Formula 1 Belgian Grand Prix: Everything To Know About Attending

The Formula 1 Belgian Grand Prix, held at the Circuit de Spa-Francorchamps, is one of the most iconic and exciting events on the F1 calendar. Nestled in the Ardennes countryside, this historic circuit is known for its challenging layout, unpredictable weather, and passionate fans. Attending the Spa Grand Prix is a bucket-list experience for any motorsport enthusiast. This blog post will guide you through everything you need to know to make the most of your visit to the Formula 1 Belgian Grand Prix.

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When & Where

The Formula 1 Belgian Grand Prix takes place towards the end of July. The exact dates can vary slightly each year, so it’s essential to check the official Formula 1 calendar for the most up-to-date information.

The event spans three days, starting on Friday with practice sessions 1 and 2, followed by practice 3 and qualifying on Saturday, and the main race on Sunday.

2025 Dates: Friday July 25 – Sunday July 27

The Circuit de Spa-Francorchamps is located in Stavelot, Belgium, in the heart of the Ardennes forest. The nearest major city is Liège, approximately 60 kilometers away. With Brussels being about 150 kilometers from the circuit.

The track’s rural setting adds to its charm, offering stunning natural scenery and a unique atmosphere that sets it apart from other circuits.

Address: Rte du Circuit 55, 4970 Stavelot, Belgium | Google Maps

Circuit de Spa-Francorchamps At a Glance

The Circuit de Spa-Francorchamps is renowned for its challenging layout and absolute scenic beauty. Here are some key areas of interest within the circuit.

Eau Rouge/Raidillon: Perhaps the most famous section of the circuit, Eau Rouge is a steep uphill left-right-left combination that tests the skill of drivers. The sight of F1 cars speeding through Eau Rouge at high speeds is a highlight for spectators and the most sought after seats.

Kemmel Straight: A long straight following Eau Rouge, where cars reach high speeds before braking hard for the Les Combes chicane. The Kemmel Straight is an area where you can potentially see an overtake throughout the race.

Bus Stop Chicane: The final chicane before the start/finish straight, often a hotspot for overtaking and late-braking maneuvers.

Circuit de Spa-Francorchamps offers more than just the Formula 1 race in mid July.

From March until November, on certain days, you can take an 1.5 hour guided tour behind the scenes of Spa-Francorchamps. Admission prices for the guided tour are €15.00 per adult and €8.00 per child less than 14 years old.

If you’re looking to experience the track as a passenger, you can purchase a 2.5 hour track experience. For €189.00, an experienced driver will drive you around the circuit in their Alpine A110s. Afterwards, you can then take your own car around the track following their Leading Car.

In addition to the Formula 1 race weekend, they offer numerous other races throughout the year. Check out the calendar of events on the Circuit de Spa-Francorchamps website.

How to Get There

Traveling to the Circuit de Spa-Francorchamps requires some planning, given its rural location in the Ardennes region of Belgium. Here are the various transportation options available to help you reach the circuit.

By Air

If you’re traveling from outside of Europe or Belgium, flying into one of the nearby airports is the first step. These are some of the closest airports to the circuit.

Brussels Airport (BRU): The main international airport in Belgium, located about 150 kilometers (around 2 hours by car) from the circuit. From the airport, you can rent a car, take a train to Verviers, or use other public transportation options.

Liège Airport (LGG): A smaller airport located about 70 kilometers (approximately 1 hour by car) from the circuit. It mainly serves European destinations and charter flights.

Luxembourg Airport (LUX): Located about 130 kilometers (around 1.5 hours by car) from the circuit, it’s another option for international visitors.

Public Transportation

Public transportation is another viable option, especially for those who prefer not to drive and worry about parking. Here’s how you can get to the circuit using trains and buses.

Train to Verviers: The closest major train station to the circuit is Verviers-Central, which is well-connected to major Belgian cities like Brussels and Liège. Train services are operated by the Belgian National Railway Company (SNCB/NMBS).

Shuttle Services: During the race weekend, City Shuttle offers shuttle services to the Spa-Francorchamps circuit from several surrounding countries, such as Belgium, France, Germany, the Netherlands and Luxembourg.

Shuttle Bus from Verviers: Shuttle busses are offered from Verviers-Central station and Spa-Francorchamps circuit. You can purchase your tickets at the TEC ticket office located at the entrance to Verviers-Central station.

On Friday, you can purchase a 3 day ticket for €30.00, on Saturday for €20.00 valid for two days, and on Sunday for €10.00.

If you do choose to take the shuttle, keep in mind the distance and time it’ll take to reach the track. The shuttle will take about an hour drive to the drop off location, and then it’s about a 30 – 45 minute walk to the track.

Bus Services: There are also regular bus services from nearby towns like Stavelot and Malmedy to the circuit. Local buses can be a convenient option if you are staying in these towns.

Bicycle: If you’re looking to avoid the insane traffic from the race, cycling to the circuit is another option. The scenic Ardennes region offers beautiful cycling routes, and some fans choose to camp near the circuit and use bicycles for local transportation.

By Car

The circuit can be accessed by car, but traffic can be heavy on race days. Consider using public transportation or shuttle services if available. Some fans also opt to cycle to the circuit from nearby towns.

If you’re planning on driving to the race, read over the Parking section right below to learn all about the pros and cons of parking at the circuit.

Parking

The circuit offers various parking options. However, parking spots close to the circuit can fill up quickly, especially on race day. Some parking areas might require a shuttle bus ride to the circuit entrance.

For the Belgian Grand Prix, you do need to purchase your parking in advance if you’ll be driving. The price for parking is €25.00 per day.

We noticed on our ticket, a bit last minute, that you should print out you parking pass to display in your windshield. We did not, but thankfully, they were able to scan our parking ticket on race day upon entering the area.

Parking opens at 6:00 am and closes at 10:00 pm on Friday, Saturday, and Sunday. You cannot leave your car in the lot overnight, or you may risk getting towed.

One thing to be cautious of while parking in one of the paid lots for the circuit is the mud due to the weather. If you know Spa and the unpredictable weather, then you know the weather may be rainy and cool one of the days.

When we were trying to leave our lot, which was a grassy field, we watched as numerous people had to be pulled out with large tractors due to them getting stuck in the mud.

Buying Tickets

Attending the Spa Grand Prix requires advance planning, especially when it comes to securing tickets. Here’s a breakdown of some of the various ticket options available.

Bronze/General Admission Tickets: These provide access to various areas around the circuit. General admission tickets are the most affordable option and offer the flexibility to explore different viewing spots.

Popular general admission areas include Eau Rouge/Raidillon, Pouhon, and Kemmel Straight. Arrive extremely early to secure a good spot, as these areas can get crowded. Tickets start as low as €195.00 each.

Grandstand Tickets: For a guaranteed seat and a fantastic view of the action, consider purchasing grandstand tickets. The most sought-after grandstands include:

• Gold 1 or Gold 9 (PIT/Pole): Located on the start/finish straight, this grandstand offers views of the pit lane and the start/finish line. Tickets start at €560.00 for Gold 1 and €750.00 for Gold 9.
• Gold 3 or Gold 4 (Eau Rouge/Raidillon): Positioned along the famous Eau Rouge/Raidillon complex, providing a breathtaking view of cars navigating this challenging section. Tickets start at €560.00 for Gold 3 and €630.00 for Gold 4.

VIP and Hospitality Packages: For a luxurious experience, consider VIP and hospitality packages. These packages often include premium seating, gourmet catering, exclusive access to hospitality areas, and other perks.

Options include the Paddock Club and various hospitality suites around the circuit. The Mezzanine hospitality suite is located next to the infamous Raidillon-Eau Rouge curve. Tickets for Mezzanine range from €790.00 to €3,300.00 per person depending on how many days.

Weekend and Single-Day Tickets: Depending on your schedule and budget, you can choose between weekend passes, which provide access to all three days of the event, two days worth of events, or single-day tickets for Friday, Saturday, or Sunday.

Ticket prices can range from €195.00 to €5574.00.

Where to Purchase Tickets

Tickets can be purchased through the official Formula 1 website, an authorized reseller such as Spa Grand Prix website, and travel agencies specializing in motorsport events.

It’s advisable to book early, as tickets, especially grandstand and hospitality options, tend to sell out quickly. Tickets usually go on sale the previous year on the day of the race.

Schedule for the Belgian Grand Prix

If you’re looking to decide on the full weekend tickets or a certain day, here’s the general schedule for the weekend.

friday

Friday is all about preparation and practice, as teams fine-tune their cars and drivers familiarize themselves with the track conditions. This is an excellent day for fans to explore the circuit, get closer to the action, and enjoy a more relaxed atmosphere compared to the intense weekend climax.

Formula 3 starts out the practice day first with about an hour on the track around 10:00 am. Then Formula 2 takes on their next practice session. After Formula 2, you’ll get to experience the historic F1 cars demonstration.

By mid afternoon, Formula 1 starts their first practice session. Afterwards, F3 and F2 have their qualifying session, with F1 finishing up their second practice session.

Saturday

Saturday is a high-stakes day, with practice sessions leading up to the all-important qualifying session that determines the starting grid for the main race. The atmosphere can be electric.

Formula 3 starts off Saturday with their sprint race in the morning starting right before 10:00 am. Then, the Porsche Mobil 1 Supercup qualifying session follows F3. Formula 1 then has this third and final practice of the race weekend.

After lunch, Formula 2 has their sprint race, with Formula 1 starting their qualifying session around 4:00 pm. Finishing off Saturday is the historic F1 cars demonstration again.

Sunday

The final day of the Belgian Grand Prix starts early with Formula 3’s Feature Race at 8:30 am. Following F3, Formula 2 continues with their Feature Race around 10:00 am.

The Porsche Supercup race is another highlight for motorsport enthusiasts and provides additional on-track entertainment throughout the weekend. Starting before noon, watch Porsche 911 GT3 Cup cars race around for 12 laps.

After lunch, you’ll have one more time to witness the Historic F1 Cars high speed demonstration for 20 minutes. Starting mid afternoon, view the driver’s parade around the track for 30 minutes before everyone prepares for the race.

The driver parade is a pre-race tradition where all the drivers make a slow lap around the circuit, greeting fans. It’s a fantastic opportunity for everyone to see the drivers up close, capture photos, and soak in the atmosphere.

Afterwards, use this time to find your seat, take photos, and enjoy the excitement building up to the race. You’ll have a little bit of time after the parade to get ready for the start of the race.

Race day at the Belgian Grand Prix ends with the Formula 1 Grand Prix mid afternoon. Enjoy the race watching the drivers fight for 44 laps.

Food & Drink at Spa

Fans are allowed to bring their own food and drink inside the circuit, except alcohol. I saw quite a few people bringing in small coolers filled with sandwiches and drinks, or even snacks in their backpacks.

If you’re not interested in bringing anything in, there are numerous food and drink stands around the Belgian Grand Prix. Here’s everything you need to know about the food, drinks, and how to purchase everything.

Food Stalls

Throughout the circuit, you’ll find numerous food stalls and vendors offering a variety of options. Belgian fries (frites), waffles, burgers, and sausages are popular choices around the track.

Many stalls also offer international cuisine, including pasta, pizza, and Asian dishes. There was also a “healthy food” stall selling poke bowls, wraps, and burritos.

We found a stand that I went back to twice for a shredded chicken sandwich in the Fanzone area.

Drinks

There are numerous stalls that sell drinks, including still or sparkling water, beer, Cola, and espresso. Unfortunately, mostly Heineken and one other beer are sold around the Belgian Grand Prix.

They do offer over 25 free water stations across the venue. I found majority of them near all the bathrooms and other popular areas.

Keep yourself hydrated and well-fed throughout the weekend. Bring snacks and water, but also indulge in the local food options to enhance your experience.

How to Purchase Food & Drink

There are two ways to purchase food and drink. The first way is paying with cash. Each food vendor has the equivalent of tokens to euro for their offerings.

The second way to purchase food and drink at Spa is to pay with your token card. There are stands to purchase and reload your card throughout the weekend. You can load your card with either cash or credit/debit card.

Prices for tokens or coins for a card:

• 30 coins for €50.00
• 45 coins for €75.00
• 60 coins for €100.00

Loading a new card costs 0.7 coins, and there is a minimum charge of €5.00. On average, food and drink prices ranged from €5.00 to €20.00.

Activities at The Belgian Grand Prix

There is so much to do in addition to watching the races, just wander throughout the Fanzone to explore all the options. Here is everything that’s offered to partake in during the race weekend.

Racing Activities

If you wish you were a race car driver, you may be able to live out your dream with Sim Racing, the Pit Lane Challenge, and a Blast Lane.

All these activities are located in the Fan Zone, which is between Gold 2 and Gold 3/Gold 4.

They also offer a podium to get your pictures on with your friends and family. As your wander through the Fan Zone, you’ll find all types of activities for you and your family to enjoy.

All of these activities are available to enjoy before and during the race. They do shut down shortly after the race that I noticed.

Ferris Wheel

The large ferris wheel sits right in the center of the Fanzone and gives you an excellent view of Eau Rouge. If you want a ride, it’s free of charge, just have to wait in line.

Shopping

Need some new F1 gear? Look no further than the plethora of stands selling team merch, F1 gear, and personal driver merch.

The prices were a bit on the expensive side. Hats were around €60.00, team jackets were around €195.00, T-shirt prices were around €50.00.

There is also a stall with Spa-Francorchamps merch of T-shirts, sweatshirts, hats, piece of track, lanyards, keychains, and a few other items for sale.

Some of the clothing here is a bit more affordable with T-shirts ranging from €20.00 – €40.00, hats €30.00, and sweatshirts were about €60.00.

Fanzone Stage

Throughout the weekend, there are multiple musical guests performing on the stage to listen to, as well as showcasing driver interviews throughout the weekend.

The majority of music was a bit of techno/EDM with numerous DJs performing. I know people were a little upset if that type of music doesn’t interest you, but I loved it and thought it was perfect for Belgium and Europe.

Tips For Attending

Attending the Belgian Grand Prix is a thrilling experience, but it can also be overwhelming, especially for first-time visitors. Here are some tips and tricks to help you make the most of your weekend at Spa.

Practical Information

The circuit opens at 6:00 am from Friday to Sunday, with the last entrance at 7:30 pm on Friday, 5:35 pm on Saturday and 5:00 pm on Sunday. Spa closes at 10:00 pm on Friday, 9:00 pm Saturday, and 8:00 pm on Sunday.

There are no ATMs located around the Spa-Francorchamps circuit. The nearest ATMs are located in Spa, Stavelot or Malmedy.

Cigarettes are allowed on site, but smoking is strictly prohibited in the stands and VIP areas.

Plan Ahead

Make travel and accommodation arrangements well in advance. Hotels and campsites near the circuit fill up quickly, so booking early is essential. Consider staying in nearby cities like Liège or even Brussels if you can’t find accommodation close to the circuit.

To secure the best viewing spots in general admission areas, arrive early each day. Gates open fairly early, around 5:30 am or 6:00 am. On race day, we parked at 7:00 am and got to our spot by 7:30, and the best General Admission spots were quite full already.

Camping Tips

Although I haven’t personally camped at Spa, here are some of the most tips I’ve read over to make the most of your camping experience.

Plan ahead to know where your campsite is located and how to get there. It seems like there were little to no signs giving directions to each different campsite, let alone help from staff members.

The toilet facilities in the camping areas aren’t the best. It’s advisable to make sure you pack your own toilet paper, soap or sanitizer, and be prepared for the potential lack of cleaning, especially by the end of the weekend.

Located on the campsite grounds, there is a campsite supermarket that provides drinks, bakery items, some food options, camping equipment, and hygiene products. There is also a selection of food stands, bars, and merchandise stands.

One tip to keep in mind in the campsite is the lack of a noise curfew. Numerous people have complained about loud music and entertainment until 3:00 or 4:00 am. Which definitely upset some people who were planning on waking up early to get to the track.

Weather

The weather in the Ardennes can be unpredictable. Bring layers, waterproof clothing, and comfortable shoes, as you’ll be walking and standing for long periods throughout the weekend.

Saturday it was cool and rainy all day, with mud everywhere, including the parking fields. As I mentioned before, the lots were complete mud and cars needed to be towed out.

Sunscreen and hats are also essential for sunny days. On Sunday, it was scorching hot throughout the day, and depending on your seats, you may not have any shade.

Packing the Essentials

Pack a backpack with essentials such as earplugs (the noise from F1 and F2 cars can be deafening). If you forget your earplugs at home, there are quite a few Alpine Hearing Protection stands selling earplugs for €25.00.

One absolute item to never leave home without is a portable phone charger, especially if you’ll be attending all weekend. You’re usually at the Grand Prix all day for race day, which can easily drain your battery while you’re taking all the pictures and videos.

If you are sitting in the general admission areas, a foldable chair for sitting is needed. I recommend one that is easiest to carry through the grounds, as well as up and down hills.

Because of the unpredictable weather, even for July, a rain poncho is another must essential to pack. You are allowed to take umbrellas as well, but they cannot obstruct the view of spectators, so a poncho is a safe bet to stay dry while still enjoying the race.

Stay Updated at the Belgian Grand Prix

Keep an eye on the official Formula 1 app or website for schedule updates, driver standings, and any changes to the event. This will help you stay informed and make the most of your time at the circuit.

Personally, I think it was perfect to stream the race to see whats happening on spots on the track you can’t visibly see, as well as listen to the commentary.

Are Dogs Allowed?

Even though Europe is quite dog and pet friendly, for safety reasons, animals are not allowed at the Spa-Francorchamps circuit or camp sites.

The only dogs allowed on site are Guide dogs for the visually impaired and assistance dogs, but the organization must be informed in advance before attending.

Walk On the Track

Don’t miss your opportunity to storm the track once that race is over and pick up some burnt rubber from the tires.

The gates in between Gold 3 and Gold 4, as well as near the Fanzone, open up to spectators shortly after the race concludes and allow you to walk a section of the track.

Attending the Formula 1 Spa Grand Prix in Belgium is a truly unforgettable experience for any motorsport fan. From the breathtaking views of Eau Rouge to the thrill of watching F1 cars tackle the challenging corners at Spa-Francorchamps, every moment is filled with excitement and passion. By planning ahead, securing the right tickets, and following these tips and tricks, you’ll be well-prepared to make the most of your weekend at one of the most iconic circuits in the world.