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Circuit de Spa-Francorchamps

Circuit de Spa-Francorchamps is a motorsport racing circuit in the Ardennes region of Wallonia, Belgium, near Francorchamps.

By Ethan Anderson| Reviewed by Olivia Bennett, Standards & Fact-Checking Lead| Updated July 27, 2026|2 min read| Fact-checked

Circuit de Spa-Francorchamps is a motorsport racing circuit in the Ardennes region of Wallonia, Belgium, near Francorchamps. It is best known for hosting the Belgian Grand Prix in Formula 1 and the 24 Hours of Spa endurance race. The modern layout is 7.004 km long and is widely regarded as one of the most challenging circuits in world motorsport.

History

Spa-Francorchamps opened in 1921 and originally used public roads linking Francorchamps, Malmedy and Stavelot. It became part of Formula 1 from the championship’s first season in 1950, and the circuit was later shortened and modernised in 1979.

Layout and characteristics

The present circuit is 7.004 km long with 19 turns and 44 laps for the Formula 1 Belgian Grand Prix. It is known for high-speed corners, elevation changes and variable weather conditions in the Ardennes.

Major events

The circuit hosts the Formula 1 Belgian Grand Prix and major endurance races such as the 24 Hours of Spa and the 6 Hours of Spa-Francorchamps. It also appears on the calendars of other international and national motorsport series.

Reputation

Spa-Francorchamps is widely considered one of the classic and most demanding race tracks in motorsport. Its length, fast sections and changing weather have made it a favourite among drivers and fans.

Key facts

  • Circuit de Spa-Francorchamps opened in 1921 using public roads in the Ardennes.
  • The current layout is 7.004 km long with 19 turns, dating from a 1979 redevelopment.
  • It is the longest circuit on the current Formula 1 calendar.
  • The Formula 1 Belgian Grand Prix has been held there since 1950.
  • The venue also hosts the 24 Hours of Spa and the 6 Hours of Spa-Francorchamps endurance races.
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Canadian context

Canadian readers may know Spa-Francorchamps as a regular venue on the Formula 1 calendar and a key European stop for fans following drivers such as Canadian racing prospects and international championships.

Frequently asked questions

Where is Circuit de Spa-Francorchamps located?
It is located near Francorchamps in Stavelot, in Liège Province, Wallonia, Belgium.
When was Spa-Francorchamps opened?
The circuit was opened in 1921.
How long is the current circuit?
The current layout is 7.004 km long.
What major race is held there in Formula 1?
It hosts the Belgian Grand Prix, which first counted toward the Formula 1 World Championship in 1950.
What is the lap record at Spa-Francorchamps?
The current Formula 1 lap record is 1:44.701, set by Sergio Pérez in 2024.

References

  1. Wikipedia — https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Circuit_de_Spa-Francorchamps
    Supports: Location, history, major events, and general circuit context.
  2. Formula 1 — https://www.formula1.com/en/latest/article/circuit-guide-everything-you-need-to-know-about-the-circuit-de-spa-francorchamps.pC5N3J3W9LEj8REFvU6FX
    Supports: Current circuit length, turns, laps, race distance, and lap record.
  3. Formula 1 — https://www.formula1.com/en/information/belgium-circuit-de-spa-francorchamps.3LltuYaAXVRU8iezEsjzGw
    Supports: Opening history, original and current layouts, 1950 championship debut, and redevelopment.
  4. RacingCircuits.info — https://www.racingcircuits.info/europe/belgium/spa-francorchamps.html
    Supports: Major events beyond Formula 1 and general circuit characteristics.
  5. Belgium Grand Prix — https://www.belgium.gp/en/history-of-the-circuit-spa-francorchamps
    Supports: Circuit reputation, Belgian Grand Prix role, and characteristic features.