By Joe Murphy
After what has felt like an eternal summer break, Formula 1 action returns with a bang as drivers and constructors alike head to Spa in Belgium for the 2021 Belgian Grand Prix. With the famous old circuit being arguably one of the most beautiful and scenic on the calendar, it is also a compelling circuit with no consecutive race winners for over a decade. Joe Murphy of Wheel2wheel looks forward to predict certain outcomes from this race weekend, as we enter the second half of the season.
Red Bull to get back on track with a top 2 finish…
At a track that’s has been both kind and cruel to Lewis Hamilton over the years, it isn’t unrealistic to expect a struggle around Spa. A modern day line from personal friend of the site; Crofty, could be almost replicated: “And here comes Max Verstappen”, should the Dutchman fall behind the Championship leader. Let’s not forget, Red Bull have been unlucky over the last few races after a spell of 5 consecutive race wins as a team. Expect them to get back on track and beat Mercedes, giving fans another twist in the respective title fights. More evidence to suggest this will occur is the five-place grid penalty heading Valtteri Bottas’ way this weekend. This leaves Lewis, for the start at least, at a two-on-one tactical disadvantage. Sergio Perez will need a good qualifying, but expect him to be the one who takes advantage of any disruption ahead. Max could go as far as to achieve another grand slam in the right circumstances. With a crash in practise, it is a shakey start for Max. We shall see how the weekend unfolds.
Finally the time for Daniel Ricciardo to finish above his teammate…
This could be the week, as Daniel Ricciardo celebrates a milestone race in Formula 1, that the Australian has a stand-out, eye catching, performance. It is true that teammate Lando Norris will not simply roll over and let his McLaren comrade beat him. The Aussie is long overdue another top points finish and Spa could provide him with the opportunity to do just this. A previous winner from this circuit some years ago now, fans of Ricciardo are hoping to see him stand on the podium yet again, this time for his new constructor. A strong qualifying session and perhaps some of those signature “last of the late braker” moves we haven’t seen as much of this season, could hold the key to Danny Ricc finding success this weekend. With the second half of the season now upon us, he can no longer use the excuse of settling into a new team. And, as we know all too well, patience is short lived in this sport.
Ocon heading back to earth with a bang…
Going out on a limb but they is no way Estaban Ocon is winning this week’s Belgian Grand Prix. The true pace of that car is much more likely to be shown here with a Q2 exit much more likely. It is either the 6th or 7th slowest car on the grid and although the stars all aligned before the summer break, miracles don’t happen twice, and certainly not back to back. Are points beyond the realm of possibility for Alpine this weekend? No. But it will only be a single digit score. Wheel2wheel Reports predicts that his teammate Fernando Alonso is the more likely points scorer. That being said, ultimately, it remains to be seen as to whether the French driver can ride that confidence wave further and score well again.
Aston Martin and Alpha Tauri to battle it out in the lower points positions…
With the top four teams seemingly locking out those top eight positions barring any mechanical problems or mistakes, there should only be very select places available for teams to earn their teams points. At Spa, that could be a four way battle between Stroll/Vettel and Gasly/Tsunoda. Qualifying and the respective drivers’ lap one exploits will be vital, but it should be fairly close. Will Sebastian Vettel’s past success play into his hands here or will Pierre Gasly triumph. I predict that latter. Let’s hope the German’s car has enough fuel in it come the end of the race this time.
A hectic first lap repeat of Hungary with risk of rain?
With rain, Formula 1 enters a whole new world of entertainment and enthralling action. Unpredictability makes it difficult for articles like these, with nobody expecting the Hungarian GP to unfold as it did. Spa, in particular the first sector, holds many different opportunities for mistakes and, pardon the pun, “Wheel 2 Wheel” action. This becomes less “likely” and more “inevitable” should the track become wet. The possibilities are endless. Will Max and Lewis collide again? Perhaps, neither will want to yield should they end up the front row after qualifying. One mistake at turn one, as seen a few years ago, can ruin multiple cars races. The one’s who manage to keep their noses (and front wings) clean, should shoot up the order. Keep an eye on Kimi Raikkonen to gain places on lap one, as he has done more so than any other driver so far this year. However, to hold onto these positions is a whole different question.
WHEEL2WHEEL REPORTS 