Everything You Need to Know: Formula 1 Belgian Grand Prix at Spa-Francorchamps
Formula 1 heads to one of motorsport’s most iconic venues this weekend as the FIA Formula One World Championship returns to Circuit de Spa-Francorchamps for the Belgian Grand Prix.
Nestled in the Ardennes Forest, Spa is regarded as one of the greatest racing circuits in the world. At 7.004 kilometers (4.352 miles), it is the longest track on the Formula 1 calendar and is famous for legendary corners such as Eau Rouge, Raidillon, Pouhon and Blanchimont. The circuit has hosted Formula 1 since 1950 and also serves as the home of the prestigious 24 Hours of Spa, one of the world’s premier GT endurance races.
With the championship battle tightening and several drivers arriving with momentum, this weekend promises another classic at one of the sport’s crown jewels.
Weekend Schedule (All Times Eastern)
Friday, July 17
- Free Practice 1 – 7:30 a.m.
- Free Practice 2 – 11 a.m.
Saturday, July 18
- Free Practice 3 – 6:30 a.m.
- Qualifying – 10 a.m.
Sunday, July 19
- Belgian Grand Prix (44 laps)
- Race Start – 9 a.m. ET
TV: Apple TV platforms (United States)
Radio: SiriusXM Formula 1 Radio and FIA Formula 1 Live Timing commentary.
Race Favorites
Kimi Antonelli (Mercedes)
The championship leader enters Belgium as the driver to beat.
Antonelli has emerged as Formula 1’s breakout star in 2026, winning five races while leading the drivers’ standings entering Spa. Although reliability issues cost him valuable points at Silverstone, Mercedes continues to field arguably the fastest overall package on the grid.
Spa rewards confidence, precision and commitment through its high-speed corners, all strengths that have defined Antonelli’s remarkable rookie championship campaign.
He also arrives with momentum after posting the fastest time during Friday practice.
Max Verstappen (Red Bull)
You can never count out Max Verstappen at Spa.
The Belgian Grand Prix has long been one of Verstappen’s strongest events, and Red Bull has traditionally excelled at the fast, flowing circuit.
Even if Mercedes has held the edge for much of 2026, Verstappen remains one of the sport’s premier qualifiers and race managers. If strategy or changing weather becomes a factor, expect the four-time world champion to be near the front when it matters most.
Charles Leclerc (Ferrari)
Charles Leclerc enters Belgium fresh off his victory at Silverstone, giving Ferrari confidence heading into one of its strongest historical venues.
Leclerc also finished third at Spa last season as McLaren swept the top two positions, proving he knows how to maximize Ferrari’s pace around the demanding Belgian circuit.
If Ferrari can match Mercedes over a long race run, Leclerc has every opportunity to contend for another victory.
George Russell (Mercedes)
George Russell quietly enters Spa with plenty to race for.
The Mercedes veteran has steadily chipped away at Antonelli’s championship lead and now sits just 25 points behind his teammate after a string of consistent performances.
Russell may not generate as many headlines as Antonelli, but he has consistently maximized every opportunity this season. If Mercedes again proves to have the quickest car, don’t be surprised if Russell finds himself battling for the victory Sunday morning.
Looking Back at 2025
Last year’s Belgian Grand Prix belonged to Oscar Piastri.
The McLaren driver captured victory after teammate Lando Norris started from pole position, giving McLaren an impressive 1-2 finish. Leclerc completed the podium in third, while Antonelli recorded the race’s fastest lap.
Those results only reinforce McLaren’s recent speed at Spa, although Norris enters this weekend facing a 10-place grid penalty following a power unit change.
One of Motorsport’s Great Venues
Few circuits carry the prestige of Spa-Francorchamps.
Its sweeping elevation changes, unpredictable weather and legendary corners have produced unforgettable Formula 1 moments for generations. The circuit’s reputation extends well beyond Formula 1, serving as the home of the CrowdStrike 24 Hours of Spa, one of endurance racing’s most celebrated events, and remaining one of the world’s favorite tracks among drivers and fans alike.
What to Watch
Can Antonelli continue his remarkable championship run?
Will Verstappen defend home turf for Red Bull at one of his favorite circuits?
Can Leclerc build on his Silverstone victory and give Ferrari back-to-back wins?
Or will George Russell continue closing the championship gap?
With one of the fastest circuits in the world, a championship battle heating up and the rich history that only Spa-Francorchamps can provide, the Belgian Grand Prix once again shapes up as one of the marquee weekends of the Formula 1 season.
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