Georges-Louis Bouchez works to secure F1's future in Spa-Francorchamps every year

Georges-Louis Bouchez champions a more sustainable model for the Spa-Francorchamps Grand Prix, advocating a gradual reduction in public investment and greater reliance on private capital. In an interview with La Libre Belgique, he outlines his vision for the future of this iconic event.

The Spa-Francorchamps Formula 1 Grand Prix remains an iconic event for Wallonia and for the country as a whole. As a genuine international showcase, it generates significant economic benefits, both for local municipalities and for the circuit's overall appeal throughout the year. Present on site, Georges-Louis Bouchez, also vice-president of Spa Grand Prix, highlighted the strategic importance of the event, while advocating for a necessary evolution of its funding model. "The product is magnificent, but the model must evolve," he emphasises. Today, the Grand Prix generates between €20 and €25 million in revenue and contributes significantly to the local economy, notably through taxes collected by the municipalities of Stavelot and Malmedy. In this context, the Walloon government's intention is clear: to gradually reduce public involvement. "Our goal is to eventually phase out public investment linked to the circuit," explains Georges-Louis Bouchez. This approach reflects a liberal vision of management, aimed at strengthening the project's financial autonomy. This transition involves increasing private capital and developing new revenue streams. Several options are being explored, such as creating ancillary activities or additional events to boost the site's appeal. Beyond its economic impact, the Grand Prix also plays a key role in Belgium's image. Alongside Tomorrowland, it is one of the few events with global reach organised on our territory. In an increasingly competitive calendar, Spa-Francorchamps will need to keep standing out to secure its place in the long run. The goal is clear: to guarantee the Grand Prix's lasting presence in Belgium, ideally on an annual basis. Finally, addressing environmental criticism, Georges-Louis Bouchez points out that Formula 1 is part of a transition dynamic, with carbon neutrality targets set for 2030, and that its impact must be assessed in a comprehensive and comparative way.

Read the article from La Libre Belgique