Round 14 of the Formula 1 calendar becomes the final race of July before the summer break. This time we travel southwest, through Austria, into Germany, into the iconic municipality of Stavelot, Belgium. From there the journey ventures north to the village of Francorchamps. Where Formula 1 arrives to host the star-studded Belgium Grand Prix at the Circuit De Spa Francochamps.
Heritage and History of the Belgium Grand Prix
The emergence of the Circuit De Spa Francorchamps dates back to 1920. Jules de Their owner of the Liège newspaper, La Meuse had the ambition to revive the La Meuse Cup. A race that faces suspension upon the events of World War l. However, in 2021, it was not long until the track began its ascendancy. As racing driver Henri Langlois van Ophem and the mayor of Spa Baron Joseph de Crawhez at the time, decided to create a new chapter in the inception of Spa Francorchamps.
The ambition led to the combination of three roads connecting the towns of Spa-Francorchamps, Malmedy, and Stavelot. A foundation that would begin building the ever-growing emergence of the circuit located in the Ardennes forest.
Circuit De Spa Francochamps Track Evolution
The Belgian Grand Prix, a cornerstone of the Formula 1 World Championship since its inaugural season in 1950. And has a rich history marked by dramatic changes and technological advancements. Even before Formula 1 made its presence in the Ardennes forest. Its primary venue, the Circuit de Spa-Francorchamps, has undergone significant transformations over the decades. Adapting to the evolving demands of the sport while retaining its character as one of the most challenging and revered circuits in racing.
1950 to 1978
When the Formula 1 World Championship was first established, Spa-Francorchamps was known for its original 14.1-kilometre-long layout. Which was fearsomely fast and unforgiving. Consisting of long straights woven through the Ardennes forest, the circuit demanded courage due to its high speeds and minimal safety features. The track’s old layout included notorious sections like the Masta Kink, a high-speed left-right chicane considered one of the most dangerous turns in racing history. As drivers would navigate in keeping their foot down traversing the horrifying chicane. A decision that separates reserved drivers from the risk takers.
Even in its early years, the original Spa circuit presented grave dangers, as it differed little from the regular roads. Except for some strategically placed hay bales. With increasing speeds and negligible margins for error, fatal accidents were tragically common. The track claimed many lives, including notable drivers like Archie Scott-Brown in 1958 and Chris Bristow and Alan Stacey during the 1960 Grand Prix.
Significant accidents involving major stars also occurred; Stirling Moss suffered severe injuries in 1960, and Jackie Stewart’s 1965 crash, which saw his car end upside-down, spurred his advocacy for improved safety standards in racing.
By 1969, the push for safety led to a drivers’ boycott of the Grand Prix, demanding better protective measures. The circuit saw temporary improvements like a chicane at Malmedy in 1970, allowing one last Formula 1 race on the old track. However, the dangers persisted, with several fatalities in the early 1970s, despite attempts to enhance safety. This precarious situation made it inevitable that the original course would need a significant overhaul or face closure. The necessity for a safer, modernized track became undeniable as the sport evolved.
1979 to 2004
In 1979, Spa-Francorchamps addressed its safety concerns by introducing a new, and smaller 4-mile section of the track. This alteration rerouted the course away from the original path before Les Combes, leading drivers through a technically demanding stretch that rejoined the old circuit before Blanchimont.
Further improvements followed in 1981 with the addition of a chicane before the old Clubhouse corner. Known as the ‘bus stop chicane’ due to its awkward layout. Formula One racing resumed at Spa in 1983 with new pits between the bus stop and La Source. Even though the season’s start was delayed due to deteriorating track conditions.
Safety upgrades continued in the 1990s after Alex Zanardi’s crash at Raidillon in 1993 prompted the introduction of a temporary chicane at Eau Rouge in 1994. Which was removed a year later to restore the original layout with better runoff areas. In 2000, changes to the pit lanes complicated access, particularly for sportscar pits. Later adjustments to the Eau Rouge and Raidillon runoff areas slightly altered the track’s layout, paradoxically increasing corner speeds.
In 2004, the Bus Stop chicane at Spa-Francorchamps underwent modifications. The entry curve reconfigured to arc rightwards, leading into a tight left-hander. This alteration enhanced the runoff area but necessitated heavy braking through the curve. A change that received mixed reviews from drivers and teams.
2007 to Today
In 2007, another significant change was the removal Bus Stop. And would see the introduction of a chicane. Slowing down the cars before the pit entry to enhance safety further. Despite these changes, Spa has continued to maintain its character, offering a mix of high-speed thrills and technical challenges that are beloved by drivers and fans alike.
However, the track continues to face modern challenges. Including weather-related disruptions and the ongoing need to balance the circuit’s historical integrity with the latest safety standards. The tragic accident of Anthoine Hubert in 2019 during an F2 race at Spa prompted further scrutiny of the track’s safety measures, particularly at high-speed sections like Raidillon.
But today, Spa-Francorchamps is celebrated not only for its dynamic and historical significance but also as a driver’s favourite due to the unique challenges it presents. Its combination of fast corners, elevation changes, and unpredictable weather conditions test the skill and bravery of the drivers, making it a highlight of the Formula 1 season.
Track Layout
The Circuit De Spa Francochamps spans the longest track on the Formula 1 calendar at 7.004 kilometres, with an intense 19 turns to navigate this clockwise circuit. 10 to the left and nine to the right. As drivers will have to face 308 kilometres of high-speed action on Sunday but for the fans, they’ll witness 44 laps of on-rack action.
To make the word action have more merit this weekend, DRS will prove to be more effective than just one DRS Zone we saw at the Hungaroring. Circuit De Spa Francochamps consists of two DRS Zones, the first passing the start/finish line heading to the La Source hairpin. And the second traverses up the Kemmel straight down towards Les Combes.
Iconic Features
La Source, Raidillon, Eau Rouge, Pouhon, Blanchimont, all corners named adds to the layer of authenticity, speed and bravery of Spa. Separating the experienced drivers from the risk takers, all in the bid to extract more speed out of the car, testing the drivers’ confidence and precision.
An example is the combination of Eau Rouge and Raidillon. Traversing out of La Source, the drivers are flat-out passing Turn 2 with ease and then the real test begins. Do you dare brake or keep your foot down going up the hill through Eau Rouge and Raidillon? A fast left-right-left segment could make the difference between pole position and ending up in the barrier. Getting all of that right on a Sunday and the reward increases your chance of overtaking the driver in front before Les Combes.
Memorable Races at the Belgium Grand Prix
The Circuit De Spa Francochamps has a rich history of dramatic moments and intense on-track battles. Flipping the coin to the dramatic side, in 1998 when David Coulthard slows down heading towards Pouhon due to the intense rain. A decision that came with consequences. As the scarlet Ferrari of Michael Schumacher crashed into the back of the McLaren. Both made it back to the pits but both could not continue due to the severe damage.
But the drama did not stop there, Michael fuelled with anger took his helmet, and his earpieces, storming towards the McLaren garage. But before Michael could get to Coulthard, they were met by their respective teams to avoid a more difficult encounter between the two.
On the flip side of the coin, we are graced with the on-track fight between Lewis Hamilton and Kimi Raikkonen in 2008. Three laps to go and Hamilton was in pursuit of Ferrari’s Kimi Raikkonen and made his presence known in an attempt to pass the Finnish driver on the outside heading into the chicane. But Lewis could not make the move stick, in going off track to get the move done.
Slowing a second to allow the Ferrari to gain the lead, Lewis remained determined. Going into La Source, Hamilton kept the inside line, kept the door shut and retook the lead. A move that sealed the Brits’ win, with Kimi ending up in the wall one lap later.
But the celebrations were premature. Hamilton and McLaren soon discovered that the FIA stewards issued a statement in which they handed Hamilton a 25-second penalty for cutting the chicane and gaining an advantage. Meaning this penalty allowed his championship rival, Felipe Massa to claim the win.
Live Timings for the Belgium Grand Prix Weekend
Friday (26th July)
12:00 pm – Belgium Grand Prix Practice One – (Session begins at 12:30 pm)
3:45 pm – Belgium Grand Prix Practice Two – (Session begins at 4 pm)
Saturday (27th July)
11:15 am – Belgium Grand Prix Practice Three – (Session begins at 11:30 am)
2:15 pm – Belgium Grand Prix Qualifying – (Session begins at 3 pm)
Sunday (28th July)
12:30 pm – Belgium Grand Prix – (Session begins at 2 pm)
If you would like to learn more news about the world of Formula 1? Then why not check out “The Emergence of KICK: Formula 1’s New Digital Brand!” or “Formula 1: Welcome to the Hungarian Grand Prix!”
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