Jan 08, 2025 - 09:47
By apnews.com

Belgian Grand Prix gets contract extension but set to be dropped from schedule in 2028 and 2030

LONDON (AP) — Formula 1 has extended its contract with the Belgian Grand Prix, but one of the sport’s most established races is set to be dropped from the schedule in 2028 and 2030.

The extension starting from next year includes races only in 2026, 2027, 2029 and 2031, F1 said Wednesday.

F1’s push in recent years to expand the schedule with more races in the United States and Asia has meant more competition for traditional venues in Europe seeking to keep their places on the calendar.

The Spa-Francorchamps circuit, a favorite with many drivers for its flowing high-speed layout through forested hills, was on the F1 schedule for the first championship season in 1950 and has been on the calendar every year since 2007.

“The Belgian Grand Prix was one of the races that made up our maiden Championship in 1950, so as we kick off our 75th anniversary year it is fitting that we can share the news of this important extension,” F1 president and chief executive Stefano Domenicali said in a statement.

“Spa-Francorchamps is rightly lauded by drivers and fans alike as one of the finest racetracks in the world and it has played host to some incredible moments over its many seasons in Formula 1.”

This year’s Belgian Grand Prix race weekend is from July 25 through 27, including a sprint race.