Why Drivers Call Spa the Scariest Track on the Calendar
You don’t drive Spa, you survive it. Ahead of the Belgian Grand Prix, drivers must prepare for the physically and mentally exhausting circuit. Spa-Francorchamps is a demanding course because of its unpredictable weather, the iconic Eau Rouge corner, and the mental strength required of the driver. As drivers head into race weekend, we can take a look at how they prepare for one of the scariest courses on the calendar.
There are only a few corners that draw as much attention as Eau-Rouge-Raidillon. When approaching the turn at full speed, drivers are entering blind into an uphill, winding track with no idea what could lie at the top. Drivers practice on simulators or have years of repetition, but Eau Rouge demands total concentration and trust that even seasoned drivers find the corner exciting. Seven-time champion Lewis Hamilton says, “When you get to the bottom of it, your insides drop. Then, when you get to the top, they come back up and it feels like everything will come out of your mouth, which is quite exciting when you are going 200mph.”
Spa has always been known for its unpredictable weather. At one point, the Belgian Grand Prix was rainy for 20 consecutive years. It is also the largest track on the 2025 calendar, which means part of the race can be clear and sunny while the other side could be rainy and slippery. Drivers need to make quick decisions, and teams must select the appropriate tire to guarantee both safety and speed. Racing in the rain leaves drivers with blurred visors, limited visibility, and they are at risk of hydroplaning at high speeds. The winner of Spa isn’t just fast, but also fearless and disciplined.
The psychological element is daunting for drivers and especially rookies. In 2019, Anthoine Hubert tragically died during a crash at the Formula 2 race a day before the F1 Grand Prix. Charles Leclerc went on to claim his first win in F1 the next day and dedicated his victory to Hubert while pointing to a sticker on his car that read “Racing For Anthoine”. Drivers are still eager to secure points for the championship but must balance ambition with risk.
Every circuit in F1 has challenges, but Spa-Francorchamps stands out. Its unique layout and legacy add to the mental mountain every driver must face. Coming off the 10th anniversary of driver Jules Bianchi’s death, the Belgian Grand Prix is sure to bring emotions on race day. With practice races starting in just three days, the pressure builds to perform, stay sharp, and be adaptable. Spa challenges drivers to bring everything they have mentally and physically to one of the most iconic tracks.
