Attention Formula 1 fanatics! After a brief recess, the roar of the engines returns with the Belgian Grand Prix at the iconic Spa-Francorchamps circuit.
Contents
Season Review
Let’s remember that in July, Lando Norris took the victory at the British Grand Prix, his home race. In addition, Nico Hülkenberg achieved his first Formula 1 podium in a race marked by rain at Silverstone. This race marked the halfway point of the season, where Oscar Piastri saw his championship lead over Norris reduced, but McLaren still maintains a solid position in both championships.The Belgian Grand Prix: A Sprint Weekend
The thirteenth round will be held in Spa, a historic circuit highly appreciated by fans and drivers. The weekend will include a sprint race, adding excitement and dynamism to the event.Weather Forecast
The weather conditions promise to be a key factor. Light rain is expected on Friday with maximum temperatures of 20°C. Saturday will remain similar, mostly cloudy. On Sunday, more rain and similar temperatures are forecast, ranging between 18°C and 20°C.
Circuit Statistics and Data
Spa-Francorchamps, one of the most iconic circuits in F1, is a favorite for both fans and drivers. It has been part of the calendar since the inaugural 1950 season, with only two absences. The original 1921 circuit was 14.9 km long, using public roads. In 1979, it was redesigned and shortened to 7 km, which still makes it the longest circuit on the F1 calendar. Spa, with its environment of forests and hills in the Ardennes region, offers elevation changes, overtaking opportunities and unpredictable weather. The circuit includes the famous Eau Rouge and Raidillon combination.Belgian Grand Prix
First F1 race: 1950
Laps: 44 laps of the 7 km circuit. Total race distance: 308 kmLap record: 1:44.701, Sergio Pérez (2024)More victories: Michael Schumacher with six (1992, 1995-1997, 2001-2002). Other current winners:- Lewis Hamilton (2010, 2015, 2017, 2020)
- Charles Leclerc (2019)
- Verstappen (2021-2023)
- Leclerc (2019, 2023, 2024)
- Verstappen (2021)
- Sainz (2022)
Where to watch: Eau Rouge and Raidillon, a famous section where cars accelerate uphill at full throttle. The stands offer an incredible view of the elevation change.“Spa is probably the best circuit in the world, and every lap you do here is magical.”
Fernando Alonso
Fun facts about Spa:
- Verstappen was born in Belgium, making this his home race.
- No Belgian driver has won the Belgian Grand Prix, excluding Verstappen.
- The original chicane was derived from a bus stop.
- Eau Rouge was not in the original circuit design.
- The 24 Hours of Spa began in 1924, being the oldest race on the circuit.
- Of the 69 editions of the Belgian Grand Prix, 27 have been won from pole position.
What Happened Last Year?
Mercedes achieved a 1-2 led by George Russell, but he was disqualified. Lewis Hamilton inherited the victory, his second of the season. 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 the McLaren drivers. Norris has shown great performance, but Piastri hasn’t lost his speed and is our choice to win this weekend.
This is How the Championships Are
The advantage of Piastri in the drivers’ championship has been reduced to eight points over Norris. However, both McLaren drivers are far ahead of the rest, with Verstappen 61 points behind Norris in third place. McLaren leads the constructors’ championship with 460 points, 238 ahead of Ferrari.How to Watch the GP
For fans in the United States, the broadcast will be on ESPN and ESPN+. In the UK, live coverage will be on Sky Sports F1 and BBC Radio 5 Live. Follow the coverage with the ESPN F1 team on social media.Schedules (BST)Friday
Free practice 1: 11:30-12:30 BST Sprint Classification: 15:30-16:14 BSTSaturdaySprint Race: 11:00-12:00 BST Classification: 15:00-16:00 BSTSunday
Race: 14:00 BST
