopment completed ahead of the 2022 season saw the circuit's gravel traps expanded, new grandstands built, and the pit building modernised, all while preserving the layout that makes Spa irreplaceable. The Belgian Grand Prix has now been held over 80 times, making it one of the most frequently staged Grands Prix in history. As the circuit approaches its centenary in 2025, Spa-Francorchamps remains what it has always been: the ultimate test of a racing driver's courage and skill, set against the backdrop of the Ardennes forest.