Belgium Review as Spa Set to Deliver Another Classic

By Lucy Regan

Belgium Grand Prix 2025 – Race Preview & Predictions  

After a brief mid-season break, Formula 1 returns for Round 13 of the 2025 season at the legendary Spa-Francorchamps circuit for the Belgian Grand Prix. A sprint weekend on one of the sport’s most testing circuits, it promises high drama, strategic nuance and with the weather forecast – unpredictability at every corner.

Illness in the grid?

McLaren on Top, But Pressure Mounting

Silverstone marked a turning point. Lando Norris secured a fairytale victory on home soil for the first time, while Nico Hülkenberg stunned with his first-ever podium finish, marking another memorable milestone.  

McLaren remain the dominant force in both the Drivers’ and Constructors’ championship with a 238-point difference to rivals Ferrari. Oscar Piastri, who once held a comfortable lead earlier in the season, sits just eight points ahead of teammate Norris. The duos in house rivalry is now the most compelling on the grid, with Max Verstappen sat in third, 61 points adrift of Norris.

Remembering Hubert this weekend

Spa – The Challenge Returns  

Spa needs no introduction. The 7km rollercoaster through the Ardennes forest is F1’s longest track and one of its oldest, first appearing in 1950. Corners like Eau Rouge and Raidillon demand absolute commitment, especially in the wet.

With its fast straights, elevation changes, and iconic scenery, it offers ample overtaking opportunities – and plenty of places to make mistakes.

Of the 69 Belgian Grands Prix, 27 have been won from pole. Michael Schumacher holds the record with six wins, but current drivers like Lewis Hamilton (six wins), Charles Leclerc, and Verstappen (three straight wins from 2021 to 2023) all have strong track records here.

F1 retirement in sight for Lewis Hamilton

Red Bull in Turmoil

Off-track, the biggest news of the break came from Red Bull. Christian Horner was sacked as team principal, replaced by Laurent Mekies, formerly of Racing Bulls. The shakeup comes amidst rumours of Mercedes signing Max Verstappen, raising questions about the long-term stability of the team.

Carlos Sainz, who voiced confusion over being overlooked by Red Bull earlier this year, has also added fuel to the speculation. All eyes will be on how Red Bull handles the pressure, both on the grid and in the media pen.

Forecast: Wet and Wild  

The sprint format of the weekend means more pressure and less practice.  Rain is expected across all three days meaning tyre strategy, pit stop timings and driver instinct will be critical.  

Friday should see some light showers and highs around 20°C, while Saturday is set to remain cloudy and cool. Sunday’s race may be affected by intermittent showers, a scenario that historically turns Spa into a lottery – from maiden podiums to title-altering collisions.

Charles Leclerc’s Future at Ferrari under threat

Race Prediction

Last year’s Belgian Grand Prix saw Lewis Hamilton inherit the win after George Russell was disqualified for an underweight car – a controversial ending to an otherwise thrilling race that was decided by fine margins and sharp strategy.

This year, all eyes are on McLaren again. Norris has been in ferocious form recently, but don’t count out Piastri. He’s looked equally fast and may feel it’s time to strike back. Given the track’s characteristics and the changing conditions, Piastri is my prediction to come out on top, claiming his first win since Spain.