What I saw, what I learnt, and why I’d go back in a heartbeat
Spa-Francorchamps is a track that’s on every Formula 1 fan’s bucket list. It’s a circuit packed with history, character, and home to one of the fastest, most dangerous, and thrilling corners in the sport—Eau Rouge. The excitement of the racing alone is enough to draw crowds from around the world.
But Spa is more than just speed and legacy. Set deep in the Ardennes forest, its winding layout weaves through stunning natural scenery. Hidden bends, misty hills, and the echo of engines between the trees all add to the track’s mystique. It’s not just a race—it’s an adventure.
So here’s my take on visiting Spa—what the experience was like, what I learnt, and what you’ll want to know to make the most of your trip.
I visited Spa a couple of years ago and booked through a travel firm. While it can be more expensive than organising everything yourself, I found it really took the pressure off. From meeting us at the Eurostar terminal at St Pancras to the coach transfers to and from the circuit, everything was taken care of. For the most part, I had the freedom to plan my own time, so it struck a nice balance between structure and flexibility.
I had tickets for the stand at the legendary Eau Rouge corner—and wow. Seeing the speed of the Formula One cars as they launched up from the bottom of the hill was absolutely mind-blowing. TV just doesn’t do it justice. You feel it in your chest.
One thing to remember: Spa is steep. At times, it honestly feels like you’re hiking to get to your viewing spot. So, good shoes are an absolute must. Like most circuits, you’ll be walking a lot—but the hills at Spa, both up and down, are something else. You really feel it, especially when walking down the track at the end of the race.
Spa has its own microclimate, and it’s no exaggeration to say you can watch a raincloud circle the track before it finally hits your stand. I wouldn’t bother with an umbrella—it’s awkward to carry and not much help in a crowd. The real MVP is a poncho.
I don’t mean those flimsy plastic ones that rip the second you sit down. I brought a reusable one, and honestly, it was a game-changer. It covered me and my bag (a blessing when you’re sitting on damp ground), it was easy to pack away, and it came in lovely colours too.
Another thing to keep in mind: Spa is a cashless circuit. You can’t use cash to buy anything at the track. Instead, you’ll need to purchase a prepaid card—either in advance or once you're there. It’s really straightforward to use and meant I didn’t have to carry loads of cash or worry about bank fees from using my own debit card. Just top it up, tap to pay, and enjoy the weekend.
Food prices at the circuit are what you'd expect—track-day expensive. To save money (and time), I stopped at a local supermarket when I arrived and stocked up: meal deals, snacks, bottled water, and a few cans of pop. If you can, do this on your first day so you’re sorted for the weekend. I also might have grabbed a few bits from the breakfast buffet each morning—honestly, everyone did. A pastry here, a piece of fruit there... perfect for a mid-morning snack at the track.
I’ve never been to a venue where the toilets were this immaculate. Each one had an attendant on duty, cleaning after every use and replacing toilet roll—no mess, no stress. And it wasn’t just the toilets—the entire venue was spotless. Any rubbish was cleared up fast. For a huge outdoor event, the cleanliness was seriously impressive. It made a big difference to the overall experience.
Take the chance to walk the track—it’s something you’ll never forget. When else will you get the opportunity to stand at the foot of Eau Rouge or take in the sweeping views from the top of Raidillon, just like the drivers do? Those Instagram photos you always see? They’re absolutely worth it. And when you're standing there, camera or not, you’ll understand why.
You never know who you might bump into, either—especially in the car park! I ran into Will Buxton, who was a really lovely guy. Just one of those unexpected moments that made the weekend even more memorable.
It might be a once-in-a-lifetime opportunity. So soak it all in. The energy, the noise, the scenery, the people—it’s a truly one-of-a-kind circuit, and I’m already dreaming of the day I get to go back.
Sincerely,
Catherine
Add comment
Comments