Belgian Grand Prix
The Belgian Grand Prix (French: Grand Prix de Belgique; Dutch: Grote Prijs van België; German: Großer Preis von Belgien) is a motor racing event which forms part of the Formula One World Championship. The first national race of Belgium was held in 1925 at the Spa region's race course, an area of the country that had been associated with motor sport since the very early years of racing. To accommodate Grand Prix motor racing, the Circuit de Spa-Francorchamps race course was built in 1921 but until 1924 it was used only for motorcycle racing. After the 1923 success of the new 24 hours of Le Mans in France, the Spa 24 Hours, a similar 24-hour endurance race, was run at the Spa track.
| Circuit de Spa-Francorchamps (intermittently; 1925–1939, 1947–1970, 1983–present) | |
| Race information | |
|---|---|
| Number of times held | 79 |
| First held | 1925 |
| Most wins (drivers) | Michael Schumacher (6) |
| Most wins (constructors) | Ferrari (18) |
| Circuit length | 7.004 km (4.352 miles) |
| Race length | 308.052 km (191.398 miles) |
| Laps | 44 |
| Last race (2023) | |
| Pole position | |
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| Podium | |
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| Fastest lap | |
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Since its inception, Spa-Francorchamps has been known for its unpredictable weather. At one stage in its history it had rained at the Belgian Grand Prix for twenty years in a row. Frequently drivers confront a part of the course that is clear and bright while another stretch is rainy and slippery.
The Belgian Grand Prix was designated the European Grand Prix six times between 1925 and 1973, when this title was an honorary designation given each year to one Grand Prix race in Europe. It is one of the most popular races on the Formula One calendar, due to the scenic and historical Spa-Francorchamps circuit being a favourite of drivers and fans.