The thrilling journey of the 2023 Formula 1 World Championship resumes this weekend with the thirteenth round – the Belgian Grand Prix. The event unfolds at the iconic Spa-Francorchamps circuit, and will mark the reappearance of the Saturday Sprint race.
Nestled amidst the picturesque Ardennes hills, the Spa circuit boasts a long and relentless track that serves as a demanding trial for both the vehicle and its driver. The circuit is among the season’s fastest with average speeds nearing 145 mph, and includes corners such as Pouhon (Turn 10) where drivers endure forces exceeding 5 g. Cars are pushed to full throttle for nearly 80% of the lap.
Ford Mustang highlights
Spanning 4.35 miles, Spa is famed for its longest circuit in the championship calendar, limiting the race to a mere 44 laps – the least in the season. The track’s vast expanse can even host diverse weather conditions at its various parts – rain at one end and sunshine at another isn’t uncommon. The upcoming forecast suggests intense rainfall over the weekend, leading to some speculations about potential race cancellation.
The Spa track layout features long straights and flat-out stretches in its first and third sectors, but the second sector is winding, thereby making the optimal balance and set-up compromise, especially with the wing level, a real challenge.
Spa-Francorchamps: The home of the F1 Belgian Grand Prix
The track’s abrasive surface takes a toll on the tires. For this race, Pirelli has selected its middle-of-the-road compounds: the C2 as the hard (White), C3 as the medium (Yellow), and C4 as the soft (Red).
The Belgian stage will see the third iteration of the Saturday Sprint race for the 2023 season, after the Azerbaijan and Austrian Grand Prix. The Sprint race, in this season, has become a separate event rather than a qualifier for the main race as it was previously, but still offers championship points for drivers and teams.
The Belgian round is the final event before the summer hiatus and some teams are expected to introduce upgrades. This includes Mercedes-Benz AMG who will unveil a new side pod design.
As we approach the weekend, Max Verstappen from Red Bull Racing is leading the 2023 Drivers’ Championship with 281 points, followed by his teammate Perez with 171 points, and Fernando Alonso from Aston Martin with 139 points. In the Constructors’ Championship, Red Bull holds the top spot with 452 points, with Mercedes at 223 points and Aston Martin at 184 points in the second and third positions. Verstappen, driving for Red Bull, was last year’s victor in Belgium.
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Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs) about 2023 F1 Belgian Grand Prix
What is the location of the 2023 F1 Belgian Grand Prix?
The 2023 F1 Belgian Grand Prix will be held at the iconic Spa-Francorchamps circuit, located in the beautiful Ardennes hills.
What makes the Spa-Francorchamps circuit unique?
The Spa-Francorchamps circuit features a long and unrelenting track that tests both the car and the driver to the limit. It’s known for its high average speeds and intense cornering forces. Additionally, Spa has the longest track on the F1 calendar, which results in the race lasting only 44 laps – the lowest on the calendar.
What kind of weather conditions are expected for the 2023 F1 Belgian Grand Prix?
The current weather forecast suggests heavy rain throughout the weekend. Given the size of the track, it’s possible to experience varying weather conditions at different parts of the circuit.
What is the Saturday Sprint race?
The Saturday Sprint race is a shorter event that’s held on the Saturday of a Grand Prix weekend. For the 2023 season, the Sprint race has been made a standalone event, separate from the main race, but still carries championship points for both drivers and teams.
Which teams are expected to introduce upgrades at the 2023 F1 Belgian Grand Prix?
Mercedes-Benz AMG is expected to introduce upgrades at the 2023 F1 Belgian Grand Prix, including a new design for the side pods.
Who is currently leading in the 2023 Drivers’ Championship?
As of the upcoming Belgian Grand Prix, Max Verstappen from Red Bull Racing is leading the 2023 Drivers’ Championship with 281 points.
More about 2023 F1 Belgian Grand Prix
- Formula 1 Official Website
- F1 2023 Calendar and Standings
- Spa-Francorchamps Circuit Information
- F1 Belgian Grand Prix History
- Pirelli F1 Tyres
- Saturday Sprint Race Explained
- Mercedes-AMG F1 Team
- Red Bull Racing Team
7 comments
sprint races stand alone event this year? sounds interesting. more racing, more fun I guess.
That 2nd sector is tricky, twisty stuff and tough to balance. whoever gets it right will have a real advantage.
Mercedes is bringing upgrades?? can’t wait to see how they perform, hope they catch up to Red Bull…
man the weather sounds wild, could really shake things up, bring on the chaos!
Go Max!! He crushed it last year, let’s see if he can repeat it, eh? Looking forward to some great racing.
Pirelli’s got their work cut out on this abrasive track, let’s hope no unexpected punctures, fingers crossed!
wow belgian GP coming up this wkend! that spa circuit is a real beast, man! can’t wait to see the guys tackling Eau Rouge in the rain!