Formula 1 makes a guest appearance at the traditional circuit in Spa-Francorchamps, Belgium, before the summer break – Eau Rouge is and remains a courageous corner
The Circuit Spa-Francorchamps in Belgium is one of the most traditional race tracks on the Formula 1 calendar and before the summer break, the drivers of the premier class will have to take on the approximately seven-kilometer circuit. The Eau-Rouge-Raidillon combination is still one of the most notorious corners on the Formula 1 circuit and, according to Racing Bulls driver Daniel Ricciardo, it still takes a lot of courage to master it
In the past, there have been devastating accidents in this combination, particularly in junior formula series and GT racing. In 2019, Antoine Hubert was killed in a Formula 2 race in a tragic accident at the exit of the two corners. Since then, work has been carried out on the run-off areas to improve safety, but Eau Rouge and Raidillon are still notorious.
“There have definitely been changes to Eau Rouge, they’ve moved the barriers I think,” says Ricciardo. “There have been some terrible accidents there and obviously we want to ensure safety, but it’s also a legendary corner. Let’s want it to be extremely dangerous because every Sunday there’s racing there and every time you feel like something could happen.”
It takes a lot of courage, a well-tuned car and the skill to get through Eau Rouge and Raidillon perfectly, even in the premier class. “We don’t want that, so time has done the rest. But the corner is still fun,” Ricciardo clarifies. “You can’t take it lightly. When you’re in the slipstream in the turbulence, it can be scary, but it’s also fun.”
Charles Leclerc is also looking forward to racing Formula 1 at Spa again. The Monegasque in Ferrari colors describes Spa-Francorchamps as a very “rhythmic” circuit. “It’s not my favorite track, but it’s still a circuit that’s nice to drive on. Pouhon is also a demanding corner, much more demanding than before because of the high speeds, but we’re not going full throttle there yet.”
Leclerc speaks of a big challenge, as Spa is particularly fast. With the grass and gravel beds right on the edge of the track, “no mistakes should be made”, as a driver would “pay for it immediately”, according to the Ferrari driver. “This is [a track] that the drivers really enjoy,” Leclerc clarifies.
Full throttle and plenty of rhythm at Spa
World champion Max Verstappen says Eau Rouge will be driven at full throttle. “Even in a GT4 car, you drive flat out there,” says the Dutchman. “That’s how the corner has developed, also in terms of safety, which I completely understand. For me, it’s still my favorite track because of the rhythmic corners. It’s really great. “
Nico Hülkenberg in the Haas has respect for the circuit, especially when it’s wet. He says: “Especially when it’s wet, it offers us the thrill and the challenge for us drivers. In the dry it is a little less difficult, especially in Eau Rouge. Because of the high downforce, it is no longer a big challenge. Nevertheless, it is something special. The track has so much history and the landscape makes it special.”
For Pierry Gasly, Spa-Francorchamps was and still is one of his favorite circuits on the Formula 1 calendar. “Eau Rouge has changed, but even in the smaller series like Formula 4 to Formula 2, it was always full throttle. It’s easier in Formula 1. The track itself is great, the rhythm is unique. It’s also the longest track on the calendar, which makes it even more special.
One of the drivers’ favorite tracks
Alexander Albon explains that Eau Rouge is “no longer a real corner” from lap 2 onwards, but the combination with Raidillon always remains “something very special.” Oscar Piastri comes to Belgium as a newly crowned Grand Prix champion and is also looking forward to driving on the circuit again. He says: “No matter which car you’re in, the first time at Eau Rouge is always something special.”
Spa-Francorchamps also makes it into the “Top 5” of Formula 1 veteran Fernando Alonso’s personal best list. The Aston Martin driver says: “It’s an incredibly great track, but I prefer Suzuka or Silverstone with the modern Formula 1 cars. That’s more fun. The Spaniard can still remember times when Eau Rouge was not driven at full throttle. When asked whether it was always taken at full throttle, he replies: “No, no!”
