Spa-Francorchamps’ deadly history – and why fixing it has taken so long

Nestled amidst the picturesque Ardennes forests in Belgium, Circuit de Spa-Francorchamps is revered as one of the most iconic racetracks in motorsport history thanks to its undulating layout and challenging corners.

However, beneath its allure of high-speed thrills lies a troubling truth – the circuit’s poor safety record that has broken bones, destruction and death woven into its past.

Over the years, Spa-Francorchamps has been marred by numerous accidents and incidents, including a fatal crash this very month, highlighting its inherent dangers and prompting concerns among drivers, teams, and fans alike.

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Recent Spa-Francorchamps Crashes

Irrespective of inclement conditions, the Eau Rouge-Raidillon complex, a breathtakingly fast sequence of corners, has claimed its fair share of victims over the years.

Accidents here can be brutal, as seen in the tragic crash of Anthoine Hubert during the 2019 Formula 2 race, where he lost his life in a crash that also saw Juan Manuel Correa in a wheelchair.

Spa changed the tyre barriers in the wake of that fateful day in 2019, yet further incidents continue to plague the circuit.

Short-term Williams driver Jack Aitken fractured his collarbone and suffered a broken vertebra resulting in hospitalisation during the 2021 Spa 24 Hours in eerily similar circumstances to Hubert’s crash.

That same month had a six-car pile-up in W Series. Greasy conditions had multiple cars lose control on the Eau Rouge exit and were left to become car-shaped barriers on the run-off area for other competitors to hit. Beitske Visser and Ayla Agren were thankfully later discharged from hospital without injury.

And then, of course, we come to Dilano van ‘t Hoff’s crash just weeks ago, where the race’s restart in wet conditions had him crash out on the run to the Kemmel straight, left helpless to avoid contact when another car smashed into his side.

What’s to Blame?

Not all of these incidents are the same, with the only consistent parts being the metres of track between Eau Rouge and the Kemmel Straight and the involvement of multiple cars.

One of the most significant safety concerns at Spa-Francorchamps in any given race is the unpredictable and changeable weather conditions.

The circuit’s location exposes it to the whims of nature, and rain can descend upon the track without warning, causing multiple accidents during countless races, with drivers struggling to adapt to rapidly changing grip levels and visibility.

Yet Hubert and Aitken’s incidents came in dry conditions, highlighting that rain is just one part of the problem, and the circuit’s characteristics have some share of the blame, despite what some hardcore fans might want to hear.

Lance Stroll and Max Verstappen were vocal in the wake of Van ‘t Hoff’s death, calling for the track to do something like move the barriers further out.

Yet…