Often hailed by top drivers as the most beautiful circuit in the world, Spa-Francorchamps is also one of Brad Pitt’s fondest memories from the filming of the F1 movie, which is now in theaters.

A year ago, American actor Brad Pitt visited Wallonia to film F1, a movie that tells the story of a veteran driver called back by a struggling team to mentor a young prodigy. A year later, the film has been released in cinemas around the world, and audiences can admire stunning shots of the Spa-Francorchamps circuit on the big screen.

For decades, the Spa-Francorchamps circuit has been renowned as the most beautiful in the world—and Brad Pitt seems to confirm its legendary status. In the film’s press kit, the American actor describes some of his most powerful emotions, particularly when tackling the famous Raidillon de l’Eau Rouge. “There’s a 100-meter elevation change. When you arrive, the impact is so intense that your spine compresses under the G-force pinning you to the ground. Then you hit an S-curve that lifts you up while you’re fighting the car in both directions. It’s a one-of-a-kind experience on the track—and so thrilling. My first two takes were unusable because I had a huge grin on my face,” reports La Dernière Heure.

This isn’t the first time Spa-Francorchamps has served as a film set. In 1964, Françoise Hardy, Yves Montand, Antonio Sabato, and James Garner arrived in Spa to shoot the movie Grand Prix.

The Assets of Spa-Francorchamps

Every year, the biggest national and international motorsport championships take place at the Spa-Francorchamps circuit. Many other sporting events also enrich the calendar with a wide variety of attractions. Since 1921, Spa-Francorchamps has been a privileged witness to the evolution of motorsports. Several factors explain the worldwide acclaim of this circuit. Nestled in the heart of the Belgian Ardennes and surrounded by lush greenery, Spa-Francorchamps is instantly recognizable. The rolling hills and dense forests add a unique dimension to this arena dedicated to speed and adrenaline.

Motorsport fans particularly appreciate the circuit’s winding curves and the electrifying atmosphere during races. Among the most iconic corners is the legendary Raidillon de l’Eau Rouge. This fast, steep bend (17% gradient) has become inseparable from the famous track. Its name, “Eau Rouge,” comes from the stream of the same name that flows beneath the track at the base of the Raidillon.

Another corner that resonates with motorsport enthusiasts is the Double Left of Pouhon. It’s one of the circuit’s major challenges. After a downhill straight, Pouhon is taken at breathtaking speeds.

If you want to explore Spa-Francorchamps, guided tours are available from March to November, offering a behind-the-scenes look at the world’s most beautiful circuit.

Isabelle Anneet (AWEX)