Belgian Grand Prix in 2024, no talk of rotation with Dutch GP
General
According to several rumours, the Belgian Grand Prix will be rotated with the Dutch Grand Prix each year, meaning F1 will not have a Dutch or Belgian GP yearly but once every two years. However, GPblog has learned that this is not at all under discussion at the moment, nor is it being discussed with Formula 1.
Still a Belgian GP in 2024 (and beyond)?
The contract between Belgium and Formula 1 expired in 2022, and initially, the premier motorsport class was not going to call at the Spa-Francorchamps circuit this season. Even at a relatively early stage, however, it became clear that the South African Grand Prix would not be able to take place this season due to, in their own words, the "lack of financial guarantees". Belgium was prepared to host Formula 1 in 2023, after all.
That seemed to be a one-off, as Liberty Media prefer other countries. Thus, the South African Grand Prix was supposed to be run from 2024, but that deal will not be completed in time. Circuit Kyalami confirmed this week that they will not host an F1 race next year. No statements were made about the reasons, but apparently, it is to do with finances and some political unrest (Russia situation). This has brought the Belgian Grand Prix back into the picture after all.
No signed deal as yet
When asked by GPBlog, reports that an agreement has already been reached with Formula 1 in 2024 were denied by the organisers of the Belgian GP. While there is talk of hosting Formula 1, there are no signatures yet.
Spa-Francorchamps is much loved by drivers, and they would be only too happy to see the GP retained for the Formula 1 calendar. Belgian media also reported this week that the Belgian Grand Prix will be organised every other year in the future, together with the Dutch GP. A spokesperson for the Belgian GP refutes that story and says he "does not understand" how these stories have been put into the world.
Dutch GP contract runs until 2025
Then about the future of the DutchGP. In December, the organisers of the Dutch Grand Prix proudly announced that the contract with Formula 1 had been extended for two years. So also, in 2024 and 2025, Max Verstappen will be in front of his home fans at Circuit Zandvoort. So why are all these stories that the Dutch GP will be organised in rotation with the Belgian GP emerging?
GPblog knows that this is currently not on the table with the Dutch GP's organisers. Therefore, a rotating spot on the calendar is not on the agenda for the time being. After all, the contract also runs for two more seasons.
For the Dutch Grand Prix, however, they must fill the gap left by Jumbo, which is leaving as one of the six main sponsors, with a new partner. After all, a balanced budget is the most important requirement if we still want to see Formula 1 cars in the dunes from 2026 onwards. The DutchGP themselves are not worried about this at all. There is enormous confidence in a suitable successor to Jumbo.