Lewis Hamilton has condemned Formula 1's decision to remove Spa-Francorchamps from the permanent calendar, insisting the legendary Belgian circuit is one that 'should not be missing' after getting a first taste of the new Madrid street circuit that will replace it as an annual fixture.
Spa to Become Rotational Venue from 2027
After this year's Belgian Grand Prix, Spa-Francorchamps will no longer hold a guaranteed place on the F1 calendar. From 2027, the circuit will appear only every other year, sharing a rotational slot with the Circuit de Barcelona-Catalunya. The Belgian Grand Prix will return in 2027 but will be absent in 2028, missing again in 2030 before returning in 2031, when its current contract ends. Beyond that, the future of the race remains uncertain.
The decision has been driven by F1's desire to accommodate new, potentially more lucrative host circuits, including the new Madrid street circuit, which has replaced Barcelona as the Spanish Grand Prix venue from this season.
Hamilton: 'A Circuit That Should Not Be Missing'
Hamilton, a seven-time world champion chasing his sixth win in Belgium this weekend, is among the most vocal critics of the change. He described Spa as a favourite among drivers and fans alike.
'Honestly, I don't remember any of them. I can't for the life of me remember when I won here... but it's a track we all love,' Hamilton said, referring to his five previous victories at Spa. 'It's one that the drivers really love, and one that the fans, I think, really love as well. It's just a great experience. The weather's always up and down. This is a circuit that should not be missing.'
Madrid Circuit Test Leaves Hamilton Unimpressed
Hamilton got his first taste of the new Madrid circuit last week during a filming day, after circuit bosses invited Ferrari for a test event. While he acknowledged some positive aspects, he made clear he would prefer not to race there if it meant losing Spa and Barcelona from the annual calendar.
'What's it going to be biannual with? This one and Barcelona, and the Madrid stays always... Hmm. Barcelona and here are definitely the best two,' Hamilton told reporters.
He added of the Madrid circuit: 'We only had a few laps, so it did feel very, very dusty, but that should be expected for a new circuit. There was no grip, so your tyres were basically just covered in dust the whole time. It looks like a track that's going to be probably a qualifying lap sort of circuit. There's not really any straights, so it looks like it could be quite a difficult place to go to.'
'I'm sure when the grip picks up and the track is clean, I'm sure it will be even faster. We were definitely having a lift through [the banked 'Monumental' corner] because, as I said, it was super slippery. But it was a really cool experience to see a new circuit and be one of the first to experience a new circuit.'
F1's Expanding Calendar Sparks Debate
The move to a rotational model for Spa reflects the growing pressure on F1's calendar, which has expanded to 24 races. The sport's bosses have prioritised new markets, including street races in cities like Madrid, Miami, and Las Vegas, often at the expense of traditional European venues. Spa-Francorchamps, one of the most historic circuits in motorsport, has been a staple of the F1 calendar since its first race in 1950.
Hamilton's comments echo those of many drivers and fans who view Spa as an irreplaceable part of F1's heritage. The circuit's challenging layout, unpredictable weather, and rich history have made it a favourite for decades.
