Belgian Grand Prix 2024

On August 26, 2018, German driver Sebastian Vettel crossed the finish line of the Circuit de Spa-Francorchamps after an exciting race. Vettel beat out the season’s favored driver, Lewis Hamilton of the United Kingdom, but what really drew attention were the 5 retires forced by collisions on the 44-lap circuit. Daniel Ricciardo, Kimi Raikkonen, Charles Leclerc, Fernando Alonso, and Nico Hulkenberg were all forced out of the race, most of them relatively early. Leclerc, Alonso, and Hulkenberg never even made it to lap 1 and Raikkonen was knocked out at lap 8.

This year’s race returns to Circuit de Spa-Francorchamps. Belgium has been a site of the Formula 1 Grand Prix since 1925, when Spa-Francorchamps first opened its doors, though it’s not the only circuit to have hosted the Belgian Grand Prix. Circuit Zolder and Nivelles-Baulers have also seen action, though the majority of the races have always returned to the Stavelot track.

Spa-Francorchamps remains a favorite for racers and fans, it’s 19 turns and 7.004 km length providing quite the show for onlookers. The current course differs greatly from its original incarnation, with alterations made in the 1980s to reduce the number of turns from 21 to 19 and cut the length of the course nearly in half.

Up to 70,000 spectators can take a seat at Spa-Francorchamps, meaning Stavelot is going to be teaming with people come race weekend. Whether they’re taking part in the party at the Paddock or just enjoying the race from the grandstand, there are plenty of festivities outside of the race that turn the Belgian Grand Prix into a massive party.

There is no shortage of entertainment and things to see at Stavelot. Lovers of the outdoors will enjoy Stavelot’s collection of parks and outdoor adventures, though the season will require some heavier clothing to avoid being chilled by the weather. For a more historic look at Stavelot, visitors will want to check out the Abbey of Stavelot, Monastere Saint-Remacle de Wavreumont, and Sint-Sebastiaanskerk.

Seeing as how it’s race weekend, it seems only fitting to visit the Spa-Francorchamps Circuit Museum. Separate from the circuit itself, the museum details the history of Spa-Francorchamps, from its opening in 1925 to its most recent spectacles. Spa-Francorchamps Circuit Museum features cars from across the ages, details about the most exciting Belgian Grand Prix, and so much more that race fans will love pairing with their Grand Prix experience.