Throughout the history of Formula 1, particularly in the early days, many circuits were feared by drivers. Either through dangerous layouts or poorly maintained conditions, it was not uncommon for drivers to strike to have them removed from the calendar. While this happened in various places, one of the most dangerous Grand Prix fixtures was that of Belgium.
The Modern Belgian Grand Prix
Visits to Belgium on the F1 calendar are always exciting affairs. This year’s race promises to be a tight-knit race. Bookmaker William Hill does not put much between the top three in its F1 betting, with Verstappen favored at odds of -110, Leclerc at +300, and Hamilton at +550.
Verstappen is on home ground, so it seems unlikely he will want to let this one go. The bookmaker is even taking bets on him winning the rest of the races in the season from the Belgian Grand Prix onwards, such is his determination. However, the Circuit de Spa-Francorchamps does not always let people succeed that easily.
Pre-War Grand Prix
The first Grand Prix took place in 1925. Held at the Spa-Francorchamps circuit, this sprawling nine-mile track had brutal turns and scant regard for safety. It disappeared from the calendar for five years, then returned as a test of endurance for cars and drivers. The 1939 race was a notable one as Richard Seaman skidded off in the rain and collided with a tree, halting his race in a dramatic fashion.
Modifications to the Spa-Francorchamps
Just before the 1950s, the track was modified, cutting it down in length but making it much faster. Belgium then joined the Formula One World Championship in 1950. This shortening meant that all its corners were high-speed ones with little margin for error. Not only was it eye-wateringly fast, but the weather was also unpredictable.
It could be raining one minute and then be bright sunshine the next. Combined with the proximity of everyday objects to the track, such as houses and fences, it was easy for drivers to spin off and hit objects. Many refused to race there at all, and the Grand Prix often had reduced competitor numbers.
Legendary British Drive Sterling Moss once crashed during a practice at the track and did not race for the rest of the year. However, this was a lucky escape considering what happened in the rest of the 1960 Grand Prix.
The inexperienced British driver Chris Bristow collided with Willy Mairesse, who was then driving a Ferrari. This would cause him to be hurled off the track, sending his car into a nearby meadow. As this was a time when cars did not have radios, no one knew what had happened for some time. A few minutes later, driver Alan Stacey, was hit in the face by a bird, causing him to veer off as well.
Major Changes
Major changes came with the 1969 season. Driver Jackie Stewart visited the track on behalf of the Drivers Association to assess the situation. When the owners refused to make his suggested modifications, major teams began to withdraw from the event. By 1971 the Belgian Grand Prix would relocate and not return to Spa-Francorchamps until the eighties when it had a new, safer design.
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