The Belgian Grand Prix deserves to take its place in Formula 1 as the big challenge in the championship. Each turn at the legendary Circuit de Spa-Francorchamps is about the racing spirit in the cure. That comes from its history since 1925. Whether you’re a curious newcomer or a budding F1 enthusiast, here are the significant insights into the Belgian Grand Prix 2024 to you feel like a pro in no time.

Interesting Facts About The Circuit De Spa-Francorchamps

The old F1 fans call the Spa-Francorchamps one of the most iconic tracks, and that is for a reason. Thus, the circuit was built in 1921, but that layout has nothing in common shapes with its existing version.

Uniting Malmedy, Stavelot, and Francorchamps cities, the race track covered nearly 15 km. Through the forest and hills, it was a dangerous ride enough to rebuild the circuit. Thus, Spa-Francorchamps got its new look in 1979, while its length was shortened to 7.004km. However, it is still the longest in the Formula 1 2024 season. What’s more, it is tricky.

The Spa-Francorchamps is a driver’s dream and nightmare. It feels like a roller coaster ride on wheels, especially when it is about these stages.

• Eau Rouge-Raidillon Complex: To deal with this corner sequence, drivers come in at incredible speeds, then race uphill through twists and turns that push their bravery to expertise their limit.
• Les Combes: After the long Kemmel Straight, drivers brake hard for this tight right-left-right combination. It’s a prime overtaking spot!
• Pouhon: A fast, sweeping double-left-hander that separates the brave from the truly exceptional.

Most F1 drivers love Spa-Francorchamps. The track is very technical, but once you get into the race rhythm, there is a magic of speed.

As for the records, Mercedes driver and seven-time F1 champion Lewis Hamilton set the fastest lap time in 2020. He finished the distance at 1:41.252 in qualifying.

The 2024 Belgian Grand Prix: Drivers And Teams Insights

With six victories, Michael Schumacher is the record holder. Brazilian legendary driver Ayrton Senna won five times, while Lewis Hamilton, Jim Clark, and Kimi Raikkonen have four wins each. So, if Red Bull driver Max |verstappen wins the Belgian Grand Prix 2024, he completes this line, as the Dutch driver already has three victories in Belgium.

As for the teams, Scuderia Ferrari has been winning the most, as its drivers won the races 14 times. With 12 victories, Mclaren is second.  

However, let’s focus on the other moment. The 2024 Formula 1 season already saw seven different race winners and became 16th in all-time F1 history due to the diversity. So, if, for example, Sergio Perez would take the victory at the Belgian Grand Prix 2024, the current season risks going into Formula 1 history for the 6th time with eight different race winners.

But it is just the numbers. In fact, Sergio Perez’s chances don’t look so optimistic, and that is not good. The difference between teammates in the winning Red Bull is so significant that the Belgian Grand Prix most likely would be the last race for Perez in Bull’s line-up.

Drivers to Watch: The Stars of the Show

Despite Sergio Perez doing everything possible to score as many points as possible, let’s focus on the main racing battles.

• Max Verstappen vs Lando Norris: Potentially, McLaren driver Lando Norris still has a chance to win the World Championship. The possibility adds tension because each point plays a role for Norris. On the other hand, Max Verstappen is known for his aggressive driving style and incredible overtakes.
• Oscar Piastri and Lando Norris: Another drama arises between teammates inside the McLaren. Because the team developed fast, the cars became faster, and two drivers race for high points.  
• Lewis Hamilton and George Russell: Another thrilling battle is inside the Mercedes team. Despite Hamilton switching for the Ferrari next season, the overall pace allowed both Mercedes drivers to finish in the top three.  

Weather and Strategy for the Belgian Grand Prix 2024

Regarding the forecasts, there is a high possibility of rain for Saturday’s qualifying, which can affect the drivers’s results. However, the weather at Spa-Francorchamps is always unpredictable. It’s like tea leaves, and it can still rain on Sunday.

Why the rain possibility is so important? The case is in the circuit’s layout. Because of its location, the course becomes sopping partly. So, the drivers can face different conditions, where the first sector can be dry, while the third is already wet.

Therefore, the key to tire strategy at the Belgian Grand Prix this weekend will be to find the compound that will be fast enough at each sector even if the rain drops.

As for compounds, the teams come with the mid-choice, not Softest (C5) and no Hardest (C1): C2, C3, and C4. So, the optimal is to hold two pitsops during the race.

Race Weekend: What to Expect

The Belgian Grand Prix isn’t just a Sunday affair. Here’s how the excitement builds throughout the weekend:

1. Friday: Practice sessions where teams fine-tune their cars and drivers familiarize themselves with the track.
2. Saturday: Qualifying day! Drivers battle it out to secure the best starting position for Sunday’s race.
3. Sunday: The main event! 44 laps of pure adrenaline as drivers push their limits around Spa’s challenging 7.004 km circuit.

Also you can check the full Belgian GP schedule

F1 101: Scoring for Beginners

• Races typically last about 1.5 hours or 308 km.
• Points are awarded to the top 10 finishers: 25 for 1st place, 18 for 2nd, 15 for 3rd, and so on.
• The driver with the most points at the end of the season becomes World Champion.

Takeaways

• It is hard to imagine Belgian’s Formula 1 circuit Spa-Francorchamps was built in 1921. Despite its old layout being different and two times longer, the race track saved its racing spirit in the tricky corners.
• Drivers like Spa-Francorchamps for its difficulties because finding the right approach means finding the extra speed. The Eau Rouge-Raidillon, Les Combes, and Pouhon are the most dangerous and tecnichal stages.
• Among all the battles in the Belgian Grand Prix 2024, the attention will be attached to Max Verstappen, Lando Norris, Oscar Piastri, Lewis Hamilton, and George Russell, who are the favorites of the weekend, while Sergio Perez is at risk of losing his seat in the team.
• Although the forecast doesn’t promise rain for Sunday’s race, the possibility still exists. And that can be the crucial moment that you have to focus on. The significant feature of the Spa-Francorchamps is the track doesn’t become wet immediately, causing different racing conditions in the different sectors, from soft to wet.
• The tire strategy makes sense the most. The teams and drivers bet on the compound that fits well to each stage, even if it will be rainy.