Belgian Grand Prix: is change happening now?

This first half of the 2023 season will not be remembered for long, considering the ultra-domination of Red Bull and especially Max Verstappen. The championship, unless there is an incredible twist of fate, will be his.

There’s nothing illogical about the soon-to-be three-time world champion (let’s not be afraid of words) being the favorite for this Belgian Grand Prix, the 12th race of the current season.

Last year, despite starting outside the Top 10, nothing stopped him from imposing himself with an almost insolent ease. One could say that only a breakdown could stop him. Unless the weather conditions and opponents are finally able to challenge his supremacy!

Finally the big day for McLaren?

For the Woking team, no one would have bet on such a thunderous comeback in the middle of the year! Lando Norris and Oscar Piastri are the men of the moment: the former has achieved two consecutive podium finishes, which has never happened before in his career; as for the latter, he has definitively proved his worth and the validity of his decision to leave the Alpine fold.

McLaren achieved a double Top 5 in Hungary, including Norris’ 2nd place, on a circuit that is far from its comfort zone of high-speed corners. Spa Francorchamps could therefore be favorable to the British machines!

The Spa circuit is a combination of long straight lines and fast curves, where it is difficult to choose between low downforce or high aerodynamic load. This is the favorite playground of Red Bull (although they are fast everywhere) and McLaren. Thus, the good dynamics of the Papaya team could finally lead to a match for victory!

What about the weather?

The free practice and the Sprint, on Friday and Saturday, could be affected by rain and a few scattered thunderstorms. The situation is simple: either it will shuffle the deck, or the gaps will be widened, regardless of the position in the pack.

Everyone keeps a bad memory of the 2021 episode, where spectators (and journalists) witnessed a real farce, a scandal. The expected rain in the Hautes Fagnes massif should not be too heavy and may even spare Sunday.

The other point of concern still relates to the Raidillon de l’Eau Rouge. It is in this section that numerous accidents, sometimes fatal, have occurred and rekindled the perpetual debate about its layout. With rain, caution will be more important than ever in the discussions.

The Sprint at Spa: spectacular?

The tire test imposed in qualifying will wait until Monza after having proven itself last week in Budapest. The F1 circus will return to a classic tire system.

But Spa will welcome for the first time in its history the sprint format, and its Shootout qualification. The legendary Belgian track has certainly been chosen for its potential in terms of on-track action. If we add to that the possibility of rain that could shake things up, then perhaps there will be plenty of surprises.

It will also be an opportunity to see if this format is truly viable in the long term: if the Sprint race, which will consist of about fifteen laps, turns into a procession, then: close the case! The spectacle may find its source elsewhere…

Ferrari, Alpine, Aston Martin… où êtes-vous ?

If there are three teams that are really disappointing, it is these ones: Alpine is struggling completely and is far from achieving its Top 4 objectives; Ferrari continues to irritate with its peculiarities, whether they are strategic or in the disastrous execution of certain pit stops; and [Aston Martin], which was revealed at the beginning of the season, has become completely anonymous.

The prospect of a big fight between four or even five teams can only be seen in the championship standings. On the track, the battles are often unequal and quickly settled in a few laps.

If Ferrari feels more comfortable, if Alpine’s floor works, and if Aston Martin straightens up to return to the podium, we would witness an absolutely splendid royal battle on the track! Moreover, on a circuit as spectacular as Spa, where there are numerous opportunities for overtaking. We can’t wait to see!

Pirelli allowance slightly less soft

The Italian manufacturer has decreased the softness of its tires by one level by offering this weekend the C2, C3, and C4, from the hardest to the softest.

Given the particularly changeable weather conditions at Spa, it is possible that slick tires may not be used on Friday and Saturday. The teams’ work would then rely solely on the intermediate or rain tires, in the absence of a dry track.

It’s #BelgianGP week – and it’s a #F1Sprint week too! 🇧🇪 #Fit4F1 pic.twitter.com/vPC9w9jeUR

— Pirelli Motorsport (@Pirellisport) July 25, 2023

Pirelli’s choice has been relatively conservative, on a circuit that is often abrasive for the tires. What does this offer in terms of suspense and sport? The spectators are eagerly waiting for it.