Old-school racing on F1’s rollercoaster in the forest? Count me in
There’s something about Spa-Francorchamps that sticks with you. Maybe it’s the history. Maybe it’s the setting. From sweeping corners to wild weather and a crowd that knows its racing, the Belgian Grand Prix has everything that makes Formula 1 great. It’s one of the sport’s purest challenges—here’s what makes it such a fan favourite.
Why the Belgium Grand Prix should be on your F1 bucket listSpa is long, fast and not forgiving. One lap mixes flat-out straights with tight, twisty sections. The elevation changes are huge. The corners? Some of the best in the world. Eau Rouge and Raidillon are what everyone talks about. You go flat-out, uphill, with barely a lift. It’s a proper “hold your breath” moment. Taken at around 300 km/h with a 35-metre climb, it’s still seen as one of the most demanding corners in Formula 1.
Eau Rouge
Then there’s Pouhon, a double-left taken downhill at serious speed, where drivers can pull up to 5g. Blanchimont is another flat-out bend that leads straight into the Bus Stop chicane, one of the best places to make a last-minute move. Even the slower stuff matters. La Source at Turn 1 is tight and tricky. Multiple lines, plenty of drama. 
First-lap chaos at La Source
Drivers love this place. “Spa has always been my favourite track,” says Max Verstappen. “With its fast corners and lots of opportunities for overtaking.” Fernando Alonso agrees. He calls it “one of the best circuits on the calendar.” 
Leclerc’s first victory and a moment to remember
Spa has been the site of legendary races and first-time wins. Michael Schumacher made his debut here and claimed his first win in 1992. Charles Leclerc did the same in 2019. Bruce McLaren took McLaren’s first ever win here in 1968. It’s also seen chaos, multi-car crashes, surprise results, and races where the weather turned everything on its head. 
Debut and first win—Schumacher and Benetton at Spa
Spa is known for its unpredictable conditions. It’s not unusual for it to be dry on one part of the track and pouring on another. Teams keep a close eye on the radar here, and strategy calls can make or break a race. What makes Spa special isn’t just what happens on the circuit. The location itself adds something extra. Spa is tucked away in the Ardennes forest, surrounded by rolling hills, small villages, and thick woodland. The town of Spa itself is known for its thermal baths and calm, old-world charm. It’s not the easiest place to get to, but that’s part of what makes it feel special. Many fans drive in and camp nearby. Others stay in Liège or one of the smaller towns dotted around the region. 
Packed hillsides, passionate fans—this is Spa
Spa attracts fans from Belgium, the Netherlands, and all over the world. A lot of Max fans, of course, but it’s always a good atmosphere. People don’t just come for the racing. They come for the sense of tradition and the feeling that this race still means something. Spa feels like a motorsport pilgrimage. It’s a mix of racing history, natural beauty, and a passionate crowd. That’s what makes the Belgian Grand Prix more than just another race weekend. It’s not flashy. It doesn’t need to be. What you get here is proper racing, a wild circuit, and a weekend that sticks with you. If you’re making a list of Grands Prix to attend, Spa belongs near the top. Where's the circuit?Circuit de Spa-Francorchamps is in the Ardennes region of Belgium. It’s about 40 km from Liège and around 130 km from Brussels. Most fans travel by car or shuttle bus and stay in nearby towns or campsites.
Spa-Francorchamps, hidden in the hills of Belgium
Traveling to Belgium & Spa: What you need to knowSpa-Francorchamps is in a remote part of Belgium, tucked into the Ardennes forest. It’s scenic and peaceful—but not the easiest place to reach.
Driving gives you the most flexibility. It’s the easiest way to get directly to your accommodation or the circuit. Parking passes are available, but traffic can be heavy on race day. Arrive early and expect a bit of a walk from the car park to your seat. If you don’t plan to drive, you’ve got options. You can fly into Brussels in Belgium, or choose airports in nearby countries like Cologne or Düsseldorf in Germany, or Amsterdam and Eindhoven in the Netherlands. Many of these airports have direct flights from major cities around the world. From there, you can rent a car or continue your journey by train or bus. Train services also run to Maastricht, Aachen, Liège, and smaller towns and villages near Spa from cities across Europe. It’s a good way to travel, but bear in mind there’s no train station at the circuit itself. You’ll likely need a connecting shuttle or local bus for the last leg to the track. While many race goers can visit Belgium without a visa, the exact duration and requirements can vary, so it's advisable to check the specific visa requirements based on your nationality before planning your trip. How many days should you spend at the Belgium Grand Prix?We recommend spending three full days, from Friday to Sunday, at the Belgium Grand Prix to experience everything the event has to offer. Between F1 sessions, you'll also get to enjoy a full schedule of Formula 2, Formula 3, and Porsche Supercup.
Belgium Grand Prix weekend schedule at a glanceHere’s a quick overview of what to expect each day at the Belgium Grand Prix.
Friday is action-packed with Formula 1 practice & sprint qualifying along with qualifying sessions for the support series, including Formula 2, Formula 3, and the Porsche Supercup. Saturday begins with the Formula 3 sprint race, followed by the Porsche Supercup qualifying,the F1 sprint race, additional support series races, and culminating in the thrilling Formula 1 qualifying. Sunday features support series races, the drivers' parade, and the highlight of the weekend—the Belgium Grand Prix. 
Drivers' parade
Best places to stay for the Belgium Grand Prix
Camping is a popular way to stay close to the circuit. There are plenty of campsites around Spa, with some offering pre-pitched tents. It’s a great way to soak up the atmosphere, but remember, Spa has its own micro-climate. Heavy downpours aren’t unusual, so come prepared for all conditions.
There are a few hotels in and around Spa, including one right at the circuit. But these get booked out early, sometimes a year or more in advance. If you can’t find anything nearby, try one of the larger cities within driving distance. Maastricht in the Netherlands, Aachen in Germany, and Liège in Belgium are all good options. You’ll find a mix of independent hotels and mid-range chains, and plenty of restaurants and bars. If you’re driving, you’ve got even more choice. There are hotels, holiday homes, and holiday parks scattered across the region. Many of the smaller towns and villages within an hour of the track offer quiet places to stay and a more relaxed pace. Wherever you stay, book early. Spa weekend fills up fast. Check out accommodation options in Spa here Check out accommodation options in Verviers here Check out accommodation options in Liège here Check out accommodation options in Maastricht here Check out accommodation options in Aachen here Best grandstands for key moments at the Belgium Grand PrixDespite being a high-speed circuit, Spa offers several good overtaking spots. There are at least three main passing zones to watch out for: the Turn 1 hairpin at La Source (especially at the race start), the long Kemmel Straight leading into Les Combes (helped by slipstream and DRS), and the Bus Stop chicane right at the end of the lap. Compared to tighter tracks like Hungary, Spa gives drivers more chances to make a move stick.
Tickets are split into three tiers—Gold, Silver, and Bronze. The Gold grandstands are the top tier and offer the best views of key parts of the track. Most of them are covered too, which is worth keeping in mind with Spa’s unpredictable weather. Gold 1 and Gold 9 are your best bet if you want to see the team garages, the pre-race build-up, and the chequered flag. You’ll get a close look at mechanics making final tweaks and drivers heading to the grid. These stands don’t tend to see much overtaking, though—they’re not in the heavy braking zones. 
Gold 7 and Gold 8 are located at La Source, the tight right-hander that kicks off the lap. It’s a prime overtaking spot, especially on the first lap, when the field bunches up. You’ll see plenty of action here as drivers fight for position. 
Gold 2 is just after La Source, and Gold 3 and Gold 4 are positioned at Eau Rouge. This is one of the most iconic sections in F1. Drivers flick left, then right, then head uphill flat-out through Raidillon. These grandstands give you a thrilling view of cars on the limit. Gold 6 looks over the final chicane at Turns 18 and 19. This is another overtaking opportunity and a spot where mistakes can cost drivers just before the finish line. 
Where next?If you’re heading to Spa for the Grand Prix, it’s worth turning the trip into a longer break. The region is quiet, scenic, and packed with things to do once the racing’s over.
Relax in the town of Spa Spa isn’t just a name—it’s where the word comes from. The town is known for its natural thermal waters and peaceful vibe. After a busy race weekend, spending a few hours at the Thermes de Spa up on the hill is a nice change of pace. Visit the Spa-Francorchamps museum Tucked away in nearby Stavelot Abbey, the museum showcases the history of the circuit and has race cars, photos, and memorabilia going back decades. Day trips to nearby cities Spa is within driving distance of a few standout European cities.
Historic Aachen, just over the German border
Hit the Ardennes hiking trails The Ardennes region has dozens of trails—some pass through little villages, others head deep into the woods. You don’t need to be an expert hiker to enjoy it. Stop off in Brussels If you’re flying through Brussels, it’s worth spending a night there on the way in or out. Visit Grand Place, grab a waffle, see the Atomium, or just settle into a café and people-watch. 
Brussels’ Atomium
Check out a few local breweries Belgium takes its beer seriously. You’ll find small breweries and bars scattered throughout the countryside, many of them serving beers you won’t get outside the region. Chimay and Orval are two of the better-known Trappist brewers with monasteries you can visit nearby. Contact us and start planning your trip |
|
Rob is an experienced independent travel consultant and travel content creator.
His love for Formula One started in the 1990s, watching the greats like Ayrton Senna, Michael Schumacher, and Mika Hakkinen. He traveled to his first Grand Prix in 1999. It was the Spanish Grand Prix in Barcelona. Since then, Rob has traveled to over 2/3 of Grand Prix' on the current Formula One calendar. Fast forward to today, and Rob has turned his passion into a career, dedicating his time to helping others plan their dream Formula One trips. His favourite Grand Prix destinations are Austria and Austin, and when he's not attending a Formula One Grand Prix, you'll find him closer to home, walking or cycling in the Peak District National Park. |
