Formula 1 heads to Spa-Francorchamps this weekend for the Belgian Grand Prix, with the title race taking another twist following a dramatic round at Silverstone.
Ferrari arrive at Spa with momentum
Ferrari’s Charles Leclerc arrives in Belgium fresh from victory at the British Grand Prix, where he secured his first win at Silverstone in a race that finished under the Safety Car. Mercedes’ George Russell crossed the line in second to claim his maiden podium at his home race, while Lewis Hamilton completed the top three in the other Ferrari after escaping a penalty for a yellow-flag infringement.
Silverstone also reshaped the championship battle. Leader Kimi Antonelli of Mercedes suffered reliability issues, the latest in a series of mechanical problems that have affected the team this season despite the car’s pace. Russell took advantage to reduce the gap at the top of the standings to 25 points, while Hamilton also benefited, now just 32 points away from the championship leader.
Read also : F1: Piastri committed to McLaren despite Verstappen speculation, manager says
Norris with 10-place grid penalty, Verstappen’s future raises more questions
Ahead of the weekend, McLaren suffered a setback of its own. Defending world champion Lando Norris, currently fifth in the standings, will serve a 10-place grid penalty after the team confirmed it would install a fourth power electronics unit on his car, exceeding the season’s allocation.
Questions also continue to surround Max Verstappen’s future at Red Bull. Asked during Thursday’s press conference whether he would commit to remaining with the team in 2027, the Dutch driver offered little clarity.
“Nothing; there is nothing to say from my side,” Verstappen said.
The brief response is unlikely to silence speculation over Verstappen’s future and reflects the frustration that has built up during a challenging season for Red Bull. Reliability problems have repeatedly undermined the Dutchman’s campaign, with rear-wing issues affecting him in consecutive weekends, including at Silverstone, where he crashed out from P3.
A circuit where anything can happen
The paddock now moves to Spa-Francorchamps, a 7-kilometre circuit in the Ardennes known for its long straights, steep elevation changes and high-speed corners such as Eau Rouge and Raidillon. First used in Formula 1 in 1950, Spa is the longest track on the calendar, with drivers completing 44 laps over a total distance of 308 kilometres.
Michael Schumacher remains the most successful driver at Spa with six victories, while Lewis Hamilton leads the current grid with five wins. Recent editions have been won by Hamilton, Charles Leclerc, Max Verstappen and Oscar Piastri, who triumphed in Belgium last year.
The weather could once again play a major role, with thunderstorms forecast throughout the weekend and temperatures expected to reach 23°C.
Who’s likely to win?
Despite Antonelli’s recent setbacks, Mercedes remain the team to beat heading into Spa, although Ferrari’s performance at Silverstone suggests the Scuderia could once again fight for victory this weekend.
Mercedes still hold a firm lead in both the Drivers’ and Constructors’ standings, but Ferrari arrive in Belgium with growing momentum after winning two of the last three races and will be hoping to mount another challenge to the Silver Arrows.
Belgian Grand Prix schedule (Moroccan time)
Friday, July 17
- Free Practice 1: 12:30 – 13:30.
- Free Practice 2: 16:00 – 17:00.
Saturday, July 18
- Free Practice 3: 11:30 – 12:30
- Qualifying: 15:00 – 16:00.
Sunday, July 19
- Grand Prix race: 14:00.
