The Belgian Grand Prix: Is it worth attending or not?

In 2024, I was live at the Belgian Grand Prix. This was an amazing experience, but there are definitely a few things to consider if you want to do the same. Curious? Or are you unsure about going to the Belgian GP? Then I would definitely recommend reading on.

The Advantages of the Belgian Grand Prix.

Circuit de Spa-Francorchamps

The Atmosphere of the GP Weekend

During the Grand Prix weekend, you are surrounded by true Formula 1 fans. You can see the passion in so many people. Additionally, it is a truly international event. You hear many different nationalities around you and see a wide variety of fans. There is absolutely no clear favorite driver or team. Unlike in Zandvoort, where you see a lot of orange Verstappen and Red Bull fans, that's not the case in Spa—there are many different fans. Despite the many different fans and rivalries, the atmosphere is incredibly enjoyable! Fans accept each other, and there is a healthy sense of rivalry present. Even in the rain, we sat with thousands of fans on the grass, amidst pouring rain, trying to make the best of it together. You don't see this in every sport.

Many activities.

There are countless activities during the Belgian Grand Prix. Because this Grand Prix is so iconic, other classes such as Formula 2, Formula 3, and the Porsche Supercup also travel along. This means extra racing action at the Spa-Francorchamps circuit. These classes do not travel to every Grand Prix, but Belgium is one of the circuits where these classes are always present. This means that there is nearly all-day action to see on the track. In fact, Formula 2 and Formula 3 races can sometimes be even more spectacular to watch.

In addition to the action on the track, there is plenty to experience off the track as well. Each circuit also has its own fan zone. Here, there are many stalls with Formula 1 merchandise, and let's not forget the fan stage! During each Grand Prix, all 20 drivers come to this fan stage, with half appearing on Friday and the other half on Saturday. They often come in pairs from each team or sometimes in groups of four onto the stage. You can watch live as the Formula 1 drivers are interviewed. Additionally, this is sometimes an opportunity to get autographs. Drivers also often throw team caps into the crowd, making it definitely a place worth checking out! Before and after the drivers appear, there are often DJs or other performances to entertain the waiting fans.

Something special about the Belgian Grand Prix is that there are also people walking around who sometimes give away paddock passes or grandstand tickets. You definitely don’t want to miss that chance!

And last but not least, you have the perfect view of Eau Rouge from the fan zone in Belgium.

Run to the podium or walk across the track.

Something that you definitely can't do everywhere but can in Belgium is the following: After the race on Sunday, the gates are opened, and you are allowed onto the circuit! If you are near the podium, you can run to see it live. If you are on the other side of the circuit, it will be more difficult.

Just the experience of being able to step onto the track a few minutes after Formula 1 cars have raced over it is incredibly exciting. If you’re lucky, you might find some rubber or tear-offs left behind.

Another great place that is definitely worth visiting is Eau Rouge. When you walk over it yourself, you truly realize how incredibly steep it is. Keep this in mind when looking for a spot for the race. If you want to be at the podium, make sure to be close to it by the end of the race.

The Disadvantages of the Belgian GP

The Weather in Spa During the Belgian Grand Prix

There are definitely some disadvantages to this event that you need to think about before buying tickets. As I mentioned earlier, the rain is one of them. Spa is known for its frequent rainfall. There have been very few Grand Prix weekends without rain, and there have even been races where sessions have been canceled.

The weather is extremely unpredictable. This is now quite clear; one minute it can be pouring rain, and the next, you're enjoying the sunshine. I was present in 2024. On Friday morning, the circuit was completely wet. Even during the drivers' interviews, it was raining. There are few to actually no places on the circuit where you can stay dry. Therefore, a poncho or umbrella is a must-have when you go. The rest of the day, it was dry, and the sun was shining.

On Saturday, however, it rained all day and was almost never dry. I had general admission tickets, which means you sit on the grass. Since everything is very steep, it wasn't comfortable. You sit with hundreds of people on a wet hillside; everything is slippery, and the poncho helps but isn't comfortable—it’s very wet and sticky. Additionally, we didn’t have much action on the track after a long red flag due to the weather, and the Formula 2 qualifying was also delayed.

So, you really have to be prepared to stand in pouring rain, and there’s a chance that sessions will be canceled or delayed.

Physically heavy

Because the circuit is located in the beautiful Belgian Ardennes, there are many hills and it is not flat. You have to walk a lot. It can be physically demanding if you are not in good shape. The circuit itself is 7 km long, so walking from one side to the other is about 3.5 kilometers. There are various parking zones around the circuit. We parked in parking zone Green, from where we had to walk steeply uphill before we reached the circuit. Additionally, the cars are parked in fields, which can cause problems if it has rained a lot. More on that under "traffic issues."

Once you arrive at the circuit, it's a matter of searching for a spot or finding your designated grandstand. The fan zone is located at one end of the circuit. If you have a Silver grandstand or, like me, come from parking zone Green, it is more than a 30-minute walk. Not to mention that this walk also involves many descents and steep paths.

If you are not physically fit, it is important to do research on your locations and keep in mind that you may not be able to visit all areas or reach the fan zone.

Traffic Issues During the Belgian Grand Prix

Most Grand Prix events have large campsites around the circuit, allowing you to roll out of bed in the morning and head straight to the track. This is also the case in Spa, where there are several campsites within walking distance of the circuit. Are you staying further away and need to come by car? Then there are a few things you should keep in mind.

I personally stayed at a campsite 20 minutes from the circuit. The Belgian Grand Prix is known for its heavy traffic and poor traffic management. However, I did not experience any issues. For two days, we drove to Zone Green, where we parked in a field with hundreds of other cars. We had no problems here. If it rains, problems can arise, as it can become very muddy and your car could get stuck. There were several videos about this on TikTok, but we did not see or experience it ourselves.

Additionally, we did not encounter any traffic jams during the first two days. We left early and arrived at the circuit around 8 AM. A tip is to take N roads instead of the highways. However, we had no issues or traffic jams on the highways both going and coming back.

On Sunday, we took a shuttle. We parked our car in Malmedy and were picked up by a bus that took us to the circuit. The journey to the circuit went very smoothly, but the return trip was quite busy. However, we did not have to wait long because there were enough shuttles running. The return trip was tricky as many roads were closed, making it difficult to leave Malmedy. The chance of traffic jams on Sunday is therefore the highest, as everyone is leaving at the same time after the race. On other days, this can vary, as many fans stay for Formula 2 or other classes.

Overall, we did not encounter many problems. This is my personal experience, as I have heard that others were stuck for as long as two hours in the parking lot before they could leave.

Another tip if you park in one of the zones: as soon as you leave the car, pin your live location so you can easily find your car among the hundreds of others.

Tips for Attending the Belgian Grand Prix

Check the Weather: The weather in Spa can be unpredictable. Be sure to check the forecast and pack accordingly, including rain gear and layers for changing temperatures. Always take a poncho or umbrella with you. Also, bring a towel to sit on.

Arrive Early: To avoid traffic jams and secure good parking, plan to arrive at the circuit early, especially on race day. On race day, people are already lining up in front of the circuit around 6 AM. If you have general admission tickets, make sure to arrive on time, not just around 12 PM.

Stay Hydrated: Bring a refillable water bottle to stay hydrated throughout the day, especially if you plan to walk around a lot. There are many refill stations around the circuit where you can get free water, so make sure to bring a water bottle.

Wear Comfortable Shoes: The circuit is vast and often requires a lot of walking. Make sure to wear comfortable shoes to keep your feet happy.

Plan Your Route: Use navigation apps to find the best route to the circuit and to check for any road closures or traffic update. Spa has its own app that clearly provides everything you need, including a map of the circuit, emergency numbers, and updates on traffic and the daily schedule.

Pin your location: Are you parked in one of the parking zones? Make sure to note the location of your car. All the zones and fields look very similar; with your location, you'll be able to find your car quickly.

Plan everything in advance: make sure you have parking tickets before approaching the circuit, do plenty of research, and bring all the necessary items with you.

Digital Camera: Are you a professional or a hobby photographer? You are allowed to bring your camera to the circuit, but keep in mind that this is only for personal use. Photos may not be used commercially. It's a great opportunity to practice your photography skills!

The Best General Admission Seating Locations for the Belgian Grand Prix.

General admission tickets mean that you don't have a fixed seat; you can choose a spot around the circuit where you want to sit. This does not include grandstands. You can choose to stand somewhere or sit on the grass. There is plenty of space since there are steep hills around the circuit where you can sit. It's important to bring a towel or a chair to sit on.

General admission is highly recommended in Belgium. You can access almost anywhere and choose where you want to sit, which is not the case at many other circuits. Usually, it's a small area where you are allowed. In Belgium, that area is enormous.

During the free practice sessions, I sat at the end of Eau Rouge, where you can see perfectly how fast the F1 cars race up the hill. During qualifying, I was at the entry of Turn 10. Here, they go through the corner at full speed, which is incredibly spectacular to watch!

On race day, I was at Kemmel Straight, a very popular spot on Sunday. And it’s not surprising since this is just after Eau Rouge and leads into the DRS zone. There is a lot of overtaking here, making it the perfect place to sit during the race. Just make sure to arrive early, as it gets completely full in the morning!