F1 Circuit Guide
Circuit de Spa-Francorchamps - F1 Grandstand Guide
Where to sit at Circuit de Spa-Francorchamps for the F1: grandstand recommendations, the best views, hospitality options and how to get there on race day.
Circuit de Spa-Francorchamps sits on the edge of Francorchamps village in Stavelot, Belgium, within the forested and rolling landscape of the Ardennes region. Built in 1921 from public roads linking Francorchamps, Malmedy and Stavelot, the original triangle measured 14.9 kilometres. Today the permanent circuit stretches 7.004 kilometres with 19 corners and remains the longest track on the modern Formula 1 calendar. Since its maiden Grand Prix in 1924, Spa has been a cornerstone of international motorsport, becoming one of only seven circuits to race in Formula 1's first championship season in 1950.
The grandstand layout centres on the pit straight and the opening sections of the track. Gold 2 sits elevated beyond La Source corner, commanding views across the infamous Eau Rouge and Raidillon climb and into the Kemmel Straight. Silver 1 occupies the downhill approach to Eau Rouge, where cars reach speeds near 300 kph before surging flat through the rising complex. Gold 9 Bis overlooks La Source through to Raidillon with views of the paddock and support series garages. In recent years, expansion has accelerated: a 4,600-seat grandstand at the top of Raidillon was completed in winter 2021 to 2022, followed by additional terraces holding 7,300 spectators in the La Source downhill section from winter 2022 to 2023. These works brought permanent grandstand and terrace capacity to 16,000 seats. A longer-term renovation initiative, budgeted at 80 million euros over ten years, aims to add 13,000 more seats through new grandstands and VIP boxes, roughly doubling the circuit's permanent seated capacity.
The track's defining feature is the Eau Rouge and Raidillon sequence, where drivers navigate a dramatic left-right-uphill manoeuvre that rises 40.8 metres in elevation. Beyond this, the circuit flows through the Kemmel Straight, Pouhon corner, Blanchimont and a final chicane before the start-finish line. Race weekends draw enormous crowds; the circuit hosted over 380,000 spectators across three days in recent seasons. Variable weather patterns across the expansive Ardennes terrain mean conditions can shift significantly from one corner to the next, adding to the challenge faced by drivers tackling this demanding venue.
Best grandstands at Circuit de Spa-Francorchamps
Most grandstands at Spa are clustered around the pit straight and the opening sections of the circuit, with the Gold 2 and Silver 1 stands offering the most commanding views of the track's most famous sequence. The Gold 2 grandstand sits high on the edge of the circuit after the exit of Turn 1, La Source, positioning you to see the entire Eau Rouge and Raidillon complex stretching away before you up the hill. From there, your sightline extends right through to the start of the Kemmel Straight, giving you a broad panorama of racing action as cars navigate this challenging and iconic section.
Silver 1 grandstand
The Silver 1 grandstand is located on the downhill straight leading into Eau Rouge, where you will witness cars accelerating to speeds of up to 300 kph before going flat through Raidillon and the Eau Rouge sequence itself. This position gives you a trackside vantage point for one of the most thrilling moments of the race weekend.
Gold 9 Bis grandstand
The Gold 9 Bis is an uncovered grandstand that overlooks the circuit from La Source corner through to Raidillon, with views of the paddock and F2/F3 garages below. The elevated grandstand near Eau Rouge remains noted for providing the best overall view of that most famous corner sequence, with panoramic sightlines stretching from La Source all the way up to Raidillon.
Recent expansion work has significantly increased seating capacity. A new 4,600-seat grandstand was constructed at the top of the Raidillon, whilst further investment in winter 2022 to 2023 added grandstands in the downhill section of La Source corner to accommodate an additional 7,300 spectators. The grandstand located at Pouhon corner is noted for its trackside atmosphere if you want to experience racing action from a different part of the circuit.
Getting to Circuit de Spa-Francorchamps
The circuit is located on the edge of the village of Francorchamps in the Ardennes region of Belgium. City Shuttle coach services connect the circuit directly to major cities across Belgium and the wider region, including Aachen, Antwerp, Brussels, Charleroi, Cologne, Dusseldorf, Eindhoven, Liege, Lille, Luxembourg, Maastricht, Mons, and Namur. Shuttle return tickets cost between 50 and 70 euros per day and can be purchased in advance on the Spa Grand Prix website.
If you prefer public transport, you can take a train to Verviers followed by a connecting bus service to the circuit. Park and Ride options are available via a TEC shuttle bus from Verviers-Central station, combining parking with onward transport to the circuit. On-site parking is also available if you are driving.
Race day attendance has grown significantly in recent years, with the 2024 Belgian Grand Prix welcoming around 130,000 fans on the final day. Plan your arrival well in advance and consider using shuttle services during the busiest periods to avoid congestion at the circuit.
Frequently asked questions
What is the longest Formula 1 circuit on the modern calendar?+
Circuit de Spa-Francorchamps is the longest circuit on the modern Formula 1 calendar at 7.004 km. The track was originally a 14.9 km triangle-shaped circuit built in 1921 using public roads between Francorchamps, Malmedy, and Stavelot, but was redeveloped to its current length in 1979.
What are the best grandstands to watch at Spa?+
The Gold 2 and Silver 1 grandstands offer the best views of the famous Eau Rouge and Raidillon sequence. Gold 2 sits high at the exit of La Source and gives panoramic views up Eau Rouge and through to the Kemmel Straight, whilst Silver 1 sits on the downhill section before Eau Rouge and puts you trackside as cars approach the corner at speeds up to 300 kph.
How many spectators can the circuit hold?+
The circuit welcomes around 70,000 spectators on race day, and recent Grands Prix have drawn over 380,000 across the full three-day weekend. Permanent grandstand and terrace seating currently stands at about 16,000 places, with a longer-term renovation project planning to add 13,000 further seats through new grandstands and VIP boxes.
How do I get to Spa-Francorchamps from Brussels?+
City Shuttle coach services run directly from Brussels to the circuit, with return tickets costing between 50 and 70 euros per day. Alternatively, you can take a train to Verviers followed by a connecting bus service, or use the Park and Ride option via TEC shuttle from Verviers-Central station.
What is the lap record at Spa?+
The lap record at Circuit de Spa-Francorchamps is 1:46.286, set by Valtteri Bottas in 2018.
Why is Eau Rouge and Raidillon so famous?+
Eau Rouge and Raidillon is described as the most famous sequence of corners in the world, where drivers flick left, right, and then up the hill through Raidillon. The entry to exit of this complex sees the track rise 40.8 metres in elevation, creating one of the most challenging and thrilling moments in motorsport.
How many corners does the Spa circuit have?+
The circuit has 19 corners. It features a mix of long straights and challenging fast corners, including the Kemmel Straight, Pouhon corner, Blanchimont, and a final chicane before the start/finish line.
What was the attendance at the 2024 Belgian Grand Prix?+
The 2024 Belgian Grand Prix welcomed around 380,000 spectators over the race weekend, with race day attendance of approximately 130,000 fans.
