Live Updates: Belgian Grand Prix Qualifying Sessions at Spa-Francorchamps
The iconic Spa-Francorchamps circuit hosted another thrilling qualifying session for the Belgian Grand Prix, marking the end of the latest double-header weekend in Formula 1 before the summer break. With a mix of challenging weather conditions and impressive performances, the qualifying session was full of surprises and decisive strategies.
Verstappen Dominates, But Faces a Penalty
Max Verstappen of Red Bull once again demonstrated his supremacy by topping Q3, despite the variable conditions at Spa. The Dutch driver was unbeatable in the final qualifying session, setting the fastest time. However, due to a ten-place grid penalty, Verstappen will start 11th, handing pole position to Charles Leclerc of Ferrari.
Leclerc, who hadn’t secured a pole since his victory in Monaco, lines up on the front row, ahead of Sergio Perez, Verstappen’s teammate at Red Bull. The big question now is how the world champion will manage to climb through the field during the race—a scenario quite familiar in the 2023 season but expected to be even more challenging in 2024.
McLaren Impresses in Practice, But Piastri Falls Short
After a dominant performance by McLaren at the Hungarian Grand Prix, with a surprising 1-2 finish, the British team continued to demonstrate its progress with Lando Norris and Oscar Piastri setting the two fastest times in the second practice session (FP2). In qualifying, Piastri shone by topping Q1, taking advantage of a wet track, but was unable to replicate that performance in the following phases.
Session Marked by Interruptions and Strategies
The third practice session (FP3) was interrupted twice due to torrential rain, making it difficult for the drivers to find grip and stability on the track. Lance Stroll of Aston Martin was one of the victims of the adverse conditions, suffering a crash that complicated his team’s preparation for qualifying.
In Q2, Verstappen continued his form by leading once again, while Perez had to fight to secure his spot in Q3, finishing 10th, ahead of Alexander Albon, Pierre Gasly, Daniel Ricciardo, Valtteri Bottas, and Lance Stroll, who were eliminated in this phase.
Expectations for the Race
With the grid positions set, all eyes will be on Sunday’s race. Leclerc will start from pole, but the threat of Verstappen, known for his overtaking skills, looms over the entire field. Moreover, the volatile weather conditions at Spa could still hold more surprises, making the Belgian Grand Prix a must-watch spectacle for Formula 1 fans.
Stay tuned with us for all the excitement and developments throughout the weekend at Spa-Francorchamps!
The iconic Spa-Francorchamps circuit hosted another thrilling qualifying session for the Belgian Grand Prix, marking the end of the latest double-header weekend in Formula 1 before the summer break. With a mix of challenging weather conditions and impressive performances, the qualifying session was full of surprises and decisive strategies.
Verstappen Dominates, But Faces a Penalty
Max Verstappen of Red Bull once again demonstrated his supremacy by topping Q3, despite the variable conditions at Spa. The Dutch driver was unbeatable in the final qualifying session, setting the fastest time. However, due to a ten-place grid penalty, Verstappen will start 11th, handing pole position to Charles Leclerc of Ferrari.Leclerc, who hadn’t secured a pole since his victory in Monaco, lines up on the front row, ahead of Sergio Perez, Verstappen’s teammate at Red Bull. The big question now is how the world champion will manage to climb through the field during the race—a scenario quite familiar in the 2023 season but expected to be even more challenging in 2024.
McLaren Impresses in Practice, But Piastri Falls Short
After a dominant performance by McLaren at the Hungarian Grand Prix, with a surprising 1-2 finish, the British team continued to demonstrate its progress with Lando Norris and Oscar Piastri setting the two fastest times in the second practice session (FP2). In qualifying, Piastri shone by topping Q1, taking advantage of a wet track, but was unable to replicate that performance in the following phases.
Session Marked by Interruptions and Strategies
The third practice session (FP3) was interrupted twice due to torrential rain, making it difficult for the drivers to find grip and stability on the track. Lance Stroll of Aston Martin was one of the victims of the adverse conditions, suffering a crash that complicated his team’s preparation for qualifying.In Q2, Verstappen continued his form by leading once again, while Perez had to fight to secure his spot in Q3, finishing 10th, ahead of Alexander Albon, Pierre Gasly, Daniel Ricciardo, Valtteri Bottas, and Lance Stroll, who were eliminated in this phase.
Expectations for the Race
With the grid positions set, all eyes will be on Sunday’s race. Leclerc will start from pole, but the threat of Verstappen, known for his overtaking skills, looms over the entire field. Moreover, the volatile weather conditions at Spa could still hold more surprises, making the Belgian Grand Prix a must-watch spectacle for Formula 1 fans.Stay tuned with us for all the excitement and developments throughout the weekend at Spa-Francorchamps.
