Iconic F1 track will be on 'rotational basis' following controversial multi-year deal

The famous Spa-Francorchamps circuit will be removed from the calendar in two of the upcoming six F1 seasons, despite signing a new deal following an announcement from F1.

Built back in 1921, Spa was one the seven circuits to be part of Formula 1’s first ever season in 1950, and has since hosted 57 Grands Prix.

Spa is the longest circuit on the F1 calendar at 7.004km, with its infamous Eau Rouge corner making it a fan favourite.

However, despite this the Belgium Grand Prix will be axed from the F1 race season in two of the next six years.

On Wednesday, F1 announced an extension with Spa but only for 2026, 2027, 2029 and 2031, meaning the 2028 and 2030 seasons will NOT feature Spa.

This comes after Stefano Domenicali, President and CEO of Formula 1, confirmed news on a race rotation would come 'very soon', as the sport aims to provide the flexibility to satisfy the significant demand from circuits to join the 24-race calendar.

F1's organisers have not yet announced which track will rotate with Belgium by hosting in 2028 and 2030.

In 2024 the Belgian Grand Prix had an attendance of 380,000 throughout the three day race weekend, which saw Lewis Hamilton take victory following George Russell's qualification.

Other previous winners include: Max Verstappen, Charles Leclerc, Ayrton Senna, Michael Schumacher, Niki Lauda, and Sebastian Vettel.

Spa will not feature in the 2028 or 2030 F1 seasons- Getty

Following the announcement, Stefano Domenicali, President and CEO of Formula 1, said: "The Belgian Grand Prix was one of the races that made up our maiden Championship in 1950, so as we kick off our 75th anniversary year it is fitting that we can share the news of this important extension.

"Spa-Francorchamps is rightly lauded by drivers and fans alike as one of the finest racetracks in the world and it has played host to some incredible moments over its many seasons in Formula 1.

"In recent years it has undergone significant work to improve the facility and overall fan experience, and I would like to pay tribute to the promoter and the Government of Wallonia for their dedication and passionate support for Formula 1 in Belgium."

Although Spa keeping its place for the majority of the upcoming years is a positive for F1 fans, many fans have shared concerns over the proposed rotational format.

One fan commented: "An absolute disgrace that you put one of the most iconic tracks in the world on a rotating roster."

Another added: "Are we supposed to celebrate this? There won't be races in Belgium in 2028 and 2030?!"

Others pondered which track could replace the the Belgium Grand Prix for 2028 and 2030.

One fan replied: "Interesting that it won't be on the calendar in 2028 or 2030. I wonder what circuit would replace it in that time?"

A second said: "I hope we get the return of an old classic for the other two years."