
Spa
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Track: Circuit de Spa-Francorchamps
Belgium
Spa-Francorchamps, is perhaps, one of the greatest race tracks of all time. The track is one of the longest and, makes it such a fan favorite in the Formula One calendar, as it contains a lot of iconic turns, high-speed corners and the very iconic uphill turns of "Eau Rouge". It's high elevation changes and an overall, beautiful setting, is what makes Spa one of the most beautiful tracks in the world.
Onboard Lap using EA SPORTS F1® 24

Belgian Grand Prix
The first time Formula One has raced at Belgium, happened in 1950. The Belgian GP did exist back then as a non-championship event during 1925. But it officially became a part of the brand new Formula One World Championship. The Grand Prix was the fifth race of the 1950 FIA Formula One World Championship, which was won by Alfa Romeo's Juan Manuel Fangio from second on the starting grid.


Belgian Grand Prix (1950) Track Layout
1950 - 1970 (Wikipedia)
​Length: 14.1km 8.82mi
Laps: 35
1950 Belgian GP (Motorsport images)
Despite the beautiful scenery and high-speed straights and corners, the track seemed to be a lot more dangerous than anyone had ever expected. So, it was decided to redesign the layout for Spa-Francorchamps, to promote better and safer racing for both drivers, and spectators. The Belgian GP was absent in the calendar until the track has been fully redesigned, and would soon return in 1983.

Belgian Grand Prix (1983) Track Layout
1983 - 1999 (Wikipedia)
​Length: 6.96km 4.31mi
Laps: 40
In the 1992 Belgian Grand Prix, this would be a memorable race as it shows how truly special, Ayrton Senna is. During the practice session, he performed a remarkable act of sportsmanship by saving fellow driver Erik Comas after Comas had a frightening crash. He found Comas unconscious and slumped over the steering wheel. Senna stayed with him, trying to assist and ensure that he was okay until the medical staff arrived. Fortunately, Comas regained consciousness and was later taken to the hospital, where he was treated for his injuries. He was eventually okay, though the crash had been quite severe.Senna's act of bravery and compassion in stopping to help Comas was widely praised by the motorsport community.

Senna saving Comas' life (1992 Belgian GP Formula1)
Not a while later, Formula One legend Michael Schumacher, would be able to take his first ever victory in Formula One at Spa. This marked the beginning of his legendary Formula One career, which he would go on to take 91 race victories, and winning 7 constructive world championships from years to come.

Schumacher's first victory 1992 Belgian GP (MaxF1)
During the 1998 Belgian GP, this would be remembered as one of the most dramatic and chaotic Grand Prix start in the history of Formula One. The race underwent horrible conditions, making the track to be unstable and too dangerous to drive. Heavy rain caused extreme conditions, leading to multiple crashes and a race that featured numerous spins and mishaps. The most notable moment was Damon Hill's dramatic crash when he spun out after being hit by Jacques Villeneuve.

1998 Belgian GP Carnage (BBC)
Belgium Grand Prix

Spa-Francorchamps Layout​
Turns: 19
DRS Zones: 2
Length: 7.00km (4.35mi)
Fastest Lap: Valtteri Bottas
1:46.286
Changes have been applied to Spa. One of the most notable changes, was the adjustment of the "Bus Stop Chicane", as they adjusted it to be more further at the end of the straight from turn 17, as well as giving it a much tighter hairpin to slow the drivers down as part of the safety measures in the track.
During the 2008 Belgian Grand Prix, one of the most dramatic and chaotic races in F1 history unfolded due to unpredictable weather. The race started in wet conditions, causing tire changes and plenty of strategy drama. Kimi Räikkönen, who had been leading for most of the race, made a mistake on the final lap as rain intensified. He lost control of his Ferrari and crashed, forcing him to retire from the race. Lewis Hamilton took advantage of the conditions, overtaking both Räikkönen and Giancarlo Fisichella (who briefly led) to claim victory. Fisichella finished second, while Räikkönen’s crash meant he was classified as a DNF.

2008 Belgian GP (Wikipedia)
In the 2014 Belgian Grand Prix, Nico Rosberg and Lewis Hamilton, teammates at Mercedes, were locked in an intense title battle. The race ended in dramatic fashion when Rosberg, under pressure from Hamilton, made a mistake and made contact right behind him, damaging both cars, which didn't allow both to take the victory anymore as Ricciardo saw this as an opportunity to snatch the victory from both Mercedes drivers.

2014 Belgian GP (BBC)

F1, F2 and F3 Drivers/Teams/Families paying respect to Hubert (2019 Belgian GP)
However, F1 would once again, face it's darkest hours. During a Formula 2 feature race, the world was in shock, to learn about the fatal crash of young F2 driver Anthoine Hubert. Hubert was involved in a high-speed crash at Raidillon, one of the most notorious corners at Spa. The incident occurred after Hubert lost control of his car and was then struck by another F2 driver, Juan Manuel Correa, who was unable to avoid the wreck. Hubert's car was hit at high speed, and the force of the collision caused severe damage. Hubert, tragically, succumbed to his injuries and passed away. He was just 22 years old at the time of the accident. His death sent shockwaves through the motorsport community, as it was the first fatality in Formula 2 since the series was rebranded from GP2. The death of Anthoine Hubert led to increased focus on safety in motorsport, particularly on high-speed circuits like Spa. The crash also prompted a review of F2’s safety protocols and the importance of improving driver protection in racing.

Leclerc dedicating his victory to Hubert (2019 Belgian GP)
Heartbroken and Emotional, it was a huge challenge for Ferrari's Charles Leclerc, to race during the 2019 Belgian GP over the race weekend. But because of the fast pace and overall better racecraft that Ferrari had during that weekend, Leclerc managed to beat the odds, and was able to take his very first Formula One GP victory at Spa-Francorchamps. He managed to beat Mercedes' Lewis Hamilton, and had the pace that he needed. He even dedicated his race victory to his very good friend that had passed away, Anthoine Hubert.
The 2021 Belgian GP, was another race remembered by fans, especially newcomers to the sport. The race was nearly halted due to heavy rainfall all over the track, causing a lot of delays. During the first few laps, McLaren's Lando Norris, had a huge accident at Raidillon, which caused his car to spin after hitting the barriers. Luckily, the impact wasn't that severe and managed to get out of his car. The race was finished under the safety car, which made Red Bull's Max Verstappen, the winner of the 2021 Belgian GP.

2021 Belgian GP (Formula1)
Spa-Francorchamps, will always be one of the most iconic tracks in motorsport history in general. The beautiful track has been loved by millions of fans, including from the drivers themselves. Max Verstappen even stated himself that, Spa-Francorchamps is one of his best and favorite tracks to race in the calendar. The high elevations, long straights and iconic corners is what makes the Belgian GP so special.
WINNERS
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1950: Juan Manuel Fangio
1951: Giuseppe Farina
1952: Alberto Ascari
1953: Alberto Ascari
1954: Juan Manuel Fangio
1955: Juan Manuel Fangio
1956: Peter Collins
1958: Tony Brooks
1960: Jack Brabham
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1961: Phil Hill
1962: Jim Clark
1963: Jim Clark
1964: Jim Clark
1965: Jim Clark
1966: John Surtees
1967: Dan Gurney
1968: Bruce McLaren
1970: Pedro Rodriguez
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1983: Alain Prost
1985: Ayrton Senna
1986: Nigel Mansell
1987: Alain Prost
1988: Ayrton Senna
1989: Ayrton Senna
1990: Ayrton Senna
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1991: Ayrton Senna
1992: Michael Schumacher
1993: Damon Hill
1994: Damon Hill
1995: Michael Schumacher
1996: Michael Schumacher
1997: Michael Schumacher
1998: Damon Hill
1999: David Coulthard
2000: Mika Hakkinen
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2001: Michael Schumacher
2002: Michael Schumacher
2004: Kimi Raikkonen
2005: Kimi Raikkonen
2007: Kimi Raikkonen
2008: Felipe Massa
2009: Kimi Raikkonen
2010: Lewis Hamilton
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2011: Sebastian Vettel
2012: Jenson Button
2013: Sebastian Vettel
2014: Daniel Ricciardo
2015: Lewis Hamilton
2016: Nico Rosberg
2017: Lewis Hamilton
2018: Sebastian Vettel
2019: Charles Leclerc
2020: Lewis Hamilton
2021: Max Verstappen
2022: Max Verstappen
2023: Max Verstappen
2024: Lewis Hamilton