Circuit de Spa-Francorchamps is a motor racing circuit in the Ardennes forest near Stavelot, Belgium, first laid out in 1921 on public roads connecting the villages of Francorchamps, Malmedy, and Stavelot. It hosted its first Grand Prix in 1925 and has remained one of the most respected tracks in motorsport for a century, prized for its flowing layout, dramatic elevation changes, and unpredictable weather that can vary from corner to corner.
Today the circuit runs 7.004 km (4.352 mi) over 19 turns, making it the longest track on the modern Formula 1 calendar. Its most famous section, the Eau Rouge-Raidillon complex, is a compression-then-climb sequence widely regarded as one of the most demanding corners in racing. Spa-Francorchamps hosts the annual Formula 1 Belgian Grand Prix as well as the 24 Hours of Spa endurance race and World Endurance Championship rounds.
Stats at a Glance
- Home Event: Formula 1 Belgian Grand Prix
- Location: Stavelot, Belgium
- Opened: 1921 (original road circuit); shortened layout debuted 1979
- Length: 7.004 km (4.352 mi)
- Turns: 19
- Weekend Attendance: About 380,000 across the 2024 Belgian Grand Prix weekend
- Notable Feature: Eau Rouge-Raidillon corner complex
Circuit Layout and Signature Corners
The modern Spa-Francorchamps layout was shortened from its original 14 km road course to 6.947 km in 1979 for safety, with today’s configuration measuring 7.004 km. The track’s centerpiece is the Eau Rouge-Raidillon sequence, a fast left-hand dip followed by a steep, blind uphill climb that has challenged drivers since the corner took its current form in 1939. Other key sections include the long Kemmel Straight and the tight La Source hairpin that opens each lap.
Belgian Grand Prix Legacy
Spa-Francorchamps has hosted the Formula 1 Belgian Grand Prix in most seasons since the world championship began in 1950, missing only a handful of years, including 2003 and 2006. The current F1 lap record of 1:44.701 was set by Sergio Perez driving a Red Bull RB20 during the 2024 race. Beyond F1, the circuit is equally renowned for the 24 Hours of Spa endurance race, first held in 1924 and revived in 1964 as a touring car event; it has run as an annual fixture every year since 1964.
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Circuit de Spa-Francorchamps FAQs
How long is Circuit de Spa-Francorchamps?
The current layout measures 7.004 km (4.352 mi), making it the longest circuit on the Formula 1 calendar.
What is Eau Rouge?
Eau Rouge-Raidillon is the circuit’s most famous corner sequence, a fast downhill dip followed by a steep, blind uphill climb that has tested drivers since the layout was adjusted in 1939.
When did Spa-Francorchamps first host a Grand Prix?
The circuit hosted its first Grand Prix in 1925 on the original 14 km road course; it has been a fixture of the Formula 1 World Championship calendar since 1950, with only a few seasons missed.
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Photo: Mitchazenia / CC0, via Wikimedia Commons.