The Belgian Grand Prix creates one of the more remarkable private-aviation gatherings of the Formula 1 season. Most drivers fly into Liège Airport before making the trip through the Ardennes to Spa-Francorchamps, arriving in everything from compact light jets to vast long-range aircraft worth tens of millions.
It is not simply a display of money. For drivers, team principals and senior crew moving between relentless race weekends, private aviation means flexibility, privacy and the ability to travel with the people needed for the weekend ahead. Here is the full picture from the Liège arrivals, plus a look at life around Spa.
From a $3 million Cessna to Max Verstappen’s Falcon 8X
Kimi Antonelli was among the earlier arrivals, travelling from Rimini, Italy, in a Cessna CitationJet CJ2+. At roughly $3 million, it was one of the smaller aircraft in the line-up, but perfectly suited to the approximately 2-hour journey. The light jet can seat up to 7 people, and that particular flight was estimated at around €12,000.
Antonelli arrived wearing Ayrton Senna gear, a fitting nod at Spa. Senna famously regarded the Belgian circuit as his favourite, and it remains one of the most revered tracks on the calendar.
At the other end of the scale was Max Verstappen. Rather than coming from Nice as expected, he arrived from Prague in his own Dassault Falcon 8X, the most expensive jet among these arrivals. It is a serious bit of kit, and a very good seat to secure if Max happens to have room.
Sergio Pérez was another owner-pilot in the broader sense, arriving from Madrid in his $15 million Bombardier Global XRS. He was one of just 3 drivers in the group known to own their own aircraft.
Hamilton, Ferrari and the larger business jets
Lewis Hamilton arrived from Bologna in an Embraer Legacy 500, a jet with around 3,000 miles of range and capacity for up to 12 passengers. Valued at about $12 million, it was a clear step up in size from Antonelli’s Citation.
Hamilton’s arrival had a little extra privacy. Rather than stepping out on the open tarmac, half the aircraft was taken into the hangar so he could disembark inside. Angela Cullen was also on the flight, bringing up the rear with luggage and what appeared to be a Nespresso machine.
The Ferrari hierarchy also came from Bologna, travelling on a Bombardier Challenger 350 worth about $17 million. Deputy Team Principal Jérôme d’Ambrosio and Team Principal Fred Vasseur were among the key passengers. The Challenger 350 can cruise at just over 1,000 km/h, making it an efficient way to move senior personnel between Italy and Belgium.
Charles Leclerc was also on the Bologna route, arriving in a $13 million Bombardier Challenger 605. It seats between 9 and 12 passengers and has sleeping space for 5, although there would not have been much need for a nap on this short sector.
Alonso, Stroll, Bottas and Gasly: different aircraft, same destination
Fernando Alonso arrived from Strasbourg in a $20 million Dassault Falcon 2000, a super-midsize wide-body aircraft. His manager Alberto and trainer Edoardo stepped off first before Alonso followed across the tarmac in white shorts.
Lance Stroll came from Nice in a $10 million Bombardier Global 5000. The ultra-long-range aircraft can cover close to 10,000 km, vastly more than was needed for Spa. Still, Stroll’s onward journey was even more eye-catching. He transferred to a $6 million AgustaWestland AW139 helicopter for the approximately 10-minute flight to the circuit rather than taking the 40-minute car journey.
Valtteri Bottas arrived from Nice aboard a Hawker 400XP worth around $2 million. He had recently spent time in Aspen with Tiffany Cromwell, where she trains at altitude as an elite cyclist, and had used the break to do some training himself.
Pierre Gasly travelled from Milan in an Embraer Praetor 600 valued at about $20 million, accompanied by photographer Grégoire Truchet. One standout feature of the Praetor is its 6-foot cabin height, meaning many passengers can move through it without crouching.
Shared flights make plenty of sense
Not every driver needs a separate jet. George Russell, Oscar Piastri and Lando Norris shared a $7 million Cessna Citation CJ4 from Nice, along with photographer Richard Pardon, a McLaren trainer, Arthur and Mark Webber. It was a sensible use of a twin-engine light business jet and a reminder that even Formula 1 travel has its practical side.
Jack Doohan was also spotted at the airport, though only in town for a day to meet people at the circuit. He was not the Haas reserve driver that weekend, but discussions were clearly taking place.
Carlos Sainz and Alex Albon travelled from Oxford, near the Williams headquarters, in a $7 million Cessna Citation XLS+. Nico Hülkenberg and Gabriel Bortoleto came from Barcelona in an $11 million Pilatus PC-24, with Bortoleto’s girlfriend Isabella and his manager Albert also aboard.
Private travel does have an obvious attraction for this world. There is no requirement to arrive 90 minutes early, no busy commercial terminal, and the chance to travel with teammates, trainers, managers or friends. Once people get accustomed to that convenience, commercial flying must feel like a fairly brutal adjustment.
Where drivers stay during the Belgian Grand Prix
Liège’s private terminal is a brilliant spot to see aircraft and their passengers, but the journey is only the first part of the Spa weekend. For most arrivals, it is roughly 40 minutes by car from the airport to the circuit. Stroll’s helicopter transfer was the notable exception.
Accommodation at Spa varies. Some drivers stay at Hôtel de la Source, just 150 metres from Turn 1. Others use motorhomes in a secure area near the circuit. At least 1 driver stays in the town of Spa itself, around a 20-minute drive away when traffic behaves.
That variety suits the unique geography of Spa-Francorchamps. The circuit sits deep in the Ardennes rather than beside a major city, so proximity, road access and privacy all matter once the paddock starts filling up.
World Cup mischief in the paddock
The World Cup had clearly left a mark on the paddock mood. With England beaten by Argentina, there was a sombre edge among the many British personnel working in Formula 1. One British photographer jokingly made his feelings toward Franco Colapinto very clear.
Juan Fossaroli, who leads ESPN’s coverage for Argentina, embraced the opportunity. Under his white shirt was an Argentina football jersey, and he used it to provoke a few English drivers in good humour.
Lando Norris was not overly impressed and responded with a cheeky gesture. George Russell immediately protested and said he expected plenty of stick from Colapinto later in the day. Oliver Bearman received the same treatment and had an equally colourful response.
The joke carried some risk, of course. One Alpine crew member pointed out that about 70% of Alpine’s workforce is English. Fortunately, it remained paddock banter rather than anything more serious.
What is new at Spa-Francorchamps?
Spa has added several visible improvements. The old tower was demolished the previous year and replaced with a new structure offering a particularly special view from the top. A new bridge crossing the circuit in the same general area should help ease congestion for people moving around that part of the venue.
At the far end of the circuit, the fan zone now includes a Ferris wheel. It is reserved for event patrons during the day, but becomes accessible to everyone after the day’s activities when the gates open.
These additions are welcome at a circuit as vast and challenging to navigate as Spa. Any improvement to circulation can make a genuine difference across a packed Grand Prix weekend.
Rising talent and reserve-driver fitness
Outside Formula 1, Nikola Tsolov was making a compelling case for attention. He had won 6 of the first 14 Formula 2 races, the best rookie performance in the category’s history, ahead of Charles Leclerc and George Russell at the equivalent stage.
As part of the Red Bull Junior Programme, Tsolov is in the conversation for a future seat at VCARB. The problem for the team is one of abundance: Liam Lawson is performing well, Arvid Lindblad is progressing strongly, and now Tsolov is applying real pressure. The eventual choices for 2027 will be fascinating.
Frederik Vesti offered another reminder of the standards required even as a reserve driver. He completed a 3-hour, 50 km bike ride with significant climbs before the race weekend. Reserve status does not mean reduced preparation.
FAQ
Which F1 driver had the most expensive private jet at the Belgian Grand Prix?
Max Verstappen had the most expensive aircraft in this group, arriving in his own Dassault Falcon 8X.
Which drivers shared a private jet to Spa?
George Russell, Oscar Piastri and Lando Norris shared a Cessna Citation CJ4 from Nice. Carlos Sainz and Alex Albon also travelled together, using a Cessna Citation XLS+ from Oxford.
How long is the journey from Liège Airport to Spa-Francorchamps?
The road journey from Liège Airport’s private terminal to the circuit takes about 40 minutes. Lance Stroll instead used a helicopter for an approximately 10-minute flight.
Where do F1 drivers stay during the Belgian Grand Prix?
Some stay at Hôtel de la Source close to Turn 1, others use secure motorhomes at the circuit, and some stay in the town of Spa.