P1racenews AI automatic summary:
Spa-Francorchamps recently agreed a new deal with F1, but is set to begin a rotation on the calendar as a result, dropping off in 2028 and 2030.
Belgian Grand Prix boss Melchior Wathelet claims that F1 aims to have only eight European grands prix in the future. The iconic Spa-Francorchamps circuit’s old contract ended in 2025, but renewed until 2031, with Spa scheduled for only four of those six seasons. This move is part of F1’s exploration of bi-annual rotation of races, with Zandvoort dropping off after 2026, leaving Europe with seven confirmed races for 2027. European races for 2027 include Austria, Belgium, Britain, Hungary, Italy, Monaco, and Spain with Madrid replacing Barcelona in 2026. The Emilia Romagna GP’s contract expires after 2025, potentially leaving six European races on the calendar in 2028. Wathelet explained that F1 targets eight European rounds due to challenges in signing long-term contracts and the need for feasible agreements, with Spa paying approximately €25 million to host F1 races and expecting a reasonable increase in hosting fees from 2026. The aim is to limit the local government’s involvement while increasing the return on investment for regions and countries.
