Formula 1 is moving towards a future with only eight European races, according to Belgian politician and Spa Grand Prix president, Melchior Wathelet.
Wathelet spoke after announcing that the iconic Spa-Francorchamps circuit secured a contract extension with F1 through 2031. However, the new deal includes a rotational schedule, meaning Spa will skip the calendar in 2028 and 2030.
"These were difficult discussions," Wathelet admitted to Sporza. "Formula 1 only wants eight Grands Prix in Europe. It was therefore difficult to sign a permanent contract for a long period."
Despite the rotational arrangement, Wathelet noted the agreement could allow Spa to host races even in the off-years. "The spirit of the agreement states that there will be at least four races for us. So in 2028 and 2030, maybe it will be in another country, but maybe it will be in Belgium."
While Spa has accepted the rotational scheme, Wathelet confirmed the costs of the new deal have increased. "The amount is higher from 2026, but it is an increase of 3 to 4 percent," he explained. "We thought that was reasonable. It's not like it has doubled. It is a reasonable inflation, which we think we can recover."
Formula 1 CEO Stefano Domenicali acknowledged that more European venues could adopt similar rotational agreements. Imola is reportedly being considered, while Assen in the Netherlands has expressed interest in hosting an F1 race when Zandvoort's deal expires after 2026.
Arjan Bos, chairman of the Assen circuit, told RTV Drenthe: "I think when so much money has been invested in the circuit, if it were possible and there was support, then we would definitely consider it."
However, Bos also noted F1's shifting focus away from Europe. "I don't think it is right to say now that the Dutch GP is moving from Zandvoort to Assen. I don't even know if Formula 1 wants to go back to racing in the Netherlands.
"They actually want to do fewer Grands Prix in Europe and go to Africa and maybe even India instead," he added.
