Formula 1: Belgian GP – where to watch, schedules and more

After a two-week break, Formula 1 is back for a double-header before the mid-year break. Now, the drivers land in Belgium for one of the most anticipated weekends on the calendar, at the Spa-Francorchamps circuit, with activities taking place between July 17 and 19.

The championship is already in its tenth round and, after 14 years, spectators follow a triple fight for the title. Although Mercedes is the favorite for the championship, as it has its two drivers in contention, Kimi Antonelli, with 179 points, and George Russell, with 154, occupying first and second places respectively, Ferrari remains in the fight with Lewis Hamilton, who has 147 points and is looking for his eighth title.

Although the weekend was promising for the teams at the front of the pack, one of the drivers of the papaya team has already lost ten positions on the starting grid for the Belgian Grand Prix. Lando Norris, the reigning champion of the category, was penalized by the FIA after McLaren announced the installation of the fourth electronic power unit in its car, exceeding the limit allowed by the regulations.

In addition to the power unit change, the two MCL40s will receive a new rear wing. The situation of Oscar Piastri, Norris’ teammate, is not considered critical, as this is only the Australian’s third change of the season, still within the limit set by the FIA. Red Bull also arrives at Spa with a change: the team removed the “Macarena” wing from the RB22 after the component caused a series of track runs with Max Verstappen and will return to the original configuration until the mechanical problem is solved.

In the first free practice session on Friday, Red Bull started off on the right foot. After retiring from the race at Silverstone, Max Verstappen put the team in the lead of FP1 of the Belgian GP with a time of 1min47s070. Closing the top 3, Ferrari scored a one-two, with Lewis Hamilton in second place and Charles Leclerc in third.

Since 1950, Spa-Francorchamps has been the longest circuit on the calendar, at just over 7.004 kilometers long. The track is known for its high speeds, unpredictable weather and for hosting one of the most iconic sections of Formula 1: the descent of Eau Rouge followed by the ascent of Raidillon.

The weekend will be held in the traditional format, with three free practice sessions, qualifying on Saturday and a race on Sunday, in a 44-lap race.

Check out the schedule for the Austrian Formula 1 GP (Brasília time):

In Brazil, the Austrian GP will be broadcast by Globo on open TV. Free practice, qualifying and the race can be followed on Sportv, while all the weekend’s activities will be available on F1 TV.