The Formula 1 World Championship resumes after the summer pause, gearing up for the Belgian Grand Prix. This race is a pivotal moment in the calendar, a chance for leaders to solidify their grip on the title and for challengers to close the gap late in the season. After a dramatic mid-season stretch, the championship standings show Max Verstappen trailing Charles Leclerc by a measurable margin, a situation that intensifies the suspense as teams and drivers return to the track.
The summer break was filled with high drama as the paddock buzzed with rumors and strategic shifts. One of the most talked about moves involved Fernando Alonso joining Aston Martin for the upcoming championship cycle, exiting his previous team Alpine. The Spaniard’s multi-year agreement brings new options for both him and the team, with clauses that leave room for adjustments at the end of each season. This decision reverberates through the rest of the grid, influencing team tactics and driver choices across the field.
Verstappen, the Dutch driver for Red Bull, remains the driver to watch. He enters the Belgian weekend with the goal of preserving his lead, or at least minimizing any slip that could derail his title defense. Across the pit lane, Carlos Sainz of Ferrari is keen to make an impact as the main reference point for his team. He enters the weekend with a strong belief that anything is possible, yet realism keeps his expectations grounded as Verstappen’s advantage remains substantial. Sainz has a reputation for finishing strong late in campaigns, a trait that could shape how the season unfolds.
As teams return to practice, Sainz faces the challenge of translating a strong first session into consistent pace for the rest of the weekend. His objective is to secure pole positions and podiums, building momentum for Ferrari in a season where every point counts. The Spaniard demonstrated promising speed in practice sessions, showing capability in wet conditions when rain has a habit of reshaping qualifying and race outcomes. This adaptability could prove crucial as the weekend’s weather patterns become a factor.
The Belgian Grand Prix marks a significant moment for several drivers who may face penalties or strategic recalibrations after the break. Six drivers, including two title contenders, could see engine component changes that carry penalties, potentially reshaping the starting grid and the chase for the championship. Such penalties remind teams that the margin for error is slim and that every qualifying run matters just as much as the race itself.
Belgian GP Qualifying Schedule 2022
Saturday, August 27
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Free 3: 13:00
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Classification: 16:00
Sunday, August 28
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Race: 15:00
Where to watch the Formula 1 Belgian GP?
The race is broadcast live on DAZN. Fans in regions where Movistar+ is available can also access DAZN F1 to follow all the action. This setup provides comprehensive coverage of practice, qualifying, and the race, allowing viewers to track every strategic move and driver maneuver as the weekend unfolds.