Editorial: The loss of Spa marks the beginning of the decline of F1

We expected it, but even though we were prepared, it still hurts. Starting in 2027, the Belgian Grand Prix will become an alternate event, a ridiculous decision, because this race is indispensable compared to the others.

As the FIA unveils a new staggered schedule for the Belgian Grand Prix, the fate of Spa-Francorchamps has become a hot topic for fans and experts alike. Under the latest agreement, the iconic circuit will host one race each year until 2027, after which it will only appear alternately, scheduled for 2029 and then again in 2031, with no clear roadmap beyond that. The prospect of losing a permanent place on the calendar has sparked a wave of criticism on social media, with many lamenting that a venue so steeped in Formula 1 history should be relegated to occasional appearances. Spa-Francorchamps is more than just a succession of corners; it is a living museum of the sport's greatest moments. From the fast corners of Eau Rouge and Raidillon to the tight hairpins of La Source and the hairpin turns of Kemmel and Pouhon, the circuit has tested legends such as Jim Clark, Jackie Stewart, Kimi Raikkonen, Lewis Hamilton, and Michael Schumacher. Winning more than two victories at Spa remains a rare feat, underscoring the demanding nature of the circuit. The calendar shake-up comes with other controversial changes. The Dutch round at Zandvoort has already been scrapped, and Spa's future is now uncertain. Meanwhile, classic circuits such as Monaco persist despite criticism that the narrow street layout is no longer suitable for modern cars, an argument often used to defend Spa's relevance. However, the sport is also expanding into new markets: Miami, Las Vegas, Saudi Arabia, and an upcoming race in Madrid have all been added, raising questions about whether commercial considerations are taking precedence over heritage.

Critics argue that financial incentives are dictating the direction of Formula 1, with “petrodollars” and lucrative hosting rights trumping the traditional values of the sport. The fear is that if this trend continues, historic circuits such as the Hungaroring, Silverstone, and Monza will eventually suffer the same fate. For some observers, this change marks a shift toward series where manufacturers continue to reign supreme, such as the World Endurance Championship, which they see as a refuge for “sensible” racing. In short, while Spa-Francorchamps remains a pinnacle of automotive engineering and driver talent, its future on the Formula 1 calendar is now uncertain, caught between respect for its past and the commercial realities that will shape the next decade of the sport.