F1 gives Belgian Grand Prix update for 2025 calendar

Formula 1 will race at Spa-Francorchamps in 2025 after the Belgian Grand Prix’s contract was extended by a further year. The sport has raced every year at the famous circuit in the Ardennes Forest since 2007, while it was an original track having held a grand prix back in 1950. Max Verstappen won this year’s race. The circuit’s future on the F1 calendar has been in some doubt in recent years due to the unique track layout and an increase in races and interest worldwide, making a spot on the calendar even more prized. But with Spa having undergone refurbishments to maintain its highly-valued status among drivers and fans - including a 10,000-capacity increase at the circuit through the addition of two new grandstands - F1 confirmed on Friday it will stage a race in ‘25. This also likely means that a mooted return to South Africa, at the Kyalami Circuit outside Johannesburg, has been put on the back foot once again. F1 CEO Stefano Domenicali said: “Spa is synonymous with Formula 1 having been one of the circuits in our first ever season and is much-loved by fans and drivers alike, so I am delighted to extend our relationship with them until 2025. “The promoter has taken big strides in the last few years to improve the fan experience and infrastructure, and work is ongoing between all the stakeholders with a clear focus on delivering safe and exciting racing.” In July, Dilano van ‘t Hoff was tragically killed during a Formula Regional European Championship at the circuit in wet conditions. This raised questions surrounding the famous Eau Rouge and Kemmel Straight, with F2 driver Anthoine Hubert killed in 2019 in a similar position on the circuit. More to follow... Read More Nicolas Hamilton interview: ‘Lewis has never put a penny into my racing’ The highs and lows of Bernie Ecclestone ‘More teams, less races’: FIA boss outlines aspirations for future of F1