A stunt by Max Verstappen in Belgium, a magical comeback race by Lando Norris, or ‘just’ Kimi Antonelli fulfilling his favorite role at the Spa-Francorchamps circuit. The Belgian Grand Prix on Sunday afternoon already has enough ingredients to make it a flavorful race. What to watch out for, we list here.
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1. Energy management
Much has already been said and written about it, but only this afternoon during the race will it truly become clear how much the Formula 1 drivers and their cars are affected by the new rules regarding energy management this season. Racing at Spa is different anyway than in previous years, Verstappen and Norris among others have already said this weekend.
What does this do to the entertainment value on Sunday afternoon? We can answer that question in a few hours. But it is less challenging for Verstappen and company anyway on the famous circuit in the Belgian Ardennes.
2 The start and the slipstream
Pole position at Spa-Francorchamps is a great achievement for Antonelli, but certainly does not guarantee the lead after the first lap. The run-up to La Source is short, followed by a long high-speed section via Eau Rouge, Raidillon, and the Kemmel Straight.
It is precisely in that section that the slipstream is particularly powerful. Especially during the opening lap, when the field is still close together, a leader can hardly prevent pursuers from benefiting from the suction effect.
3. Verstappen stunt?
“I will have to look in the mirrors, drive my own race and then we’ll see what that yields.” That’s what Max Verstappen said Saturday after qualifying, looking ahead to the race. He has George Russell and both Ferraris behind him on the grid, so it will be a fight of cat and mouse to stay ahead of those rivals at the start and throughout the rest of the race.
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Although Verstappen himself cautiously estimates his chances of victory, he has already proven earlier this season that he can also position himself well at the front with a slightly lower race pace. That makes the battle interesting right from the start.
4. Norris and Hadjar comeback race
Due to grid penalties, Lando Norris and Isack Hadjar start much further back than their speed justifies. Norris qualified third but starts from P12. So not ten but nine places, thanks again to the penalty for Hadjar behind him. The Frenchman must even start at the very back, together with the two Aston Martin drivers.
However, Spa-Francorchamps is a circuit where overtaking is quite possible. With fresh engine parts, Norris and Hadjar have extra potential to move up quickly. A safety car or strategic break could further help their progress, so points are certainly not out of the question.
5. The weather
Although the weather forecasts point to a dry race, there was rain in the air on Sunday morning. Spa has often proven that an unexpected shower can never be completely ruled out there.
If it does rain after all, that will form a huge challenge for teams and drivers. They have not yet gained experience with the 2026 cars on a wet track during a GP weekend, so everyone will have to improvise on the spot.
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Read everything about the Belgian GP here
