Every year, the Belgian Grand Prix provides racing fans with the ultimate motorsport spectacle. Both drivers and fans alike will mark the date on their calendar as Formula 1 returns from the summer break in style.
It’s an event that F1’s hardcore fans will endeavour to make at least once. The chance to see the world’s greatest drivers take on one of the most challenging circuits in the world is simply irresistible.
But why exactly is the race so popular with fans? And for fans planning a trip to the famous Spa-Francorchamps, how do you get there, and where should you stay?
Where is the best place to buy Belgian Grand Prix tickets?
Tickets for the Belgian Grand Prix are available from a wide array of outlets. We recommend Motorsport Tickets, an official ticket agent for major racing events. You will be able to find a full selection of race tickets, accommodation and hospitality options, but a free content pack is included with each ticket purchase. That includes access to Autosport Plus, keeping you up to date before race day.
Where are the best grandstands at the Belgian Grand Prix?
As the longest circuit on the Formula 1 calendar at just over 7km, the track offers some excellent vantage points. Which means fans are right in the thick of the action as the cars take on iconic turns like La Source, Eau Rouge, Raidillon and Pouhon.
Circuit de Spa-Francorchamps grandstand map
Gold 7 and Gold 8
- Covered: Yes
- Disabled access: Yes (Wheelchair podium is located next to Gold 7, but this is not covered)
- View of big screen: Yes
- Corners viewable from stands: La Source
- Access: Short walk from “La Source” gate
These two grandstands are the prime spots to watch the frenetic start of the Belgian Grand Prix. Located just beyond the turn one hairpin at La Source, you’ll witness the melee as the cars bunch up to jostle for position. Spectators in previous years have witnessed everything from a rampaging Romain Grosjean taking out his rivals to a hurtling Fernando Alonso flying through the air.
Gold 3, 4 and 10
- Covered: Yes
- Disabled access: No
- View of big screen: Yes
- Corners viewable from stands: Eau Rouge, Raidillon
- Access: Short walk from “Ster” gate
One of the world’s finest complex of corners at any circuit, Eau Rouge into Raidillon is an iconic couple of turns. The uphill section starts with a quick flick left before sweeping back towards the right, and turning left again for Raidillon into the Kemmel Straight .These three stands line the outside track, and fans here have seen the bravest drivers pull off some outstanding overtakes over the years. In 2019, Max Verstappen’s race came to an abrupt end when he crashed into the barriers underneath Gold 3 after picking up damage. But in 2020, fans would have witnessed Pierre Gasly’s breath-taking overtake around the outside of Sergio Perez.
Gold 1 and 9
- Covered: Yes
- Disabled access: No
- View of big screen: Yes
- Corners viewable from stands: Chicane (exit), La Source (entry), plus pit straight
- Access: Five-minute walk from “La Source” gate
There’s nothing quite like the buzz of the grid on a Sunday afternoon. That’s no different at Spa, as Gold Grandstands 1 and 9 are the place to take in the atmosphere, witness the roar of the start, and bask in the podium celebrations. Directly opposite the pit building, Gold 1 is parallel to the starting grid and the perfect place to see the cars get underway for the start of the race. The podium is also in vision from Gold 1. Gold 9 is slightly further along the straight, with a better few of La Source as the cars get up to speed.
Gold 6
- Covered: Yes
- Disabled access: No
- View of big screen: Yes
- Corners viewable from stands: Chicane
- Access: Ten-minute walk from “La Source” gate
Following the high-speed flowing corners of sector three, the cars arrive at the tight bus stop chicane. That makes Grandstand Gold 6 one of the best stands to catch key overtaking moves. Especially towards the end of the race, as the leaders are hunted down for the win. As it’s one of the slowest corners on the circuit, this is a great spot for budding photographers to get up close to the machines.
Gold 2 and Silver 1 and 2
- Covered: Gold 2 is covered by a roof; Silver 1 and 2 are uncovered
- Disabled access: No
- View of big screen: Yes
- Corners viewable from stands: La Source (exit), Eau Rouge
- Access: Short walk from “Ster” gate
After the start, the cars burst through a short tight straight towards Eau Rouge. Gold grandstand 2 and Silver 1 and 2 line this straight as the cars get up to full speed and position for a possible uphill overtake. They’re also located opposite the pit exit, so fans are the first to see if all-important under/overcut strategy has worked out. Gold 2 is a large stand covered by a roof, while Silver 1 and 2 are uncovered. These stands are also the closest to the F1 Village, which is behind Silver 2.
Silver 3
- Covered: No
- Disabled access: No
- View of big screen: Yes
- Corners viewable from stands: Pouhon
- Access: Fifteen-minute walk from “Blanchimont” gate
Taken at high speed, Pouhon at turn 12 is a legendary double left-hander. This area is popular among fans with general admission tickets, but grandstand Silver 3 provides the best view of the cars and guaranteed seating. In 2019, the fans here witnessed Antonio Giovinazzi’s late crash as the demand of Spa on the drivers’ tyres became evident.
Silver 4
- Covered: Yes
- Disabled access: No
- View of big screen: Yes
- Corners viewable from stands: Bruxelles (also known as Rivage), Speakers Corner
- Access: Ten-minute walk from “Combes” gate
After the long Kemmel Straight, the cars will jostle for position through the turns of sector 2. Silver Grandstand 4 is at the head of a long, looping corner as the cars battle both each other and handling their own car through the downhill section. Speed Corner grandstand is located as the cars pick up the throttle one again to hammer through to Pouhon.
General admission
Bronze tickets give fans access to the general admission areas of the circuit. Namely, the banks rising over the long Kemmel Straight, the inside of the track from turn 10 down to 14, and the outside of the track from Blanchimont all the way down to the chicane.
Fernando Alonso, McLaren MCL33, passes a bank of spectators
Photo by: Andrew Hone / Motorsport Images
For more information on the grandstands at the Belgian Grand Prix, check out Motorsport Tickets’ grandstand guide for Spa-Francorchamps.
How much do Belgian Grand Prix tickets cost?
Tickets for the Belgian Grand Prix start at as little as £137 for the weekend for general admission, rising to £374 for the weekend for Gold. When purchasing, fans select the grandstand of their choice, and seats in the stand will be allocated based on availability and any social distancing measure which may be in place.
Included in the price of each ticket is:
- Gold: A numbered seat in a covered grandstand with a view of a big screen. A single adult ticket for the weekend ranges between £371 and £479, and children tickets start at £179.
- Silver: A numbered seat with a view of a big screen, but only Silver 4 is covered and protected from the elements. An adult ticket for the weekend ranges £319 to £284, with child tickets from £127.
- Bronze: General admission access around the circuit from turn 4 around to turn 17, with big screens scattered around. You will not get a seat and there are no covered areas. A three-day, adult general admission ticket costs £136, and just £20 for children.
- Wheelchair podium: Disabled fans can book the Wheelchair Podium, which is located next to Grandstand Gold 7. A weekend ticket costs £280 and includes access for one disabled spectator, an accompanying carer, and a car park ticket which is located directly behind the podium.
Getting to Spa-Francorchamps for the Belgian Grand Prix
The Belgian circuit at Spa-Francorchamps is situated in the picturesque Ardennes hills. While this lends itself to the exciting, undulating circuit renowned with motorsport fans worldwide, it does mean the track is in a remote location. But thankfully, there are plenty of options to get to the race.
Getting there by air
Both Luxembourg Airport and Brussels Airport are major airports serving the local region. Direct flights to Brussels are available from Manchester, Edinburgh, London Heathrow and Birmingham airports, with flights taking between 70 and 110 minutes. A Ryanair flight from Manchester will set you back £52, and Brussels Airlines flights from £85.
Easyjet operates affordable flights to Luxembourg Airport from London Gatwick from £54, while Luxembourg serves numerous European airports like Athens, Milan, Munich, Warsaw, Lisbon, Istanbul and more.
Both airports are just an hour-and-a-half by car, making a hire car a great option for getting to the race. From Luxembourg, the majority of the journey sticks to the E421 through Luxembourg into Belgium. From Brussels, the route follows the E40 for 100km, merging onto the E42 for the final 25km stretch.
Getting there by train
From London, the Eurostar from St Pancras International will take you to Brussels-Midi in around two hours. Once you arrive at the Belgian capital, take a train to Verviers Central station, the closest major train station to the circuit. From here, shuttle buses run regularly to the track in less than an hour. Trois-Ponts station to the south of the circuit is also an option, with shuttle buses taking fans to the circuit within 40 minutes. Coaches can also be booked from a variety of European cities, including Brussels and Amsterdam.
Getting there by car
Given the circuit’s remote location and many fans opting to camp, a road trip by car is a popular way to get to the Belgian Grand Prix. Leaving from London, a road trip to the Belgian Grand Prix offers the chance for fans to explore Belgian cities like Ghent, Bruges, Leuven and Antwerp along the way. Without stopping, fans can be at the circuit withing three-and-a-half hours from Calais. But discovering what Belgium has to offer is well recommended.
Fans from Britain can cross into Calais via the Eurotunnel before making their way to Bruges via the A16 which becomes the E40 as your cross the border. After taking in the town’s medieval architecture, half-an-hour along the E40 will take you to Ghent. You could choose to stop off at this cultural hub or continue on the E40 to the Brussels. Drivers could pull over for a pit-stop in the capital, or navigate the E19 around the city to rejoin the E40 which will take you to Spa.
Without stops, this route takes around three-and-a-half hours from Calais and would cost the average driver approximately £35 in fuel one-way. Standard Eurotunnel crossings start at £91 per vehicle each way, so could be more economical than flying if travelling as a group.
Fans flood the fan village
Photo by: Sam Bloxham / Motorsport Images
Where are the best places to stay at Spa-Francorchamps?
While the town of Spa is home to a population of just 10,000 people, there are a number of hotels for fans who prefer a comfortable stay. But part of the Spa experience is camping by the circuit with fellow hardcore fans.
Official campsites at the circuit
The circuit operates two official campsites: Green and Yellow. The Green campsite is to the south of the circuit by turns Malmedy and Rivage, and about a ten-minute walk to the “Combes” entrance. The Yellow is to the north of the circuit by La Source, and just 1km from the La Source entrance. The atmosphere at Yellow is generally quieter than Green, and more suitable for people bringing motorhomes.
Each campsite is equipped for self-catering fans, with temporary toilets and showers, plus food stalls and a bar on-site – but BBQs are allowed. The pitches at these campsites do not have individual access to electricity or water.
At both sites, prices for a 40m2 pitch are £57 for Saturday and Sunday, or £150 for Thursday to Monday. You can bring one vehicle and five people per pitch, and you’ll be expected to bring your own tent.
Glamping and pre-erected tents at Spa
Some fans may be looking for camping at Spa, but don’t have their own tent or motorhome. Not to worry, as the IntentsGP campsite a short half-hour walk from the circuit has you covered.
When you arrive at the site, either a two or four-man tent will be ready erected with inflatable bed, pillows and sleeping bags ready and waiting, so there’s no need to haul equipment across the continent. From £455 for three night, you’ll also get access to the clubhouse which has hot showers, a licensed bar, access to power points, free Wi-Fi and unlimited cereal for breakfast.
For those looking for something a little more spacious, there is also a glamping option: larger tipis with mattresses, sheets, duvets and blankets, plus free bacon sandwiches and a complimentary bottle of sparkling wine. For two people, prices start at £887 for three nights.
Belgian GP camping
Young Village
Younger F1 fans can also take advantage of Spa’s Young Village, which is by turn 14 of the circuit. Fans aged 17 – 27 can gain access to this exclusive area of the track, which includes a mini-festival and has its own stand (for an extra cost). The campsite includes all the facilities campers would expect, but with parties and concerts held on Thursday, Friday and Saturday. Great for any new fans heading to a race for the very first time.
More information on camping options for the Belgian Grand Prix including prices can be found here.
Why is the Belgian Grand Prix such a popular race?
The race at Spa-Francorchamps is a favourite amongst many Formula 1 fans and has a rich history in motorsport. Dating back to the first race in 1925, when the race was held on public roads, there has been a real appreciation for the skill and focus required of the drivers during the race.
Belgian GP
The circuit has come on a long way since then, when the much longer 14km circuit navigated public roads between the towns of Malmedy, Stavelot and La Source. It was a dangerous circuit, and crashes in the 1960s of Sir Stirling Moss and Sir Jackie Stewart led to a boycott until safety improvements were made. This came in 1979, when the permanent track we race at today was built. The first sector of the circuit remained much the same, but would now turn right at Les Combes instead of left onto the new section. After a number of high-speed turns, the circuit re-joined the old layout at Blanchimont. It was much safer, and regained the circuit’s character, but it remained one of the most challenging tracks in the world.
Besides the daunting nature of the circuit, the variable conditions also play their part in creating exciting racing. During one period, the race was affected by rain every year for 20 years. But while its recommended fans in the grandstands are prepared for the variable conditions, it’s much more challenging for the drivers. There can be clear blue skies at one section of the track, and heavy rain in another.
That memorably caught Kimi Raikkonen out in 2008, when the Finn was leading the race after a closely fought battle with Lewis Hamilton. But in the closing laps, Raikkonen struggled to keep it on the track as the midfield dived into the pits for intermediate tyres with only a few laps remaining. Raikkonen’s dry tyres weren’t up to the challenge, and he crashed into the wall at Blanchimont, gifting the victory to Hamilton.
But even when the weather isn’t involved, Spa has played host to some of Formula 1’s greatest moves. In 2000, Mika Hakkinen and Michael Schumacher went toe-to-toe at the Belgian Grand Prix. The Finn was stuck behind the Ferrari heading into lap 41 of the 44-lap race. As the pair stormed the Kemmel Straight, Schumacher looked to have covered off an overtaking move utilising backmarker Ricardo Zonta. But the reigning world champion saw better of it and overtook Schumacher by taking the line around Zonta. The incredible move put him up into the lead and hold on for the win.
Formula 1 isn’t the only series in action at Spa-Francorchamps. The annual Six Hours of Spa is seen as the second most-challenging race on the World Endurance Championship calendar after the legendary Le Mans. Bikes also raced at Spa until 1990, and though it isn’t currently suitable for bike racing, the circuit is looking into making improvements so an FIM race could be held in the near future.
Is the Belgian Grand Prix an exciting race?
While the weather can add to the drama, Spa-Francorchamps is a real racers’ circuit.
Over the years, the unpredictable nature of the track has led to some memorable moments. Many regard Mika Hakkinen’s overtake of Michael Schumacher, around the outside of the blue-flagged Ricardo Zonta on the Kemmel straight as one of the greatest moves in racing history. And in more recent years, Fernando Alonso’s extraordinary airborne crash in 2018 demonstrated how difficult the squeeze at the start can be.
Fernando Alonso, McLaren MCL33 crashes and gets airborne at the start of the race
Photo by: Mark Sutton / Motorsport Images
But the racing action is just one of the big reasons to be at the race. Visit Motorsport Tickets to watch four more reasons to be at the race, and for more information on Belgian Grand Prix tickets, hospitality and accommodation.
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