Formula 1 has extended its contract with the Belgian Grand Prix, securing races at the historic Spa-Francorchamps for four out of six years between 2026 and 2031. However, the beloved event will be absent from the calendar in 2028 and 2030, creating significant implications for fans and drivers alike.

As part of the agreement, the Belgian Grand Prix will host its races in 2026, 2027, 2029, and 2031. This contract marks the first of its kind for F1, as the organization adapts to a crowded race schedule while considering potential new locations. Notably, chief executive Stefano Domenicali highlighted the Grand Prix as a cornerstone of F1's inaugural championship in 1950, emphasizing the race's rich heritage.

The Spa-Francorchamps circuit, cherished for its scenic, high-speed layout, has been part of the F1 calendar since the first championship season. Domenicali extolled the track as one of the finest worldwide, crediting the promoters and the Wallonian government for their continuous support of F1 in Belgium.

While the contract extension is promising, the decision to rotate Spa-Francorchamps also opens opportunities for new venues to emerge on the F1 landscape. Countries like Thailand, Rwanda, and Argentina are vying for slots on the schedule, indicating a shift towards a more global format in the sport. Races in traditional venues like Imola and the Circuit de Catalunya are also at risk, as F1 assesses the future of its European races in response to evolving audience demands.

Interestingly, the absence of the Belgian Grand Prix in 2028 raises questions for local fans, especially for F1 champion Max Verstappen, who, born in Belgium, represents the Netherlands on the track. His fans have consistently filled the stands at Spa, notably wearing orange to show support for their driver.

This year's Belgian Grand Prix weekend is slated for July 25-27, concluding the contract amidst adjustments likely to reshape the beloved sport's future. The new regulations specifically limit the number of races to a maximum of 25, facing necessary renegotiations after 2026.
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