By Joe Murphy
For this week’s podcast on this weekend’s Belgian Grand Prix, click below: https://anchor.fm/wheel2wheel-reports/episodes/Wheel2Wheel-Podcasts—The-2022-Belgian-Grand-Prix-Preview-e1mtemg
After what felt like an eternal summer break, fans are chomping at the bit for their fix of Formula 1 action. With Spa the destination for the next Grand Prix, we take a look at what we can expect from the historic racetrack. With its long term future on the F1 calendar unclear, the Belgian event has been a witness to come of the defining moments in the sport’s history. Could we be in for more of these this weekend? Let’s find out…
Ferrari to shine when they need it most…
To label Ferrari as the favourites for this race is a brave call to make. Whilst their car may be marginally quicker around the track than the Red Bull, their reliability has let the Italian team down repeatedly over the course of the season so far. However, fans of the Constructor and its drivers will have their fingers crossed that the summer break will prove a well-timed one, and the team can come back with all their major wrinkles ironed out. Strategy will be key, and you should expect Ferrari to have learnt their lessons from past mistakes. Carlos and Charles will be on the podium. Take it to the bank.
Podium run to end for Mercedes?
George Russell and Lewis Hamilton had been on somewhat of a hot streak prior to the summer break commencing. Podiums for both drivers, including an incredible run by the latter driver, has made them the most consistent constructor in recent Grand Prix. At this venue, that should be a harder ask. The longer track leans more on pace and, despite the teams good record here, we may be in line for a more realistic showing from the reigning Constructor’s Champions. You’d expect both drivers to score points, but a podium finish would require some major luck on their side. There is a chance, however, that the recent regulations alterations give the Silver Arrows a fighting shot at achieving a win this weekend. You can never count them out!
What about McLaren?
It was an eventful summer break for the British Constructor. Rumours circulated regarding Piastri and Ricciardo’s future in the sport and, despite the three week hiatus, we are seemingly, finally, have some sort of answer. All eyes will be on the Australian driver after the news that he is set to be without a seat for 2023,for now at the very least. With a return to Alpine rumoured to be on the table, we should see these two teams tussling it out again for points finishes. There is no pressure on Ocon or Alonso, with both their futures guaranteed for the longer term. I predict, therefore, that Alpine should have the edge with McLaren struggling in comparison.
Can Williams do anything after a chassis change?
Not my boldest prediction of all time, but probably not. Williams haven’t got the pace to challenge and therefore need major misfortune for others ahead, to even have a chance at points. They may have achieved a podium of sorts last year at this very event, but a full race distance will mean Williams will more than likely finish towards the rear of the field. Spa doesn’t particularly lend itself to repeated stoppages, nor does the weather look to be of any help to the team. I’d love to see Latifi score a point at some point across the campaign, but I wouldn’t expect it to happen in Belgium. He is starting to fight for his place on the grid next year, so it could be seen as now or never for the Canadian, if he is indeed set to sit alongside Alex next year.
Wildcard bet? Worth a go on an Alfa…
There is a chance, albeit an outside one, that Alfa Romeo have a strong weekend at Spa. Zhou and Bottas have seen their results dip slightly from the start of the season, particularly the Finn who had scored the team’s best ever result, earlier on in the year. A double points finish is certainly not out of the realms of possibility, although they will need everything to fall in place for them. They are set to continue to be quicker than Aston Martin, Alpha Tauri, the aforementioned Williams and potentially even Haas. If Ricciardo struggles and we see one mechanical failure for one of the other teams, there’s your double points finish.
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