Iconic Corners: Raidillon – Spa’s Most Dangerous Corner (Not Eau Rouge!)

Iconic Corners: Raidillon – Spa’s Most Dangerous Corner (Not Eau Rouge!)

Tucked deep within the misty hills of the Belgian Ardennes lies one of the most iconic corners in motorsport: Raidillon. Often confused with the equally famous Eau Rouge, this steep and deadly sequence at Circuit de Spa-Francorchamps is among the most dangerous F1 corners in racing history. In fact, the common reference to it as "Eau Rouge" is a widespread mistake — and in this episode of Iconic Corners, we finally set the record straight.

In this episode of Iconic Corners, we explore the chilling beauty and unforgiving nature of Raidillon — the crown jewel of the Spa-Francorchamps circuit and arguably the most dangerous stretch of track in all of Formula 1.

Before 1939, this part of the circuit featured a tight left-hand bend known as Eau Rouge, named after the red-colored stream that runs beneath the road. That hairpin was followed by a steep uphill section called l’Ancienne Douane. But in 1939, this layout changed forever. A brand-new, steeper path was carved into the hillside, bypassing the old corner and replacing it with a high-speed sequence that would become one of the most iconic challenges in racing history. Its name? Raidillon — the French word for “steep road.”

This breathtaking sequence is composed of three connected turns: a fast left at the bottom (still sometimes called Eau Rouge, albeit incorrectly), a sharp right up the hill, and finally a blind left-hand kink that launches cars onto the Kemmel Straight. The combination of high speed, extreme compression, and blind crests make this series utterly unique in motorsport. Drivers must commit to the throttle with complete trust — knowing that the smallest mistake could have catastrophic consequences.

Despite being incorrectly referred to as Eau Rouge by commentators, fans, and even some drivers, the official name remains Raidillon. Want to know more about this naming confusion? Check out our related video: Eau Rouge or Raidillon?

But semantics aside, what truly makes Raidillon unforgettable… is the danger.

In 1985, German sportscar driver Stefan Bellof tragically lost his life here while attempting a bold overtake. More recently, in 2019, Formula 2 driver Anthoine Hubert was killed in a multi-car collision at the top of the hill — a devastating reminder that Raidillon offers no room for error. Cars rebound off walls. Blind crests lead to terrifying chain reactions. Tragedy is never far away.

Countless others — in GT, endurance, and junior single-seater categories — have had near-fatal crashes in this section. Yet despite the fatalities and growing concerns, Raidillon has barely changed. While minor improvements have been made — barriers adjusted, gravel replaced with asphalt runoff — the layout itself remains virtually untouched.

After the tragic 1994 weekend at Imola that claimed the life of Ayrton Senna, Formula 1 radically altered circuits like Tamburello, once considered untouchable. That corner was reprofiled into a slow chicane, sacrificing purity for safety. At Spa, a similar response occurred — albeit briefly. A temporary chicane was added to the bottom of the hill in 1994. But by 1995, the original layout was restored.

And so the debate continues.

Should we modify Raidillon now, proactively — or wait until another star falls at its peak? Are we clinging to nostalgia at the expense of safety? Or does the corner's very danger define its character?

Spa-Francorchamps is not just a racetrack. It is a cathedral of speed. And Raidillon is its altar.

Let us know in the comments: should this corner be reprofiled in the name of safety? Or preserved as a sacred challenge — a test of commitment, courage, and control?

See you at the next corner. 🏁

0:00 Introduction Raidillon
0:24 History Eau Rouge and Raidillon
1:43 Crashes at Raidillon
2:44 Chicane 1994
3:06 Should Raidillon change?
3:55 Join us

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#spafrancorchamps #belgiangp #eaurouge #raidillon