Formula 1 returned to the Spa-Francorchamps circuit in Belgium this weekend, but the race exposed how poorly suited the 2026 cars are to one of the sport's most storied tracks. The new hybrid power units allow only a few seconds of electric boost per lap, meaning cars run on minimal combustion power for much of the circuit, including through corners once regarded as tests of driver bravery and skill, echoing problems already seen at Japan's Suzuka circuit earlier in the season.

Spa predates the F1 world championship itself, with racing there dating back to 1922, and today's 4.3-mile layout remains the longest on the calendar despite being roughly half the length of its original public-road configuration. Red Bull's Max Verstappen said drivers spend much of the lap on engine power alone, comparable to a Formula 3 car, calling it "not very exciting to drive," while also facing ongoing speculation about his future amid contract clauses and rumoured interest from McLaren.