Belgian GP signs F1’s first rotational contract extension

Widely regarded as a jewel of the F1 calendar, the Belgian Grand Prix (held at the Spa-Francorchamps circuit) has recently extended its period on the F1 calendar, as part of the sport’s first ever rotational contract. Grand Prix will take place at the circuit during four of the next six years, and in the remaining two the race will be replaced by another circuit.

A deal of this type has never before been proposed, and will see the Belgian Grand Prix take place in 2026, 2027, 2029, and 2031, with F1 yet to confirm the supplementary races to take place in 2028 and 2030, the latter of which will mark the 80th anniversary of the FIA Formula 1 World Championship.

With the Barcelona GP being replaced, and Imola and Zandvoort’s contracts running out, will these circuits be looking for a way back onto the calendar?

One European alternative which could serve as a potential replacement is the French Grand Prix, which returned to the F1 calendar in 2018, with the most recent race at Circuit Paul Ricard taking place in 2022. Whilst this track is not the most popular among fans, this location does have historical significance, with France being considered motorsport’s place of birth, as well as being home to the FIA, which may deem it a fitting location for the sport’s anniversary year.

Other circuits in Europe which have been proposed as potential replacements include the German GP, another track of historical significance, with the last race taking place there six years ago. Equally, with the Barcelona GP being replaced by Madrid as of 2026, and Imola and Zandvoort’s contracts running out in the next two years, will these circuits be looking for a way back onto the calendar in the near future?

The sport may be looking to diversify itself by looking to venues outside of the continent

Whilst European circuits provide the most obvious options for rotation in 2028 and 2030, these race tracks represent approximately one third of the entire F1 calendar, so the sport may be looking to diversify itself by looking to venues outside of the continent.

Recent talks have proposed a venue in Rwanda, with a circuit being developed just outside the capital. This will be complete by 2028 at the very earliest and would make Rwanda only the third African nation to host an F1 race.

‘As we kick off our 75th anniversary year it is fitting that we can share the news of this important extension’

Alternatively, in Asia, Thailand has shown some interest in hosting a race, but it is incredibly unlikely that this will take place before 2030. Similarly, South Korea has been looking at a return to the calendar after its 3 year stint from 2010-2013, however, prospects of this are looking more and more unlikely.

When asked for his comments on the contract extension, F1 president Stefano Domenicali explained that “as we kick off our 75th anniversary year it is fitting that we can share the news of this important extension,” adding that Spa is “rightly lauded by drivers and fans alike as one of the best race tracks in the world”.

Last year saw the longest F1 calendar in history, with 24 races taking place over 5 continents. The same is due to follow during the upcoming season, which kicks off at Australia’s Albert Park Circuit in mid-March. With many concerns raised by both drivers and staff over the sheer volume of races in most recent years, and many countries looking to become part of the prestigious F1 calendar, will we see an increase in races at the next contract negotiations, or will the number of races decrease, particularly as concerns over the environmental impact of the sport are increasing?