What makes the Belgian Grand Prix special – and why you should see it

The Belgian Grand Prix is a classic Formula 1 event, and was part of the first season back in 1950. Steeped in history, the legendary Spa-Francorchamps circuit in the Ardennes region is relished and respected by the grid.

It has produced many unforgettable moments over the years, and continues to be very special. Let's take a look at just some of the reasons why Belgium is so brilliant.

A driving paradise

Spa-Francorchamps has long been called a driver’s circuit – and for good reason. The demands of the circuit are well known – the punishing mix of high-speed sections, blind corners, and dramatic elevation changes mean every lap requires that racing trinity of skill, focus and bravery.

It’s also a place where talent shines through. The weather in the Ardennes can change in an instant, grip levels are inconsistent and overtaking requires confidence as much as calculation. Fernando Alonso once said Spa is a circuit “where the driver can make the difference” – which is why it remains such a favourite up and down the grid.

When is the next Belgian Grand Prix?

The 2026 Belgian Grand Prix weekend begins on Friday 17 July, with F1 cars hitting the track for the first two Free Practice sessions, before Free Practice 3 and Qualifying take place on Saturday 18 July. The Grand Prix itself is on Sunday 19 July, at 1500 local time.

Check out the RACE HUB to see when each F1 session starts in your local time zone, wherever you are in the world.

Why we love the Circuit de Spa-Francorchamps

Spa is among the most loved tracks of any F1 driver, with its mix of long straights and challenging fast corners allowing them to push their cars to the edge – if it’s dry, that is. If it's not, and it frequently isn't, the challenge gets even bigger.

The size of the circuit and the nature of Belgian weather mean it can sometimes be raining on one part of the track and dry on another, so grip can vary from one corner to the next.

Keep an eye on the thrilling Eau Rouge, arguably one of the most famous sequence of corners in the world. Drivers approach at high speed, flick left, right, and continue to power up the hill through Raidillon.

The weekend schedule is full of action and there's plenty to look forward to every day, with F1 Free Practice, Qualifying and the Grand Prix all supported by other categories. That means even more opportunities to see cars on track.

There’s fantastic live entertainment, enthusiastic support and a superb atmosphere.

During the day there's the stacked F1 Fanzone too, with activities, entertainment, and the chance to see drivers and team representatives live on stage.

The elevated grandstand located near Eau Rouge gives you a great view of the iconic corner, while also boasting panoramic views from La Source through to Raidillon, but if you fancy taking in some of the best trackside atmosphere, then check out the grandstand at Pouhon corner.

Memorable moments in Spa

Spa has served up some unforgettable standout moments throughout the years since first hosting an F1 weekend in 1950.

We couldn’t possibly list them all, but here’s a selection to whet your appetite for more…

1963 – Jim Clark delivered one of the greatest-ever wet-weather drives, lapping almost the entire field in treacherous conditions. It cemented both his brilliance and Spa’s reputation as a true ‘driver’s circuit’.

1992 – Michael Schumacher made a bold tyre gamble to claim his maiden F1 victory. Ayrton Senna produced headlines earlier in the weekend, likely saving Erik Comas' life after a terrifying Qualifying accident.

1998 – The race descended into chaos almost immediately, with a huge multi-car pile-up forcing a restart. Damon Hill then led home a remarkable Jordan one-two and the team’s first ever F1 victory.

2010 – It was sunshine one minute, heavy rain the next. Lewis Hamilton kept his head while others faltered, surviving spins, Safety Cars and ever-changing grip levels to take a crucial win in a tight championship battle.

2014 – Tensions boiled over when Mercedes team mates Nico Rosberg and Hamilton made contact on Lap 2.

2018 – There was a frightening-looking first-corner crash involving Nico Hulkenberg, Fernando Alonso and Charles Leclerc, with Alonso’s car launched over the top of Leclerc’s — a dramatic early validation of the halo.

2019 – Leclerc claimed his maiden Formula 1 victory, holding off a late Hamilton charge by less than a second. It was a deeply emotional triumph, coming the day after the death of his friend Anthoine Hubert in the Formula 2 Feature Race, with Leclerc dedicating the win to him.

2024 – George Russell looked to have pulled off a stunning one-stop win, nursing ageing hard tyres to beat Lewis Hamilton on the road by just half a second. But his Mercedes was later found to be underweight, triggering a disqualification and promoting Hamilton to victory.

How can I watch the Belgian Grand Prix?

Nothing beats being there! Head to F1 Tickets to secure your place and catch all the action in person. F1 Experiences has a great range of premium ticket packages too, getting you closer to Formula 1 than ever before.

For details of the broadcaster in your area, click here.

You can also watch the drama unfold via F1 TV Pro (in selected countries only).