The one in Belgium was one of the six grands prix that made up the first Formula 1 world championship in 1950, in addition to France and Monaco . Those three mythical races are in danger, since their contracts come to an end and the current owners of the category, Liberty Media , are prioritizing commercial aspects over history or prestige.
And while Monaco clings to the argument that its legacy makes it indispensable, Spa-Francorchamps doesn’t want to make the same mistake.
Qatar, Las Vegas and the return of China are on the provisional calendar for 2023, which will have a record number of 24 races. In addition, there is so much more interest around the world to increase that figure, so keeping their place on the calendar has become exceedingly difficult for traditional races that are not among the so-called destination races, as Liberty likes to say, that They are races in the main international markets, near or in the heart of the big cities.
Capitalizing on Formula 1’s new global appeal, Americans are determined to turn every grand prix into a mini-Super Bowl , complete with frills, whether or not that suits fans and historic racing venues.
In talks over the contract with Spa, the government-backed organization behind the Belgian GP, F1 CEO Stefano Domenicali and his team have made it very clear that they expect Spa to follow that same concept of entertainment if you want to have a future. And the people in charge of the circuit are willing to accept that idea.
“It is true that there has been a request from F1 to bring more entertainment,” admits Spa Grand Prix commercial director Stijn de Boever .
“They told us the story is great, but we need more. We have decided to listen and follow their new way of delivering F1 events. The American way, with all the entertainment that goes with it.”
“We are planning all kinds of entertainment, with DJs, exclusive events, fan zones and activities around the circuit. It can be said that our legendary grand prix will also receive the necessary shine. If we want to continue hosting races in the future, we have to modernize ourselves” .
Although Spa acknowledges that it also needs to erase the bad taste in the mouth of the farce of the 2021 edition, which was suspended after only three laps in the rain behind the safety car, its new effort to win over fans and the rights holder F1’s commercials stem from a concern for the future rather than the past .
The long-term £80m track renovation project, which saw the return of the motorcycle 24 Hours of Spa , but also benefits motor racing and spectators alike, is another key piece of the puzzle, as well. in an effort to curb the unfortunate traffic problems that plagued last year’s race, when torrential rains turned car parks into mud baths.
“The new Raidillon grandstand offers some incredible views and the circuit itself has worked hard to improve its facilities and become more sustainable,” says de Boever.
“Traffic-wise, we’ve been working with the local police to add car parks further away from the track on solid ground, near Malmedy, with shuttle buses transporting fans to and from the track. 2019 was pretty good when it was dry, but now we have more options to offer better parking on hard ground.
“Of course, it’s still Spa. We don’t have trains that can serve tens of thousands of people.”
It remains to be seen if all this is enough to wow F1 and see him awarded a new contract. Spa has been in frequent talks with F1, with event director Vanessa Maes traveling to Imola and de Boever present in the Barcelona paddock, while Walloon president and politician Melchior Wathelet has also been in close contact with Domenicali.
Spa’s optimism that they will get a new deal is not shared by everyone in the paddock, but it wouldn’t be the first time in recent history that a race has been given up and finally renewed.
“F1 is very pleased with our plans,” de Boever said. “They’re happy we’re continuing to invest in a better fan experience, even though race day has been sold out since December.”
“It has happened before that we are heading to a grand prix without having any certainty about the following year, so it is not a big problem. We are looking for an annual race, not to alternate with another grand prix, but we will listen to what F1 proposes. “.
“It is clear that Liberty Media has found a new way of organizing F1 races and we are going to follow them.”
“Yes, we have something to prove. We don’t have petrodollars, but we can prove that we are a legendary grand prix that can entertain 100,000 fans a day. It’s a huge advantage that they can experience it first hand in August.”
