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Formula 1 returned to the Spa-Francorchamps circuit for the Belgium Grand Prix this weekend. This asphalt ribbon in the Ardennes is one of the most famous places of the sport, which is in the first season of F1 back in 1950. But as yesterday’s race showed, the modern F1 machines are not very suitable for this spectacular place.
As seen at Suzuka in Japan earlier this year, the 2026 F1 battery can power the race car’s electric motor for just a few seconds; for all other reasons, low power cars have less power going to their rear wheels than a small F2 feeder group.
The best competition in the world
For many, including many of the current F1 grids, Spa is considered the greatest circuit in the world. In fact, both Spa and the Belgian Grand Prix preceded the F1 world championship, with its first race held in 1922. Back then, the circuit was 9 kilometers of public roads, taking in the towns of Malmedy and Stavelot before returning to Francorchamps. In the years after the war, the distance was slightly reduced to 8.7 miles (14.1 km) and was very fast, with an average speed of 150 mph (240 km/h) – and very dangerous, given the high-powered cars and the low clearance for safety.
