Spa masters: the F1 drivers that dominated the Belgian Grand Prix

Spa masters: the F1 drivers that dominated the Belgian Grand Prix
The first Grand Prix at Spa Francorchamps was in 1925 and for drivers it represents a true challenge that requires a mix of pure driving skill and bravery, no matter what era they are from.

The last weekend in July marked the 100th anniversary of the Belgian Grand Prix at Spa Francorchamps. Yes, it’s an old track but it is still a wonder to behold, blessed with characteristics that some of the so-called modern-day tracks do not have. In an age where homogenised layouts have put safety and spectator access at the top of the priority list, it is a refreshing change for drivers. Spa may be ‘old school’ but there is a reason why it is still on the F1 calendar: it’s exciting and only the best drivers come out on top. But who are the Spa masters? Read on to find out.

Michael Schumacher

It is of no surprise that Michael Schumacher is on the list. The German made his Formula One debut with Jordan at the Belgian Grand Prix in 1991 and his qualifying performance alone was enough for top team Benetton sign him for the remainder of the season. In 1992, he achieved his maiden victory in Belgium and went on to claim a total of six Belgian GP victories. His raw speed and wet-weather finesse made Spa his playground. He was ruthless, he was fearless and pretty much unstoppable both in wet and dry conditions.
Belgian GP wins: 1992, 1995, 1996, 1997, 2001, 2002.

Ayrton Senna

Like Schumacher, Senna and Spa were a perfect match - both fast, technical, and thrilling. The Brazilian genius won the Belgian GP five times, often in tricky conditions. His ability to dominate in the rain was on full display in Belgium, where his legend grew. Senna's first victory at Spa came in 1985, his second year in F1, driving for Lotus, which was ridiculous given that the best car on the grid was the McLaren-TAG driven by Alain Prost, who had set the fastest lap. But in the race Senna was imperious and he won by 28 seconds over British driver Nigel Mansell in a Williams with Prost third. It set the tone for the future at this legendary circuit and even if Senna was not on pole at future Belgian GPs it would have been foolish to bet against him, particularly if it was a wet weather race.
Belgian GP wins: 1985, 1988, 1989, 1990, 1991

Jim Clark

Jim Clark was untouchable in Belgium during the early 1960s. Driving for Lotus, he won four Belgian GPs in a row, mastering the old 14-kilometre Spa layout and probably could have won a lot more if he had not tragically perished after a crash during a Formula Two race at the Hockenheimring, Germany, in 1968. Clark had the necessary skills for Spa: his smooth, precise driving style and ability to maintain momentum was perfect for this challenging track. Clark also had a unique approach to cornering, braking early and carrying speed into and through the apex, sometimes even employing controlled slides. His first race win at Spa was the first of four consecutive victories at Spa for the Scotsman and Lotus and it was also the first win for the Lotus 25. It also marked the beginning of the famous six-year-long rivalry between him and Graham Hill.
Belgian GP wins: 1962, 1963, 1964, 1965

Kimi Räikkönen

To be fair you cannot put Kimi Raikkönen in the same league as greats such as Michael Schumacher, Ayrton Senna, Jim Clark and Lewis Hamilton, but Spa was a special place for the Finn and although he was blisteringly quick on occasion his four Belgian GP wins could be attributed to his cool demeanour. The thing is, Spa requires a cool head as well as skill and it is easy to become over-awed by a track that can be brutal. If you try too hard you’ll end up in a barrier. If you don’t try hard enough… you’ll end up in a barrier, but Kimi’s relative insouciance about, well, just being a grand prix driver full stop, gave him the edge at Spa and it was at the Belgian track that his speed and skill were on full display.
Belgian GP wins: 2004, 2005, 2007, 2009

Lewis Hamilton

Hamilton may not have as many Spa wins as Schumacher, but his consistency and pace at the Belgian GP have earned him a spot on this list. His four victories point to an era of McLaren and Mercedes dominance. Of course, at both teams, Hamilton had the right machinery at his disposal, but he also had the application and the sheer determination to make sure that team-mates in the same car could not get close. Hamilton’s approach, and attention to detail, made him a consistent performer and, in the wet, he was almost unbeatable.
Belgian GP wins : 2010, 2015, 2017, 2020