The Spa F1 circuit, Circuit de Spa-Francorchamps in Belgium, is a 7.004 km, 19-turn track and the longest lap on the Formula 1 calendar. It is famous for the Eau Rouge and Raidillon uphill sweep, fast straights and changeable Ardennes weather. This guide covers its layout, history and why strategy matters here.
Quick answer
Spa is a fast, flowing road course with big elevation changes. Teams balance low drag for the long straights against downforce for the technical middle sector, and rain can fall on one part of the lap while the rest stays dry.
Spa F1 circuit key facts
| Item | Detail |
|---|---|
| Location | Stavelot, Belgium (Ardennes) |
| Lap length | 7.004 km (4.352 mi) |
| Turns | 19 |
| Famous corners | La Source, Eau Rouge and Raidillon, Pouhon, Blanchimont, Bus Stop |
| Race lap record | 1:44.701, Sergio Perez, 2024 Belgian Grand Prix |
| Current layout | In use since 2007 after redevelopment of La Source and the Bus Stop |
What makes Spa so fast and technical
Eau Rouge and Raidillon form a quick left-right-left climb that rewards commitment. Raidillon was created in 1939 and remains the circuit’s best-known section.
The lap has three different demands:
- Sector 1: a hard braking zone at La Source followed by the run to Eau Rouge.
- Sector 2: long straights and fast corners where drag matters.
- Sector 3: Pouhon, Blanchimont and the Bus Stop chicane, where setup and braking decide lap time.
Spa layout and history
Spa has hosted Grand Prix racing for a century. The old road circuit was far longer, and the permanent circuit was shortened to 6.947 km in 1979 before the modern 7.004 km layout arrived in 2007. Spa also hosts endurance races. See our World Endurance Race guide.
Why strategy matters at Spa
- Weather: the circuit is long, so one part can be wet while another is dry.
- Tires: choices vary year to year with temperature and compounds.
- Clean air: following another car reduces downforce, so track position and pit timing matter.
Compare Spa with other track types
Spa is a classic permanent road course. For how it differs from ovals and street circuits, read race track types explained. For a driver profile, see Lewis Hamilton.
Frequently Asked Questions
How long is the Spa F1 circuit?
The Spa-Francorchamps Grand Prix layout is 7.004 km (4.352 mi) and has 19 turns.
What is Eau Rouge?
Eau Rouge and Raidillon form a fast, uphill left-right-left sequence after the La Source hairpin and are the circuit’s best-known section.
Is Spa the longest circuit in F1?
Yes. At 7.004 km it is the longest lap on the current Formula 1 calendar.
Why is the weather important at Spa?
The lap is long and set in the Ardennes, so rain can hit one part of the circuit while another stays dry, which changes tire and strategy decisions.
Who holds the Spa F1 lap record?
Per published records, Sergio Perez set 1:44.701 in the 2024 Belgian Grand Prix.
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