Federal government of Belgium jumps in the negotiations to save the future of Spa in F1

Federal government of Belgium jumps in the negotiations to save the future of Spa in F1

The future of the Belgian Grand Prix is uncertain, and the event may be axed for 2023.

The Belgian Grand Prix is one of the most historical races in F1, it has and Circuit de Spa-Francorchamps has been conducting races ever since it opened it in 1925 and has seen many of the greatest World Champions including Ayrton Senna, Alain Prost, Niki Lauda, Michael Schumacher, the list goes on. It is one of the most loved tracks by the fans as well, but the latest speculations are not loved by everyone. The contract for the track expires this year, and like other tracks (Monaco), it is being feared that the authorities might not renew the contract. 

The Belgian Government is interested in having the track in the race calendar, and is very well aware that there has been no news on the negotiations about the same. With a letter written to the authorities of the sport, it is likely that the Government is going to interfere in the negotiations to still keep the track for F1 races. This was confirmed by a statement from Nieuwsblade; “The Walloon and federal governments have jointly confirmed their support for Spa-Francorchamps in a letter to Formula 1.” 

Last Tuesday, officials of the circuit, The GP organisation, the management of the sport, and the area met, according to Economy Minister Willy Borsus. The minister said that he, Walloon Prime Minister Elio di Rupo, and Belgian Prime Minister Alexander de Croo were all intimately involved in the case. According to reports, Borsus assured the Walloon Parliament that Spa will continue to participate in the sport in the future.

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Recent events making it hard for Belgium to be on the calendar

Spa's iconic Raidillon-Eau Rouge
Spa’s iconic Raidillon-Eau Rouge

The events during the Austrian Grand Prix by the fans, the display of harassment for other fans would make it even harder to renew the Grand Prix for the future. Drivers like Sebastian Vettel and Max Verstappen came ahead to defend the track. Vettel even said that it is a historic track and would be a shame for F1 to lose it. 

Other tracks that still don’t have their contracts renewed are Monaco and Paul Ricard in France, and still, there is no news from the officials about their renewal. Also the growing interest of FIA in USA and the Middle East after adding three new tracks makes it seem that the sport is trying to spread more out of Europe. 

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