Five tips for attending the Belgian Grand Prix at Spa-Francorchamps
Spa is one of the most iconic races on the F1 calendar — fast cars, forest air, unpredictable weather, and a fan experience that feels properly old school. It’s also the only European sprint weekend this season, giving you even more track action across all three days. If you’re going to do it, do it right. Here are five tips from the Autosport team to help you get the most out of your Belgian GP weekend.
Feel the atmosphere — Spa’s fan energy is unmatched
There’s something special about Spa’s atmosphere during the Belgian Grand Prix weekend. The forest circuit comes alive with the roar of engines, the buzz of thousands of fans in orange, and the smell of Belgian frites in the air. The fanzone is one of the best in Europe, with concerts, driver appearances, and activities that keep the energy going long after track action ends. If you want to experience Formula 1 at its raw, passionate best, Spa delivers — and you’ll feel part of something special the moment you walk through the gates.
Get there early — the forest roads will test you
Planning where to stay is key for Spa. Several small towns around the circuit have hotels and B&Bs, but the closest ones book out well in advance, so a rental car is usually necessary. In fact, staying across the border in Germany can be both cheaper and more flexible — it’s closer than you might think. But wherever you’re based, be prepared for early wake-ups. A 10km drive around Spa’s forest roads can take hours on race day. If you’re not inside the gates by 8am, expect traffic jams, frustration, and a risk of missing key sessions. And don’t forget to buy parking tickets in advance to save yourself hassle on the day.
Bring waterproof everything — and... really, everything
There’s a great view from the F1 media centre looking up the hill from Eau Rouge. Local journalists have a running joke: “If you don’t see the trees, it means it’s raining. If you can see them — it means it’s going to rain soon.” That pretty much sums up Spa’s microclimate. Conditions can flip fast — sunshine one minute, a soaking the next. Waterproof boots, ponchos, and bags are a necessity. And don’t bother bringing an umbrella. It won’t save you.
Choose your spot carefully — not all GA is equal
Some general admission zones at Spa are brilliant — Pouhon and Les Combes offer elevation, sweeping views, and a real feel for the racing. Others? Less so. Some areas are little more than grass behind a fence with trees in the way. The Kemmel Straight is certainly thrilling, with cars flying past at over 300 km/h, and you can catch plenty of overtakes as they approach Les Combes thanks to the DRS zone. But if you want a mix of high-speed action and wheel-to-wheel battles through corners, it’s worth choosing your section carefully. Do the research or consider a grandstand seat where visibility is guaranteed. Or, if you want to watch in comfort, consider hospitality options around the track. You’ll get great views, a bar next to you, and a guaranteed seat — all while soaking up the atmosphere in style.
Walk up Eau Rouge — you won't believe how steep it is
TV doesn’t do it justice. You’ve seen the onboard footage a thousand times, but nothing prepares you for standing at the bottom of Eau Rouge and looking up. It’s absurdly steep. The best chance to experience it for yourself is during the track invasion after the race, when organisers open the circuit to fans. It’s something every true F1 fan should do at least once — not just to feel the climb, but to connect with other fans, soak in the atmosphere, and, if you’re quick enough, get a glimpse of the podium celebrations. Just wear decent shoes — it’s a proper hike.
