The Belgian Grand Prix is finally here with a surprising starting grid that may present an unpredictable podium.
The expected windy wet weather is going to play a massive part in this 44 lap race at the Spa-Francorchamps circuit today.
It’s nothing Red Bull can’t handle on the triangle-shaped track. The team aims to excel as this is their 50th Grand Prix with Honda. Sitting second in the constructor standings with 291 points, they’re ready to take back the lead. Verstappen will be vying for a win starting at the front. The Dutchman is the favourite. Max must dominate in those fast corners and maintain tyre temperatures. Perez will start in P7. Sergio is going to show his overtaking capabilities.
Mercedes have had eight podiums in the last five years at Spa. The Silver Arrows are leading the constructor standings with 303 points. Can they do it again? Hopefully, the team gets their strategy right. Last year’s winner Sir Lewis will have to find the right balance to get first. Hamilton is starting in P3 and currently leading the driver standings with 195 points. It’s going to be a bit of a gamble for the seven-time champion. Valtteri will start from P12 because of his five-place grid penalty at the Hungarian Grand Prix. Bottas has to be brave and battle it out. The Finn has what it takes. We know as he holds the track’s current lap record with a time of 1:46.286 from 2018.
Anything can happen. Williams has a man on top. George is starting in P2. This will be the second front-row start of his F1 career. Russell racing in his FW43B is sure to excite. His miraculous qualifying laps only go to show what he’s capable of. Now Nicholas can be even more inspired by his teammate. Latifi will start from P11, take chances and gain experience.
Mclaren will start fresh. Norris is cleared to race after being checked at the trackside medical centre and hospital. Lando’s unfortunate high-speed crash by the barriers at Raidillon resulted in an elbow injury and damage to his MCL35M car. The 21-year old is a bit bruised but ready to race. The Brit will need to replace his gearbox. From that, he will receive a five-place grid penalty to start in P15. Daniel is determined to succeed. The Australian will start in P4. For Ricciardo, this is his best start on the grid this season so far. This team can be victorious on those long straights.
Ferrari faces a fight for points. Leclerc will start in P10. Charles’ challenge will be getting a strong start from P13. The tyre selection is important as well. Sainz’ struggle with balance is going to be something to watch. Carlos can get a good lap time though. With Alfa Romeo, they can’t lose ground. Kimi and Antonio have to find pace. Raikkonen is starting in P18. Giovinazzi will have to take risks for the Italian team to get potential points.
AlphaTauri can progress. Pierre is prepared to start in P6. The Frenchman is happy and hype. Gasly’s got a promising performance up his sleeve. Meanwhile, Yuki will have to speed up. The car can definitely deliver. Tsunoda will start in P16. The Japanese driver has to keep up the confident mindset to shine in the pack. Then Aston Martin is set to impress. Vettel is starting in P5. The German has to power through for his team. Stroll will have to work harder. He’s starting in P20. It’s necessary to step it up if he’d like to accomplish a decent result.
Alpine will have to explore options. Fernando will start in P14. Alonso has to get his grip together. As the Spaniard recently extended his contract, he will want to prove himself even more. Teammate Esteban Ocon will start in P8. For Haas, they’re up for the challenging conditions. Mick will start from P17. Schumacher‘s special helmet dedicated to his father’s F1 debut is a charming addition to admire. Mazepin will start in P19. For once, Nikita isn’t starting last on the grid. Let’s see where he eventually ends up.
This tricky track is going to be full of surprises. For the race, the track time is 3pm CET. See you there!