The circuit in the Ardennes is one of motor racing's absolute classics, having, apart from a few exceptions in the 70s and 80s, annually hosted the Belgian Grand Prix since Formula 1's inception. The first winner was Juan Manuel Fangio, who won the 1950 race with an Alfa Romeo. The first car race was held at Spa-Francorchamps in 1922, although at that early stage the circuit used mainly public roads.

The Spa-Francorchamps of today is a modern grand prix circuit which draws on few of the original track's sectors. However, its remains ultra-fast, with major changes in elevation, high g-forces and daunting corners such as Eau Rouge combining to make it one of motorsport's most challenging circuits. The record-setting world champion Michael Schumacher made his debut here in 1991, celebrating his maiden Formula 1 victory at the circuit exactly a year later.