The Belgian Grand Prix takes place from 17 to 19 July 2026 at the Circuit de Spa-Francorchamps, one of the most revered tracks in all of motorsport. At 7.004 km, Spa is the longest circuit on the current Formula 1 calendar, threading through the forests and valleys of the Ardennes region in eastern Belgium. Its combination of high-speed straights, dramatic elevation changes, and unpredictable weather make it a perennial favourite among drivers and fans alike.
What is the Belgian Grand Prix?
The Belgian Grand Prix is one of the longest-running fixtures in the Formula 1 calendar, having been part of the World Championship since its inaugural 1950 season. The 2026 race is the thirteenth round of the championship, arriving midseason as teams assess development directions ahead of the second half of the campaign.
The circuit measures 7.004 km and features 19 corners across 44 laps, covering a total race distance of 308.18 km. The legendary Eau Rouge-Raidillon complex, where drivers plunge downhill before immediately climbing through a blind, compression-laden left-right sequence with a 17% gradient, remains one of the most exhilarating passages in world motorsport.
Under the rotation arrangement between Spa-Francorchamps and the Circuit de Barcelona-Catalunya, Belgium hosts F1 in odd-numbered years and 2026, with Barcelona taking over in subsequent even-numbered years. This arrangement ensures Belgian fans can enjoy F1 at one of the sport’s spiritual homes while maintaining two prestigious European venues on the calendar.
When is the Belgian Grand Prix?
The 2026 Belgian Grand Prix weekend schedule (all times CEST/UTC+2):
Friday 17 July: Practice 1 (13:30), Practice 2 (17:00)
Saturday 18 July: Practice 3 (12:30), Qualifying (16:00)
Sunday 19 July: Race (15:00)
The race starts at 15:00 local time on Sunday 19 July, corresponding to 14:00 BST, 09:00 ET, and 23:00 AEST.
Where is the Belgian Grand Prix?
Spa-Francorchamps is located near the town of Stavelot in the Wallonia region of Belgium, approximately 130 km south-east of Brussels and 45 km south of Liege. The circuit was originally conceived in 1921 as a 14.9 km triangular course on public roads connecting the villages of Francorchamps, Malmedy, and Stavelot.
The modern 7.004 km layout retains the character and challenge of the original while meeting current safety standards. The Ardennes weather is famously changeable, with a single lap sometimes spanning dry sections and wet corners simultaneously, adding a tactical dimension absent from most circuits. The circuit sits at approximately 400 metres above sea level, and temperatures in the forested sections can drop sharply even in mid-July.
From Brussels, the circuit is accessible by rail to Spa station with connecting shuttle services. By road, the N62 from Liege and the A27 motorway provide the main access routes. Accommodation in the surrounding Ardennes villages fills quickly during race week, and early booking is strongly recommended.
Key Contenders
As the Belgian Grand Prix arrives in July, the championship battle will have intensified. Mercedes, led by Kimi Antonelli and George Russell, have set the pace through the early rounds of 2026, benefiting from the most complete interpretation of the new regulations. The high-speed nature of Spa — where power unit performance and aerodynamic efficiency are paramount — plays to the strengths of a powerful, well-balanced car.
Charles Leclerc is a natural at Spa. The Monegasque driver’s flowing, smooth style suits high-speed layouts, and he took a famous victory here in 2019. Lewis Hamilton has three Belgian Grand Prix victories to his name (2010, 2015, 2020) and brings considerable experience to a circuit that rewards precision under variable conditions.
For McLaren, Oscar Piastri won a dramatic wet-dry race here in 2025, his second Grand Prix victory. The Australian arrives in Belgium having grown increasingly comfortable in unpredictable conditions. Max Verstappen won at Spa in 2022 and 2024 and has called this his favourite circuit. Even with Red Bull Racing’s challenging start to 2026, his feel for this track in all conditions makes him dangerous.
How to Watch the Belgian Grand Prix
- United Kingdom: Sky Sports F1 provides exclusive live coverage of all sessions; Channel 4 carries extended highlights.
- United States: Apple TV is the sole live broadcaster from 2026, with F1 TV bundled for subscribers.
- Belgium: RTBF (French-speaking) and VTM/Play Sports (Dutch-speaking) provide free-to-air and subscription coverage.
- Germany: Sky Deutschland and RTL share coverage.
- Australia: Fox Sports and Kayo carry all sessions live.
- Global: F1 TV Pro provides live multi-camera streaming in most other territories worldwide.
History and Records
The Belgian Grand Prix is one of only a handful of races to have appeared in every season since the World Championship began in 1950, although not always at Spa. For much of the 1970s and 1980s the race was also held at Nivelles and Zolder. Since 1983, Spa-Francorchamps has been the permanent home.
Ayrton Senna holds the record for the most Belgian Grand Prix victories with five, won between 1985 and 1992. Michael Schumacher won four times at Spa, a circuit he dominated with particular mastery. Lewis Hamilton’s 2010 victory, driving from the back of the grid after a first-lap incident, is one of his most celebrated wet-weather performances.
The 2021 race became the shortest in Formula 1 history, lasting just two laps behind the safety car before being red-flagged due to persistent heavy rain. In contrast, the 1998 race — featuring Damon Hill, Michael Schumacher, and Eddie Irvine — is considered one of the most dramatic finishes in F1 history.
Tickets
The Belgian Grand Prix regularly draws in excess of 400,000 spectators across the race weekend, making it one of the most attended events on the calendar. Grandstand options at Eau Rouge, the Bus Stop chicane, and the start-finish straight offer premium views. Tickets are available through the official Spa Grand Prix website at spagrandprix.com and the F1 ticketing platform. Given the circuit’s rotation schedule with Barcelona, demand is particularly high and popular allocations sell out months in advance. Official campsites operate around the circuit during race week for an immersive festival atmosphere.
Frequently Asked Questions
When does the Belgian Grand Prix race start?
The 2026 Belgian Grand Prix starts at 15:00 CEST (14:00 BST) on Sunday 19 July 2026.
Where is the Belgian Grand Prix held?
At the Circuit de Spa-Francorchamps in Stavelot, Wallonia, Belgium, approximately 130 km south-east of Brussels.
How can I watch the Belgian Grand Prix?
In the UK, Sky Sports F1 carries all sessions live. In the US, Apple TV has exclusive rights. In Belgium, RTBF and VTM carry coverage. F1 TV Pro offers live streaming worldwide.
Who won the Belgian Grand Prix last year?
Oscar Piastri won the 2025 Belgian Grand Prix for McLaren in a wet-dry race at Spa-Francorchamps.