Belgium · The Ardennes Roller-Coaster

Belgian Grand Prix

Circuit de Spa-Francorchamps

7.004 km

Lap length

44

Laps

19

Corners

2

DRS zones

Circuit de Spa-Francorchamps, Stavelot, Ardennes
Photo: United Autosports (CC BY-SA 2.0) via Wikimedia Commons
City
Stavelot, Ardennes
First GP
1950
Race distance
308.176 km
Lap record
1:44.701 · Sergio Pérez (2024)
Round 10 Belgian Grand Prix Belgium

The cathedral in the forest

The longest current F1 circuit. The track winds through the Ardennes forest of southeast Belgium, drops 100 metres elevation across a single lap, and includes Eau Rouge / Raidillon — the most famous corner in motorsport. The layout has been progressively shortened and modified over a century, but the character remains.

Why it matters

Spa is the driver’s circuit. Most of the modern grid lists it as their second-favorite (after Suzuka). The combination of long straights, fast sweepers, and the Eau Rouge / Raidillon left-right-left uphill flick (taken at over 300 km/h, gravity pulling the car five degrees of slope) creates a unique racing rhythm.

What to watch for

  • Eau Rouge / Raidillon (Turns 2–4) — yes, modern cars take it flat in normal conditions. Yes, it’s still terrifying. The visual on the broadcast doesn’t capture it.
  • The Kemmel Straight — long DRS zone after Eau Rouge; the canonical overtake spot.
  • Weather — Spa is notorious for changing rapidly; “it’s only raining on half the circuit” happens here regularly.