Spa-Francorchamps hopeful about spot on 2024 F1 calendar
F1 News
- GPblog.com
Spa-Francorchamps is anxiously waiting to see whether the Belgian Grand Prix will be back on the F1 calendar in 2024. The South African GP seems to be the biggest competitor for a place, but things are rather rumbling there. In Belgium, people are optimistic.
For many drivers, Spa-Francorchamps is a favourite circuit and many fans also look forward to the race in the Belgian Ardennes. Yet the GP is often under pressure. While American GPs are growing out of the ground, European races are finding it increasingly difficult to keep their heads above water. In recent years, too, the Belgian GP has often been under pressure.
Belgian GP sees opportunities
The race is still on the calendar in 2023, but it does not yet have a new deal for 2024. It would depend on the South African Grand Prix. F1 would like to return to Kyalami, but there are delays again. The circuit also wanted to be on the calendar in 2023, but even then it did not get everything (financially) right.
Spa, meanwhile, is patiently awaiting the outcome, but has faith in a happy ending. "A delegation from the F1 Group came by this month,'' Vanessa Maes, head of organisation at Francorchamps, told Het Laatste Nieuws. According to the Belgians, the F1 summit was very upbeat, making for an optimistic mood at Spa.
Should Kyalami again fail to get the finances in place for a GP in South Africa, Spa-Francorchamps is aiming for a two-year deal with F1. So not a huge deal like some Middle Eastern countries, but given the new regulations in 2026, they are not too worried about that at Spa.