Ex-Ferrari boss reacts to Belgian GP contract renewal: "Spa is synonymous with Formula 1"

Ex-Ferrari boss reacts to Belgian GP contract renewal: “Spa is synonymous with Formula 1”. Former Ferrari boss Stefano Domenicali on Belgian GP contract renewal.

Spa Secured for Another Two Years
The extension of the contract binding the Belgian Grand Prix to the F1 calendar until 2025 has been officially confirmed. The Spa race, which has faced uncertainties in recent editions, responded with a radical modernization of various facilities, resulting not only in confirmation for 2024 but also an extension to 2025.

In 2023, the event saw 380,000 spectators over the weekend, following the Sprint format and witnessing local hero Max Verstappen’s victories on both Saturday and Sunday. Verstappen started from the third row in the Sunday race due to a five-place grid penalty for a gearbox change. Here are the words of Liberty Media’s number one in Formula 1, Stefano Domenicali, and Willy Borsus, the Minister of Economy of Wallonia.

Stefano Domenicali’s comments
“Circuit de Spa-Francorchamps is synonymous with Formula 1, having been one of the circuits on the calendar since the early days of the sport, and it’s a track beloved by both fans and drivers. I’m delighted to extend our relationship with them until 2025. The promoter has made significant progress in recent years to enhance the fan experience and facilities, and work is ongoing among all stakeholders with the clear objective of delivering safe and exciting races. I would like to thank the promoter and the Walloon government for their ongoing support.”

Organizers Celebrate
“We are proud and excited to announce that the Formula 1 Grand Prix will take place in Spa until 2025. Our region will once again rise to the forefront of the international stage with its high-quality events and legendary sports facilities. Beyond the prestige, I would like to emphasize the significant economic impact that this event brings to Wallonia and Belgium. According to a 2021 study, the Grand Prix generates a positive economic impact on our region of €41.8 million, net of public subsidies, which are steadily decreasing. These figures provide a strong indication of the financial impact, and the positive prospects make us anticipate even more positive results for the current year. The Formula 1 Grand Prix is both a symbolic moment in motorsport and a powerful engine of economic growth for our region.” – he pointed out.