Few circuits in Formula 1 offer the drama, speed, and history of Spa-Francorchamps. As the longtime host of the Belgian Grand Prix, it’s a place where weather shifts in minutes and legends are made. From iconic overtakes to massive crashes and emotional tributes, Spa has seen it all.
Drivers consistently name it one of their favorite tracks, and fans know to expect the unexpected every time Formula 1 returns. Here are the defining moments that have made the Belgian GP a standout on the racing calendar.
10. 1991: Schumacher’s Surprise Debut Sparks a Legacy
The 1991 Belgian Grand Prix marked the arrival of a future legend. Michael Schumacher made his Formula 1 debut at Spa-Francorchamps with the Jordan team, stepping in for the suspended Bertrand Gachot. With little time to prepare, Schumacher stunned the paddock by qualifying seventh on one of the most challenging circuits on the calendar.
Although his race ended early due to clutch failure, his raw speed and composure caught the attention of Benetton, who signed him immediately. Just one year later, he returned to Spa and claimed his first Grand Prix win, launching a career that would define an era. His breakthrough in Belgium was no accident. The track’s demands highlighted his natural talent, and his connection with Spa would grow stronger with six wins there over the years.
9. 1998: The 13-Car Crash That Shook Spa
The 1998 Belgian Grand Prix delivered one of the most chaotic starts in Formula 1 history. Heavy rain had soaked Spa-Francorchamps, and visibility was nearly zero when the lights went out. As the field roared toward Turn 1, David Coulthard lost control on the run up the hill, sparking a chain reaction that eliminated 13 cars in one massive crash.
Carbon fiber littered the track, and the race had to be red-flagged immediately. It was a dramatic reminder of how quickly conditions at Spa can turn dangerous. Later in the restarted race, Damon Hill would claim a shock win for Jordan, giving the team its first ever Formula 1 victory. The scale of the crash and the wet-weather drama cemented this Grand Prix as a defining moment in Belgium’s racing history.
8. 2000: Hakkinen’s Double Overtake Becomes Instant Classic
The 2000 Belgian Grand Prix delivered one of the most unforgettable overtakes in Formula 1 history. Mika Hakkinen was chasing Michael Schumacher in the final laps at Spa-Francorchamps, both drivers pushing to the limit. As they approached the Kemmel Straight, Hakkinen spotted a backmarker, Ricardo Zonta, just ahead. With incredible precision, he used the slower car to his advantage, diving to the inside while Schumacher went wide.
The result was a stunning double overtake, catching both rivals off guard and sealing Hakkinen’s lead. He went on to win the race, but the move itself became an instant classic. It wasn’t just the pass that impressed, but the timing, bravery, and racecraft behind it. This moment still stands as a high point in the long history of the Belgian Grand Prix.
7. 2004–2009: Kimi Raikkonen’s Reign at Spa
Kimi Raikkonen built a reputation as the master of Spa-Francorchamps with four victories between 2004 and 2009. Known for his calm demeanor and fearless driving, Raikkonen seemed to thrive on the high-speed corners and changing conditions of the Belgian Grand Prix. He won for McLaren in 2004 and 2005, then again with Ferrari in 2007 and 2009.
His 2009 win stood out as he held off faster cars and capitalized on a strong start, showcasing his ability to stay cool under pressure. Fans began referring to him as the “King of Spa,” a title earned through consistent brilliance at one of Formula 1’s toughest circuits. His success at Spa added to his legend and reminded everyone how driver skill could still make the difference, especially on a track as demanding as this one.
6. 2008: Hamilton vs Raikkonen in the Rain
The closing laps of the 2008 Belgian Grand Prix delivered a fierce battle between Lewis Hamilton and Kimi Raikkonen as rain hit Spa-Francorchamps late in the race. With the track rapidly changing, both drivers fought for grip and position through the final sector. Hamilton attempted a move at the final chicane, briefly cut across the escape road, and gave the place back, only to attack again a corner later.
The duel ended when Raikkonen lost control and crashed, handing the win to Hamilton—at least temporarily. Post-race, stewards penalized Hamilton for gaining an advantage, dropping him to third and awarding the victory to Felipe Massa. The decision sparked controversy across the paddock and among fans. The drama, skill, and late-race chaos made this one of the most talked-about finishes in Belgium’s Formula 1 history.
5. 2012: Grosjean’s First-Lap Crash Causes Chaos
The 2012 Belgian Grand Prix saw one of the most dramatic opening-lap crashes in recent memory. As the field launched off the line at Spa-Francorchamps, Romain Grosjean veered across the track at La Source, colliding with Lewis Hamilton. The contact sent Grosjean’s car airborne, narrowly missing Fernando Alonso’s head before crashing into multiple cars. Four drivers were eliminated instantly, and the incident sparked immediate concern over driver safety.
Fortunately, no one was injured, but the crash led to Grosjean receiving a one-race ban—the first handed out in a decade. The stewards cited his reckless driving as endangering others on the grid. It was a turning point in how driver behavior at the start was policed and raised new questions about cockpit protection. The crash remains one of the most shocking moments in Spa’s modern history.
4. 2014: Hamilton and Rosberg Collide at Spa
Tensions at Mercedes boiled over during the 2014 Belgian Grand Prix when Lewis Hamilton and Nico Rosberg clashed on Lap 2. Fighting for the championship, the teammates made contact at Les Combes as Rosberg attempted an overtake. His front wing clipped Hamilton’s rear tire, causing damage that eventually forced Hamilton to retire. Rosberg continued and finished second, but the incident sparked major fallout within the team.
Mercedes team leadership publicly criticized Rosberg, and the clash intensified an already heated rivalry. The moment marked a shift in the title battle and changed the tone of the season. Fans and media debated blame for weeks, and it became one of the defining moments of their feud. At Spa, where margins are small and speeds are high, the cost of misjudgment was on full display.
3. 2019–2020: Tragedy and Tribute at Spa
The 2019 Spa Grand Prix weekend was overshadowed by tragedy when Formula 2 driver Anthoine Hubert lost his life in a high-speed crash at Raidillon. The racing community was stunned, and the emotional weight carried into Sunday’s Formula 1 race. Drivers wore tributes, and the paddock observed a moment of silence in Hubert’s honor.
One year later, Pierre Gasly returned to Spa as a Grand Prix winner and delivered one of his most inspired drives. Racing with Hubert’s memory in mind, Gasly made bold overtakes and finished strong, earning the respect of fans and fellow drivers. He was voted Driver of the Day, not just for performance but for spirit. These back-to-back years reminded the world of Spa’s unforgiving nature and the resilience that defines the sport at every level.
2. 2021: The Race That Never Happened
The 2021 Belgian Grand Prix became one of the most unusual races in Formula 1 history. Torrential rain battered Spa-Francorchamps all weekend, but conditions on race day were especially severe. After hours of delays, the cars completed only two laps behind the safety car before the event was red-flagged. With no actual racing and the minimum distance technically met, half points were awarded based on qualifying results.
Max Verstappen was declared the winner, and George Russell celebrated a shock podium for Williams after qualifying second. Fans, drivers, and teams criticized the decision to call it an official race. Many believed the event should not have counted at all. It was a rare moment when Spa’s unpredictable weather completely shut down competition, leaving more frustration than satisfaction on the day.
1. 2022: Verstappen Charges from 14th to Win
The 2022 Belgian Grand Prix showed just how dominant Max Verstappen and Red Bull had become. Starting from 14th on the grid due to engine penalties, Verstappen wasted no time slicing through the field at Spa-Francorchamps. By Lap 12, he had taken the lead with ease, making clean overtakes and maximizing straight-line speed on Spa’s long sections.
Once out front, he pulled away comfortably, finishing nearly 18 seconds ahead of his closest rival. It was a display of pure pace, smart tire management, and flawless execution. The ease of his drive led many to question whether anyone could match Red Bull’s performance that season. Winning from so far back on one of Formula 1’s most challenging circuits only added to the significance. It was a statement victory that made headlines across the motorsport world.
What time is the Belgian GP qualifying?
Qualifying for the 2025 Belgian Grand Prix takes place on Saturday, July 26, at 17:00 local time (CEST). For fans watching outside Europe, check your local Formula 1 broadcast schedule or streaming provider for time zone conversions.
Why is the Belgian GP only 44 laps?
The Belgian Grand Prix is run at Spa-Francorchamps, the longest track on the Formula 1 calendar at 7.004 kilometers per lap. F1 races are designed to cover around 305 kilometers total, which means only 44 laps are needed to meet that distance at this circuit.
What is the Belgian GP called?
The official name for the 2025 event is the Formula 1 Rolex Belgian Grand Prix 2025. It’s also commonly referred to as the Spa Grand Prix or simply the Spa GP, named after the legendary circuit that hosts it.