Brussels,9 January (H.S): Formula 1 has agreed a multi-year expansion with the Belgian Grand Prix, which will see the sport held at the iconic Circuit de Spa-Francorchamps in four of the next six years. The expansion covers the 2026, 2027, 2029 and 2031 Grand Prix seasons.

Last year, the Belgian Grand Prix welcomed 380,000 fans to three days of thrilling action across the race weekend, with Mercedes' Lewis Hamilton taking his second win of the season and his fifth at Spa.

Built in 1921, Spa-Francorchamps was one of just seven circuits to be part of Formula 1's first championship in 1950 and has since hosted 57 Grands Prix. The Wallonian circuit is celebrated by fans and drivers alike for its mix of long straights and challenging fast corners, including one of the most famous sections of the world's racetrack, where drivers pass through Eau Rouge and Raidillon, then head onto the Kemmel Straight.

Spanning 7.004km, the circuit is the longest on the Formula 1 calendar and has featured some of the sport's most famous drivers, including Ayrton Senna, Michael Schumacher, Niki Lauda and Sebastian Vettel. From the current grid, Lewis Hamilton, Charles Leclerc and Max Verstappen have also won at the circuit.

This season, the Formula 1 Belgian Grand Prix 2025 will take place on 25-27 July and will see the return of the F1 Sprint to the track, giving fans even more great racing entertainment across all three days of the race weekend.

Stefano Domenicali, Formula 1 President and CEO, said in a Formula 1 press release, The Belgian Grand Prix was one of our first championship-forming races in 1950, so as we celebrate our 75th anniversary, it is fitting that we can share news of this important expansion. Spa-Francorchamps is admired by drivers and fans as one of the finest racetracks in the world and has hosted some incredible moments in Formula 1 over its many seasons. In recent years it has undergone significant work to improve the facility and the overall fan experience, and I would like to thank the promoter and the Government of Wallonia for their dedication and passionate support for Formula 1 in Belgium. Melchior Vathelet, President of Spa Grand Prix, and Vanessa Maes, CEO of Spa Grand Prix, said in the release, We are both very proud of this renewal, which reflects mutual trust as we have upgraded our infrastructure and delivered record attendances and a fantastic fan experience in recent years. This contract extension has once again been made possible thanks to the support of the Walloon government and fans, together we are reinforcing our commitment to the development of our wonderful region.

Hindusthan Samachar / Jun Sarkar