Celebrating Spa-Francorchamps' Greatest Winners

 

As the Formula 1® season charges towards its mid-summer climax, there's one circuit that looms large in the minds of race fans all over the world, and that's the mighty Spa-Francorchamps. 

This incredible race track, nestled in the rolling hills of the Ardennes forest, is synonymous, and it always feels like F1® comes home when this race comes around. It’s a place where legends are forged and where only the truly exceptional drivers master its untamed challenges.

Spa has witnessed some of the most thrilling and memorable victories in Formula 1® history, and here are the Kings of the mighty Spa-Francorchamps.

Michael Schumacher: The Unrivalled Master of Spa (6 Wins)

When you think of Spa-Francorchamps, you think of Michael Schumacher. The seven-time World Champion's connection with this circuit is almost mythical. It was at Spa, in 1992, that he claimed his very first Grand Prix victory. 

He then went on to dominate the Ardennes, securing an incredible six victories (1992, 1995, 1996, 1997, 2001, 2002). His ability to perform in changeable conditions, his mastery of Eau Rouge, and his relentless pursuit of perfection made him virtually unbeatable here for stretches of his career.

Ayrton Senna: The Rain King's Domain (5 Wins)

Ayrton Senna, with five victories at Spa (1985, 1988, 1989, 1990, 1991). Senna absolutely loved the circuit, and his unique blend of precision and aggression found Spa's sweeping corners and treacherous conditions mesmerising. The world-famous Brazilian driver was known as the 'Rain King.' his performances in the wet at Spa were legendary, showcasing a level of car control that few could ever match. His four consecutive wins from 1988 to 1991 were a testament to his sheer dominance.

Lewis Hamilton: The Modern Era's Conqueror (5 Wins)

The new Ferrari driver Lewis Hamilton has never made it a secret that he wanted to emulate his heroes in motor racing, so Matching Senna's impressive tally, Sir Lewis Hamilton has also conquered Spa five times and may have more race wins at Spa to come (2010, 2015, 2017, 2020, 2024).

Jim Clark: The Flying Scot's Spa Quartet (4 Wins)

Journeying back to the 1960s, not only is this my personal favourite race driver, but a photo on my desk is also giving me inspiration as I write this. Gifted Jim Clark asserted his dominance at Spa with four victories back to back from 1962 to 1965. 

Clark's smooth, flowing style was ideally suited to the original, even longer and more dangerous, Spa circuit. His legendary 1963 win in torrential rain, where he won by nearly five minutes and famously held his gearbox in place with one hand, is a true testament to his genius.

Kimi Räikkönen: The 'Iceman's' Love Affair with Spa (4 Wins)

Kimi Räikkönen is a unique talent and someone distinct from any of the drivers on this list, with a special affinity for Spa-Francorchamps, earning him the moniker 'King of Spa.' The 'Iceman' secured four victories here (2004, 2005, 2007, 2009), often pulling off seemingly impossible wins from challenging grid positions.

The New Guard: Max Verstappen (3 Wins)

More recently, Max Verstappen has also begun to etch his name into Spa's history books with three consecutive victories from 2021 to 2023 and with 2025 only days away a new set of personell at Red Bull, anythign can happen.

All of these excellent F1® drivers represent the very essence of what it takes to master Spa-Francorchamps.

And as always, when the lights go out and the drama unfolds, here at Senate Grand Prix, there is only one winner, and that's you, the race fans!