Formula 1 is back at the iconic Spa-Francorchamps for the final race weekend before the summer breaks. The track is untamed as one of the oldest F1 tracks on the calendar. The first inaugural motor racing race in Belgium was held at Spa-Francorchamps in 1925. The track was mainly used for local public transportation in its initial years. It depicts several historic races from the past. Let us delve into the iconic Belgian Grand Prix, with its history, facts, and records.
History Of Belgian Grand Prix: Spa-Francorchamps
The Belgian Grand Prix has one of the most modest histories of any F1 track. With an enriching history dating back to 1925, it is one of the oldest F1 tracks on the calendar. In the early days, Spa-Francorchamps was used for public transportation, and the initial races were held in various regions nearby, such as Francorchamps, Malmedy, and Stavelot. This unofficial track was just 14.9 km long and was known as the Circiut-de Spa. However, now the track length has been diminished to 7.9 km, and various changes have been made to improve safety standards.
The Circuit de Spa-Francorchamps started building in 1921, and the first F1 race took place in 1925. Before that, until 1924, only motorcycle grand prix were hosted regularly. Following the success of the inaugural 24 Hours of Le Mans in France in 1923, the decision was made to hold the automobile racing event at Spa. The Spa 24 Hours endurance race was held there. From 1972 to 1974, the Belgian Grand Prix was held at Nivelles-Baulers, which is located in Brussels. This track was situated on the outskirts of the Zolder racing arena. However, Zolder also hosted the Belgian Grand Prix multiple times. The last race took place between 1982 and 1984.
The configuration of the legendary Spa-Francorchamps is built on the existing racing course of Zolder. The track was revamped to meet the standards of modern racing and improve the safety standards of the track. The track was made significantly shorter, from 14.1 km to 7.4 km. Spa-Francorchamps is the shortest F1 track compared to the original, but it is still one of the fastest and most challenging F1 tracks in the world. The track acts as the cornerstone of the Belgium Formula 1 racing team. The Spa-Francorchamps is a must-watch race for any motorsport enthusiast.
Timeline Of The Evolution Of The Spa-Francorchamps Racing Arena
The track has undergone several sophisticated modifications over the years. With all-new, improved safety standards, the track has continuously hosted F1 races since the 1950 FIA World Formula 1 championship. To make it easier for you, I have covered the different designs and developments that take place at the Spa Francorchamps. Here are some drastic changes that were made to the track:
Timeline | Track History |
1920 | Local hotelier Jules de Thier proposed the idea of Belgium's racing track. |
1921 | The Automobile Club de Belgique (ACB) agrees to host races on public roads. |
1921 | design and development of Spa-Francorchamps took place |
1923 | The track was completed and hosted 24 hours of Spa. |
1925 | The first Belgian Grand Prix was held. |
1939 | Famous turns like Eau Rougue and Raidaillon were developed. |
1950 | Host its first F1 championship grand prix. |
1970 | The circuit was redesigned and revamped. |
1979 | The track length was decreased from 14 km to 6.9 km |
1983 | The first F1 race was held at a newly revamped track length. |
1994 | The famous bus stop Chicane was added. |
2000 | The safety standards were improved and the redevelopment of the pits and paddock took place |
2004 | The track length was extended to 7.04 km. |
Stats Of The Belgian Grand Prix: Spa-Francorchamps
One of the races with the longest lap times on the schedule is the 2024 Belgian Grand Prix. Drivers and race cars alike love this track because of its fast turns and big obstacles. The track is one of the longest F1 tracks on the current F1 calendar, with a total length of about 7.004 km. With a total of 19 turns, the track features two DRS Zone detection points. Let's have a look at the statistics of one of the longest F1 racing tracks on the calendar.
Circuit Name | Circuit de Spa-Francorchamps |
Circuit Length | 7.004 KM |
Race Distance | 308.052 KM |
No. of Laps | 44 |
First Grand Prix | 1950 |
Last Grand Prix | 2023 |
No. of Turns | 19 |
DRZ Activation Zones | 2 |
Records Made At The Belgian Grand Prix: Spa-Francorchamps
The Belgian Grand Prix is more than just a normal racing event. It is the curated festival celebration of the persona of the motorsport heritage on the mainland of Belgium. With all three most famous iconic turns available here, this track becomes one of the most famous tracks in the realm of F1. This track holds one of the most prestigious records by some famous legendary drivers, which are as follows:
Most Wins By F1 Racer: Michael Schumacher holds the most wins on this track. He won the race at Spa-Francorchamps 6 times.
Driver With The Most Pole Positions: Lewis Hamilton is the driver with the most pole positions out of all F1 drivers. He won this title six times.
Most wins by F1 constructor: Ferrari holds the record for most wins in the Belgian Grand Prix. The team won 18 times in Spa.
Looking forward to the Belgian Grand Prix? How do you feel about the race right now? What memorable moments from the Belgian Grand Prix did you experience? Tell us in the comments section below. Also, to read various interesting blogs around F1, please subscribe to us for more updates.
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