SPAFRANCORCHAMPS
The Greatest Circuit in the World — Where Eau Rouge tests courage and the Ardennes weather tests everyone.
The History of Spa
A century in the Ardennes
Spa-Francorchamps is often called the greatest racing circuit in the world. Carved into the Ardennes forest in Belgium, the original 14-kilometer circuit used public roads and was terrifyingly fast. The modern 7km layout, while shorter, retains the character that makes Spa special.
The circuit's signature is Eau Rouge and Raidillon—a compression followed by a blind, uphill left-right-left sequence taken at over 300 km/h. It's the ultimate test of driver commitment. Getting it right is exhilarating; getting it wrong is terrifying.
Spa is famous for its unpredictable weather. The circuit is so long that it can rain at one end while the sun shines at the other. Drivers must constantly adapt, and strategy teams must make decisions with incomplete information.
The flowing corners—Pouhon, Blanchimont, the Bus Stop—reward bravery and precision. Unlike modern circuits with their endless run-off areas, Spa punishes mistakes. The barriers are close, and respect is mandatory.
Ask any F1 driver their favorite circuit, and Spa is almost always in the top three. It's a place where the best drivers can make a difference, where car and driver must work in perfect harmony.
Legendary Moments
The races that defined Spa
The First Belgian GP
Juan Manuel Fangio wins the first World Championship race at Spa on the original 14km circuit through public roads in the Ardennes.
Schumacher's Breakthrough
Michael Schumacher wins his first F1 race at Spa, beginning a legendary career. He would win at Spa six times.
Chaos in the Fog
A massive first-lap crash in wet conditions takes out 13 cars. Damon Hill wins for Jordan—their first and only victory.
Häkkinen vs Schumacher
Mika Häkkinen overtakes Michael Schumacher around the outside at 300 km/h while lapping Ricardo Zonta. One of the greatest moves ever.
Hamilton's Controversial Win
Lewis Hamilton and Kimi Räikkönen battle in the rain. Hamilton wins on track but is penalized for cutting a chicane, giving the win to Felipe Massa.
The Shortest Race
Heavy rain means only two laps behind the safety car. Max Verstappen is declared winner of the shortest race in F1 history.
Spa Champions
The masters of the Ardennes
Michael Schumacher
Germany • 1992, 1995, 1996, 1997, 2001, 2002
Ayrton Senna
Brazil • 1985, 1988, 1989, 1990, 1991
Kimi Räikkönen
Finland • 2004, 2005, 2007, 2009
Jim Clark
UK • 1962, 1963, 1964, 1965
Lewis Hamilton
UK • 2010, 2015, 2017, 2020
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