A new doubleheader is on the horizon in Formula 1. Before the summer break, there is still one doubleheader on the schedule, starting with the Belgian GP at Spa-Francorchamps. In the lead-up to this tenth round of the world championship, many drivers fear that the circuit – like Silverstone – will lose some of its character due to the new F1 regulations. However, they might need to worry more about the weather forecast for the Belgian GP.
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After the drama during the British GP, in which Max Verstappen retired in the final stages due to yet another mechanical problem with the rear wing, the Dutchman predicted little good for Spa-Francorchamps. The longest circuit on the calendar is beloved by the four-time world champion, but he expects that energy management in the modern F1 cars will spoil the experience. “This is how Formula 1 is at the moment, there’s not much you can do about it,” he sighed. “Spa and also Monza are more of the same. And that’s a shame, because I think Spa is a very beautiful circuit. But it’s not fun with these cars.”
Possibly the weather will provide a solution – for now, plenty of rain is forecast for the Belgian GP. Verstappen has already proven in the past that he stands head and shoulders above the rest of the field in wet conditions, even in a less competitive car.
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Weather forecast Belgian GP
On Friday, the first free practice sessions are scheduled at Spa. According to current forecasts, it will already be quite stormy in the Ardennes then. Severe thunderstorms and significant rainfall are expected. The chance of precipitation on the opening day is as high as ninety percent. Temperatures will rise to a maximum of 26 degrees Celsius.
Also on Saturday, when the third free practice and qualifying take place, it remains wet in Belgium. Thunderstorms are expected again in the afternoon, with an 85 percent chance of rain. Temperatures will reach up to 25 degrees. On Sunday, it clears up somewhat. When the main race starts, the heaviest thunderstorms seem to have passed. Still, the chance of precipitation remains significant at 65 percent. This year, the new F1 cars have hardly encountered truly wet conditions. Many drivers are therefore apprehensive about a rain race; there are rumors that the rain tires are much less reliable than in previous years.
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Read everything about the Belgian GP here
