Iconic grand prix secures unusual new long-term F1 deal

The Belgian Grand Prix is to remain on the F1 calendar until at least 2031 after an unusual new multi-year deal was announced.

Spa’s place hosting the grand prix has been under severe threat in recent years with the expansion of the calendar, with a potential bi-annual race rotation deal with the Dutch Grand Prix suggested as one method of keeping both on the schedule.

However, Zandvoort is to stop hosting the Dutch GP after 2026, having also taken Belgium’s place as the first race after the summer break after a re-jig in 2023.

Organisers were estimated to be paying about $22 million USD per year to host the race under the deal that ended after the 2025 event, due to take place across the weekend of July 25-27th. 

This was among the lowest on the calendar, with Azerbaijan, Saudi Arabia and Qatar all estimated to be paying $55 million USD per year. 

However, it is not a normal contract which has been announced, with the Belgian GP to feature in 2026, 2027, 2029 and 2031. It will not feature in 2028 or 2031, with Spa-Francorchamps to become a rotational host. 

More to follow.