F1: 2025 Belgian GP at Spa-Francorchamps: Preview, predictions and key facts

Attention Formula 1 fanatics! After a brief recess, the excitement returns with the Belgian Grand Prix at the iconic Spa-Francorchamps circuit. Get ready for a weekend full of adrenaline and surprises at this emblematic track.

Season Summary

Let’s briefly recall what happened at the British Grand Prix, where Lando Norris took the victory in his home race. Nico Hülkenberg achieved his first podium in Formula 1 in a race marked by rain. The competition at Silverstone marked the halfway point of the season, with a significant reduction in Oscar Piastri’s lead over Norris in the championship. However, McLaren maintains a solid position in both championships.

Spa Weekend Weather and Schedules

The weekend at Spa will be a “sprint weekend”, a historic event highly appreciated by fans and drivers. The weather forecast indicates a weekend with rain.

• Friday: Light rain and maximum temperatures of 20°C.
• Saturday: Similar temperatures and mostly cloudy skies.
• Sunday: More rain is expected throughout the day and temperatures in the eighteen degrees.

Spa-Francorchamps: History and Statistics

The original circuit was designed in 1921, using public roads. Despite having reduced its original distance by half, Spa remains the longest circuit on the calendar, with 7 km.

Latest News

The recess has brought with it the announcement of the dismissal of Christian Horner as director of the Red Bull team. Was it a strategy to keep Max Verstappen, who is being tempted by Mercedes? The analysis of Alofoke Deportes will reveal the details of this change in the team’s management. Laurent Mekies, Racing Bulls team director, has been promoted to lead the team, and will surely be a focus of attention for reporters this weekend, who will seek to clarify the situation at Red Bull. Carlos Sainz expressed his bewilderment at not having been signed by Red Bull as Max Verstappen’s teammate this season.

The Belgian Grand Prix at Spa is one of the original races of the Formula 1 championship.

Circuit Statistics and Historical Data

Spa-Francorchamps is an iconic circuit, a favorite of drivers and fans. It was part of the inaugural F1 season in 1950. It was canceled in 1957 due to financial problems and in 1969 due to safety issues. The original 1921 circuit measured 14.9 km. The 1979 renovations shortened it to 7 km, making it the longest on the F1 calendar. Spa, with its forests and hills of the Ardennes region, offers elevation changes, overtaking opportunities, and unpredictable weather.

The Eau Rouge and Raidillon curves stand out, known for their difficulty.

Belgian Grand Prix

• First F1 race: 1950
• Laps: 44 laps of the 7 km circuit (total race distance: 308 km)
• Lap record: 1:44.701, Sergio Pérez (2024)
• Most wins: Michael Schumacher with six (1992, 1995-1997, 2001-2002)
• Other current winners: Lewis Hamilton, Charles Leclerc and Max Verstappen
• Most poles: Hamilton with six (2008, 2013, 2015, 2017-2018, 2020)
• Other current pole sitters: Leclerc, Verstappen and Sainz

What makes it special: The high-speed circuit through the Ardennes forest is one of the most iconic in F1. Legendary corners like Eau Rouge and Blanchimont, along with unpredictable weather, add drama.

Spa is probably the best circuit in the world, and every lap you do here is magical.

Fernando Alonso

Where to watch: Eau Rouge and Raidillon, famous sections where cars accelerate at full throttle. The stands offer incredible views.

Fun facts about Spa:

• Verstappen was born in Belgium.
• No Belgian driver has won the Belgian Grand Prix.
• Eau Rouge was not part of the original design.
• The 24 Hours of Spa race began in 1924.
• Of the 69 editions of the Belgian Grand Prix, 27 have been won from pole position.

Mercedes achieved a 1-2, but George Russell was disqualified.

What Happened Last Year?

In the previous edition, Mercedes led with George Russell and Lewis Hamilton, although Russell was disqualified. Hamilton inherited the victory. The race was close, with the top three separated by 1.1 seconds. Mercedes’ strategy and Hamilton’s overtake on Leclerc were key to the victory.

Who Will Win?

It’s hard to bet against a McLaren driver right now. Norris has shown great performance, but Piastri hasn’t lost his speed and is our bet to win and take his first victory since Spain this weekend.

This is How the Championships Are

Piastri’s lead in the drivers’ championship has been reduced to eight points over Norris. However, the McLaren pair are well ahead of the rest, with Verstappen 61 points behind Norris. McLaren leads the constructors’ championship with 460 points, 238 ahead of Ferrari.

Where to Watch the Grand Prix

For fans in the United States, the broadcast will be on ESPN and ESPN+. In the UK, live coverage will be handled by Sky Sports F1 and BBC Radio 5 Live. For news, analysis, and updates, follow us on Alofoke Deportes.

Schedules (BST – British Summer Time). Local time is Central European Summer Time (+1 hour compared to BST).

Friday

Free Practice 1: 11:30-12:30 BST Sprint Qualifying: 15:30-16:14 BST

Saturday

Sprint Race: 11:00-12:00 BST Classification: 15:00-16:00 BST

Sunday

Race: 14:00 BST (live commentary from 13:15 BST)