Weather Belgian F1 GP: rain expected in Spa on Sunday afternoon
For the third time this season, the Formula 1 paddock is gearing up for a Sprint weekend, and not just anywhere: on the legendary Spa-Francorchamps circuit, the longest track in the championship. True to form, the weather in the Belgian Ardennes looks set to be unstable and capricious, with a high risk of showers and cool temperatures expected, particularly on Sunday afternoon. These changing conditions could well upset the teams' strategies, and be the undoing of several drivers. Here's the full weather report.
Located 50 km south of Liège, in the heart of a region known for its thermal springs, the Spa-Francorchamps circuit is a true favorite among drivers. Its iconic layout, which combines long straights with fast and technical corners, makes it a challenge in its own right. Many consider it the most beautiful circuit in the world, and adding its name to one’s record is an ultimate dream.
With the Sprint format in place, the weekend schedule is condensed: a single practice session is scheduled for Friday morning, followed by the Sprint qualifying in the afternoon. Under these conditions, the slightest mistake could be very costly for the drivers and teams.
General situation
Belgium is currently in a transition zone between a small anticyclone centered over Central Europe and an Atlantic depression located near Iceland. This configuration places the Spa-Francorchamps region under the influence of a moderately disturbed northwesterly flow, bringing in cool and humid air for Friday and Saturday. A weak cold front is expected from Sunday morning over the Ardennes. It will be accompanied by continuous rain, followed by an active trailing regime, with showers in the afternoon.
Friday, July 25 – Free Practice (12:30 PM) and Sprint Qualifying (4:30 PM)
Friday will begin under a fairly cloudy sky, with a slight chance of light drizzle early in the morning. However, clear spells are expected by late morning. The afternoon will remain mostly overcast, with some brighter intervals. No significant rain is expected, although a few isolated drops cannot be ruled out, especially late in the afternoon. The wind will be light to moderate, blowing from the northwest at about 15 km/h.
Regarding temperatures, it will be between 20°C and 22°C during both sessions, while the track will show temperatures between 31°C and 36°C. The UV index will be 6 and the humidity rate will be around 60%.
Saturday, July 26 – Sprint Race (12 PM) and Qualifying (4 PM)
Foggy conditions early in the morning. Gradual improvement afterwards with partly cloudy skies from mid-morning to late afternoon. The air will remain generally dry, although light isolated showers may occur at times, especially in the afternoon.
It will be the hottest day of the weekend with temperatures between 21°C and 23°C and between 30 to 34°C on the track. Light wind (5-10 km/h) from the northwest with gusts up to 25 km/h. As the day before, the humidity level will be 60%. Atmospheric pressure will be slightly decreasing with the approach of the expected cold front for Sunday.
Belgian F1 Grand Prix: Key Figures and Stats to Know
Sunday, July 27 – The race (3 PM)
Expect a radical change for Sunday’s race at Spa-Francorchamps, with wet and cool weather. Drizzle and light rain will start in the morning and persist throughout the day. At the time of writing this bulletin, it is expected that the precipitation will be more pronounced in the early afternoon, including the start of the race, with moderate intensities. The wind will continue to blow from the northwest, between 5 and 15 km/h, with gusts reaching 30 km/h.
On the temperature side, they will be cool, with a maximum of 18°C. The track temperature should remain around 21°C throughout the 44 laps of the event. Depending on the timing of the cold front’s passage, the situation will be closely monitored and a reassessment will be made on Sunday morning.
