Belgian Grand Prix – The prospects for the race

The victorious second fiddles?

When the cat’s away, the mice will play! Carlos Sainz, despite setting the second fastest time, will start from the second pole position of his career, ahead of Sergio Pérez’s Red Bull. The two Spanish speakers will have the mission of guarding the first place, aiming to win at best, or at worst, awaiting the return of their team leaders.

This configuration could offer, from the first corner, a fierce battle between the second drivers of Ferrari and Red Bull. With Pérez having a slight advantage, if he doesn’t miss his start, he could position himself in the slipstream of the Spaniard at the exit of Raidillon. It is also important not to collide: in the quest for championship points, Sergio Pérez could go all out to secure the temporary 2nd position in the drivers’ standings.

If their teammates were to abandon, each has their own stakes: a 2nd victory for Sainz or a 4th for Pérez…or nothing!

Is Alonso in good form?

Fernando Alonso, thanks to penalties from others, will secure his second-best place on the grid: he will start 3rd, just ahead of Lewis Hamilton. We know about the history between the two world champions, and this second row could be explosive.

Spanish, at the center of discussions after the announcement of his departure from Alpine in 2023, could he attempt to take the lead? There is no need to take too many risks, his Alpine won’t be able to compete in terms of pace. But who knows what can happen at the front!

New spots in Albon?

Alexander Albon has delivered an impressive performance this Saturday: the Thai driver secured the 9th fastest time and will start from 6th place on the grid! Unless he has a meteoric start, it is difficult to envision a huge leap in the standings for him.

But, for this Belgian Grand Prix, several things could work in his favor: either the weather, if it turns out to be changeable by tomorrow, or the Safety Car (thus an opportunity to anticipate strategies). In any case, starting in 6th place is crucial, as it could lay the foundations for a successful race, but it will still require a certain amount of luck to bring back a point or more.

What a comeback for Verstappen and Leclerc!

The leader of the championship will start 14th, with their runner-up in 15th. That will be the lineup at the back of the grid! Max Verstappen’s pace in qualifying makes one wonder if he’s driving a Formula 1 car or an F-16 fighter jet. One can easily imagine him rapidly climbing up the ranks.

For Charles Leclerc, the situation is different: the Monegasque still believes in the championship. So be it! But there are 80 points to be earned. Therefore, he will have to take risks… starting by overtaking the Dutchman! He will have a strict prohibition of making mistakes, as his car will allow him to quickly return to the front positions.

And then, who knows what could happen in front of them? A collision, in which they could be involved? So many things can happen…

All this data will in any case lead to two possible outcomes: either a flat and almost predetermined race, or it will offer a crazy scenario. All of this is going to be interesting!