F1 announces ‘multi-year’ extension with Belgian Grand Prix

The Belgian Grand Prix and F1 have agreed on a ‘multi-year’ extension, but there is a catch

Formula 1 announced on Wednesday a “multi-year extension” of the Belgian Grand Prix, held at the historic Circuit de Spa-Francorchamps.

But there is a catch.

The extension will bring the F1 grid to Spa in four of the next six seasons, with the Belgian Grand Prix now scheduled for 2026, 2027, 2029, and 2031. The Belgian Grand Prix is also on the calendar for the upcoming 2025 F1 campaign.

In the announcement Stefano Domenicali, the President and CEO of Formula 1, paid tribute to Spa’s place in the sport’s history.

“The Belgian Grand Prix was one of the races that made up our maiden Championship in 1950, so as we kick off our 75th anniversary year it is fitting that we can share the news of this important extension,” said Domenicali. “Spa-Francorchamps is rightly lauded by drivers and fans alike as one of the finest racetracks in the world and it has played host to some incredible moments over its many seasons in Formula 1.

“In recent years it has undergone significant work to improve the facility and overall fan experience, and I would like to pay tribute to the promoter and the Government of Wallonia for their dedication and passionate support for Formula 1 in Belgium.”

The move is the latest by F1 to shake up its schedule. With the sport continuing to grow in popularity around the world, and more nations and race promoters looking for a spot on an already long season calendar, F1 is looking at ways to expand the sport while not adding additional races each year.

For example, last month the sport announced that the 2026 Dutch Grand Prix would be the final version of that race, under a one-year extension. There is growing sentiment in and around the sport that a rotational calendar will be implemented for some races, particularly races in Europe.

This announcement regarding the Belgian Grand Prix might be the latest indication that such a model is coming to F1.