Are you ready for one of the most spectacular and thrilling races in Formula One? The Belgian Grand Prix is a must-see event for any F1 fan, as it offers a unique combination of speed, skill and scenery.
The race is held at the Circuit de Spa-Francorchamps, a classic and historic track that is nestled in the scenic Ardennes region of eastern Belgium. The circuit is known for its fast and flowing layout, its elevation changes and its unpredictable weather.
The circuit also features some of the most iconic and challenging corners in Formula One, such as Eau Rouge, Raidillon, Pouhon and Blanchimont.
- But how can you make the most of your trip to the Belgian Grand Prix?
- Where are the best places to watch the action?
- What are the best things to do and see in the area?
- How can you get to the circuit from major cities in Belgium and beyond?
In this ultimate guide, we will answer all these questions and more. We will give you insider tips and tricks on how to plan your perfect Belgian Grand Prix weekend.
Whether you are a first-time visitor or a seasoned veteran, this guide will help you enjoy every moment of this amazing race. Let’s get started!
Index To Article
- When Is The Belgium Grand Prix?
- The History Of The Belgium Grand Prix
- The Belgium Spa Francorchamps Circuit: What to Expect
- Where To Watch The Belgium Grand Prix
- How to Buy Tickets for the 2023 Belgium Grand Prix
- How To Get To The Circuit de Spa Francorchamps From Brussels
When Is The Belgium Grand Prix?
The Belgium Grand Prix takes place over 44 laps of the 7.004-kilometre Circuit de Spa-Francorchamps
The 2023 Belgium Grand Prix is being held between Friday the 28th July and Sunday the 30th July
30 July
Race
15:00
29 July
Sprint
16:30 – 17:30
29 July
Sprint Shootout
12:00 – 12:44
28 July
Qualifying
17:00 – 18:00
28 July
Practice 1
13:30 – 14:30
The History Of The Belgium Grand Prix
The Belgian Grand Prix is one of the oldest and most prestigious races in Formula One, dating back to 1925. The race has been held at various circuits throughout the country, but its most famous and challenging venue is the Circuit de Spa-Francorchamps, located in the Ardennes region of eastern Belgium.
The Spa-Francorchamps circuit was built in 1921. It used public roads that connected the towns of Francorchamps, Malmedy and Stavelot.
The original layout was 14.9 km long and featured high-speed corners, elevation changes and unpredictable weather. The circuit was known for its danger and demanded courage and skill from the drivers.
The First Belgium Grand Prix Was Won In An Alfa Romeo
The first Belgian Grand Prix was won by Antonio Ascari in an Alfa Romeo. His son Alberto would also win the race twice, in 1952 and 1953.
The race was designated as the European Grand Prix six times between 1925 and 1973, an honorary title given to one Grand Prix race in Europe each year.
In 1939, the circuit was modified and reduced to 14.1 km, and the famous Eau Rouge/Raidillon combination was introduced. This sweeping uphill left-right-left corner is one of the most iconic and challenging in Formula One, requiring full throttle and precise steering.
The Belgium Grand Prix Was Part Of The First F1 Championship
The Belgian Grand Prix was part of the first Formula One World Championship in 1950. It was win by Juan Manuel Fangio.
Fangio would win the race three times, as would Jim Clark, who dominated the race four times in a row from 1962 to 1965.
Clark’s performance in 1963 was especially impressive, as he won by almost five minutes in wet conditions, lapping everyone except second-place finisher Bruce McLaren.
The Spa-Francorchamps circuit was deemed too dangerous for Formula One after several fatal accidents in the 1960s.
The race was boycotted in 1969 and moved to other circuits in Belgium, such as Nivelles-Baulers and Zolder.
The Race Returned In 1983
The race returned to Spa-Francorchamps in 1983, after the circuit was shortened to 7 km and safety improvements were made.
Since then, the Belgian Grand Prix has been a regular fixture on the Formula One calendar, and has produced some memorable races and moments.
- In 1987, Nigel Mansell set a new lap record of 1:51.095 at an average speed of 245 km/h.
- In 1991, Michael Schumacher made his Formula One debut at Spa-Francorchamps,
- Michael also won his first race there a year later.
- Schumacher holds the record for the most wins at the Belgian Grand Prix with six.
Teams and Fans alike know The Belgian Grand Prix for its unpredictable weather, which can change rapidly and affect different parts of the circuit.
Rain is a common occurrence at Spa-Francorchamps, and can create challenging and exciting racing conditions. In 1998, a massive pile-up involving 13 cars occurred on the first lap due to heavy rain.
In 2008, Lewis Hamilton lost his victory after being penalized for cutting a chicane while overtaking Kimi Raikkonen on the last lap in wet conditions.
The Belgian Grand Prix is a favorite among drivers and fans alike, as it tests their skills and provides thrilling action. The Spa-Francorchamps circuit is a classic and historic venue that showcases the best of Formula One.
The Belgium Spa-Francorchamps Circuit: What to Expect
Driving the Belgium Spa Grand Prix circuit is an exhilarating and challenging experience for any Formula One driver. Spa is located in the scenic Ardennes region of eastern Belgium, and has a rich history and a reputation for producing thrilling races and memorable moments.
The circuit is 7 km long and has 19 turns, some of which are fast and flowing, and some of which are slow and tight. The circuit also has elevation changes and unpredictable weather, which can make driving conditions tricky and exciting.
Eau Rouge/Raidillon Combination
One of the most iconic and challenging sections of the circuit is the Eau Rouge/Raidillon combination. This is a sweeping uphill left-right-left corner that requires full throttle and precise steering.
The drivers race downhill at speeds up to 300 km/h before making an immediate 60 degree righthand turn, reaching G forces in excess of four.
Then, they make a lefthand turn at approximately 45 degrees over a 24 meter drop. The section is practically blind due to the unevenness of the track, and the drivers have to trust their instincts and their cars.
The Kemmel Straight
Another famous section of the circuit is the Kemmel Straight. This is a long straightaway where the drivers can reach speeds of over 320 km/h. The straight ends with a sharp lefthand turn called Les Combes, where overtaking opportunities are possible.
The circuit also has some slow and technical corners, such as La Source a hairpin approached at 70 km/h, and the Bus Stop chicane, a tight left-right-left sequence that leads to the start-finish line.
Driving the Belgium Spa Grand Prix circuit is a test of skill and nerve for the drivers, and a spectacle for the fans. The circuit showcases the best of Formula One and is a favorite among drivers and fans alike.
Follow the link for a more detailed corner by corner description of the Spa GP – link.
Where To Watch The Belgium Grand Prix
The circuit is a fast and flowing layout, with elevation changes and its unpredictable weather. The circuit also features some of the most iconic and challenging corners in Formula One, such as Eau Rouge, Raidillon, Pouhon and Blanchimont.
But where are the best places to watch the action with F1 Experiences at the 2023 Belgian Grand Prix?
Here are some of the best grand stands to watch the 2023 Belgian Grand Prix.
Formula 1 Paddock Club
Watch the racing from a privileged viewing position above the pits as you get treated to the ultimate F1 hospitality experience in the Paddock Club.
In addition to open bars and gourmet cuisine, Paddock Club guests also enjoy daily pit lane walks, F1 driver appearances and guided paddock access.
Super Gold
Super Gold is on the main straight directly across from the pits. The grandstand is best for fans who want to catch the key moments across the weekend.
These include the race build-up, start and post-race podium ceremony. You are also very close to the F1 Fanzone, which is located behind the grand stand.
An added advantage of Super Gold is that it’s the only covered grand stand at Spa-Francorchamps, good for staying out of the hot summer sun or the occasional rain shower.
Gold 10
One of the best places for overtaking and on-track action, the Gold 10 grandstand is on the outside of Les Combes (Turns 5-7).
This is a sharp left-right-left sequence at the end of a long straight. This is a great place to catch some braking battles and wheel-to-wheel action, as well as some high-speed action on the straight.
Silver 3
Some of the best views at Spa-Francorchamps are at the Pouhon corner (Turn 12). This is a fast and sweeping double left-hander.
The Silver 3 grand stand is located on this corner, and offers a panoramic view of a large portion of the track. You can see some fast and technical corners, as well as some overtaking opportunities.
General Admission
The natural amphitheater of Spa-Francorchamps provides some excellent raised viewing areas for spectating.
General admission tickets allow you to access several grassy hills around the circuit, where you can find a spot to watch the race.
Some of the best general admission areas are located around Eau Rouge and Raidillon (Turns 2-4). Here you can see one of the most iconic and challenging sections of the circuit. You can also see around Blanchimont (Turns 17-18), where you can see some high-speed action.
The Belgian Grand Prix is a must-see for any Formula One fan, as it offers a challenging and exciting race at a classic and historic venue.
Whether you choose a grand stand or a general admission ticket, you are sure to have a memorable experience at Spa-Francorchamps.
How to Buy Tickets for the 2023 Belgium Grand Prix
How can you buy tickets for the 2023 Belgium Grand Prix? What are the best options for different budgets and preferences? In this article, we will answer these questions and help you find the best way to enjoy the race.
There are several ways to buy tickets for the 2023 Belgium Grand Prix, depending on your location, availability and convenience. Some of the most common ways are:
Online
You can buy tickets online from various official retailers, such as
- The Main Formula1.com website
- Motorsport Tickets
- F1 Destinations
- Grand Prix Events.
These websites offer a wide range of tickets, from general admission to grand stands to hospitality packages and VIP experiences. You can also compare prices, availability and views from different seats and areas.
Buying tickets online is convenient and secure, as you can pay with your credit card or PayPal account and receive your tickets via email or courier.
Phone
You can also buy tickets by phone from some of the official retailers, such as Motorsport Tickets and Grand Prix Events.
This option may be useful if you have any questions or special requests regarding your tickets, such as group bookings, wheelchair access or children discounts. You can also pay with your credit card or bank transfer and receive your tickets via email or courier.
On-site
You can also buy tickets on-site at the Hungaroring, either at the ticket office or at the ticket booths around the circuit.
This option may be suitable if you are already in Belgium or nearby and want to buy your tickets last-minute or in person. However, this option may also be risky, as some of the popular tickets may be sold out or more expensive than online.
When buying tickets for the 2023 Hungarian Grand Prix, you should also consider some factors, such as:
The Budget You Have Available To Watch The Belgium Grand Prix
The price of the tickets varies depending on the type, location and duration of the ticket.
For example, general admission tickets are cheaper than grand stand tickets, and at the Belgium Grand Prix some good viewing sites are available,
Similarly, weekend tickets are more expensive than single-day tickets, but they offer more access and flexibility. You should also consider other costs, such as travel, accommodation and food.
Ticket Availability To Watch The Belgium Grand Prix
The availability of the tickets varies depending on the demand and the time of booking.
Some of the popular tickets sell out fast or increase in price as the race date approaches. Therefore, it is advisable to book your tickets as early as possible to secure your preferred seats and avoid disappointment.
How To Get To The Circuit de Spa-Francorchamps From Brussels
The Circuit de Spa-Francorchamps is located in the scenic Ardennes region of eastern Belgium, about 150 km from Brussels. There are several ways to get to the circuit from Brussels, depending on your budget and preference.
Get To The Circuit de Spa-Francorchamps By Car
The fastest and most convenient way to get to the circuit from Brussels is by car.
The journey takes about 1.5 hours, depending on traffic.
You can take the E40 motorway eastbound towards Liège, then follow the E42 motorway southbound towards Verviers and Spa. Take exit 10 for Francorchamps and follow the signs to the circuit.
Parking is available at the circuit, but you need to book in advance.
Get To The Circuit de Spa-Francorchamps By Train
Another option is to take the train from Brussels to Spa-Francorchamps.
The journey takes about 2.5 hours, with one or two changes. You can take an ICE or IC train from Brussels-Nord or Brussels-Central station to Liège-Guillemins station, then change to an IC train to Trois-Ponts station.
From there, you can take a bus (line 294) or a taxi to the circuit. Alternatively, you can take an IC train from Brussels-Midi station to Verviers-Central station, then change to a bus (line 395) or a taxi to the circuit.
Get To The Circuit de Spa-Francorchamps By Bus
A cheaper but slower option is to take a bus from Brussels to Spa-Francorchamps. The journey takes about 5 hours, with two or three changes.
You can take a Flixbus from Brussels-North station to Liège Guillemins station, then change to a local bus (line 138) to Verviers-Central station. From there, you can take another local bus (line 294) or a taxi to the circuit.
Get To The Circuit de Spa-Francorchamps By City Shuttle
A convenient and hassle-free option is to take a city shuttle from Brussels to Spa-Francorchamps.
A city shuttle service (launched in 2018) connects major regional cities to the circuit on all 3 days of the Belgian Grand Prix weekend; Friday, Saturday and Sunday.
The shuttle from Brussels departs from Brussels-Midi station and takes you directly to the circuit in about 2 hours. The return fare costs 55 EUR per day and includes a reserved seat and free Wi-Fi on board.
