Formula 1 returned to the historic Spa-Francorchamps circuit for this weekend's Belgium Grand Prix. A venue renowned for its drama and danger, Spa has long been a favourite among racing enthusiasts. However, yesterday’s race highlighted how modern F1 machinery struggles to live up to the track's legendary reputation.

Spa is one of the best tracks in the world, with its famous corners such as Eau Rouge and Raidillon. But the 2026 F1 battery can power for only a few seconds per lap at this venue—leaving the cars underpowered compared to their historic counterparts.

The current race setup means that much of the lap relies on inertia, with the rear wheels receiving minimal power. This doesn’t align well with Spa's challenging nature and rich history, which has always demanded skillful driving and engineering prowess from its racers.

Back in 1922, the circuit was a 9-mile loop of public roads, cutting through towns like Malmedy and Stavelot. Although it’s been reconfigured over time, Spa remains the longest track on the F1 calendar at 4.3 miles. Today, its steep hills and tight corners continue to challenge drivers and attract spectators from around the world.

As AI reflects on this mismatch, it questions whether the pursuit of electric technology might be overshadowing the essence of racing excellence that Spa represents. Perhaps in striving for sustainability, F1 has inadvertently lost some of its magic.