What Spa’s new deal tells us about F1’s calendar plans

With the confirmation of the Belgian Grand Prix organising four races over six years, the Spa-Francorchamps event is the first race confirmed to enter F1’s planned rotation system for some of its European rounds.

The race had long been under consideration to host races in alternating years, but Wednesday morning’s announcement has billed it as a more generous arrangement of four races in six years.

There has been some reprieve for Spa after Zandvoort announced its new one-year deal for 2026 would also be its last, removing a competitor for one of those European slots. But with Spa still holding out for a permanent deal, the talks were particularly tough as the enormous competition for spots on the calendar means F1 was ultimately in a much stronger negotiating position.

Spa’s prospects were boosted by an increased commitment from the Wallonian government to obtain long-term security, even if it loses its annual status. Over €80million has already been invested in Spa as part of a phased overhaul of the aging facility, including the construction of brand-new grandstands and improved fan facilities. Further investments to bring the race weekend itself in line with F1’s vision of a grand prix as a compelling entertainment package have also impressed F1 chiefs.

But while the outcome of the negotiations could have been a lot worse for Spa, losing its status as a yearly round while Saudi Arabia might receive a second grand prix in the future will sting for motor racing fans.

Is the finish line in sight for Imola?

Spa’s renewal also confirms that other European races will inevitably join suit and enter the rotation system. With Spa, Zandvoort and Barcelona all on the calendar for 2026, that leaves Imola out in the cold that year, unless Mexico doesn’t renew its expiring deal in the wake of Sergio Perez’ F1 exit. But Mexican promoter CIE has always been adamant its event has a strong future even without its home hero, and Autosport understands a new deal for Mexico City is much more likely than not.

F1 chief Stefano Domenicali has long maintained it would be tough for Italy to hang on to both its F1 races, and when Monza secured a six-year extension until 2031 in November, the writing appeared to be on the wall for…