Spa is a long and difficult circuit with the potential for rain. Ferrari is expecting an improvement.

After a three-week break, Formula 1 resumes at Spa-Francorchamps for the thirteenth round of the world championship. This is an important test, a crucial juncture in a McLaren-led season, with the British team aiming to extend its winning streak in Belgium following victories in Austria and Great Britain— both by Lando Norris (second in the championship, eight points behind teammate Oscar Piastri). The goal is to further consolidate its lead in the constructors' championship: it has a 238-point advantage over second-place Ferrari. But the "University of Formula 1" (as the circuit is nicknamed) could threaten McLaren's confidence.

The longest track in the World Championship

First and foremost, the challenges of a complicated and spectacular track, nestled in the Ardennes. It's the longest (7,004 meters) and most complete track of the season: a mix of ups and downs (like the iconic and incredibly steep Eau Rouge, named after the small reddish river that flows through the area), straights, and chicanes. But the real breakthrough could come from the Papaya team's rivals, especially Ferrari, which is debuting a completely new rear end at Spa . The red cars will take to the track with the rear suspension tested last July 17 at Mugello.

Ferrari revamped, one tenth less per lap expected

A package of updates that, combined with the fuel tank launched at the Austrian GP, should improve the SF-25s' performance by around a tenth over a single lap. This innovative solution will make the Ferrari more stable, particularly under braking, allowing for better tire management, which will also benefit race pace. "We've been working hard at the factory to bring an update package to the SF-25, which will be a key focus this weekend. We want to ensure we maximize its potential right from the start," explained team principal Fred Vasseur. The Belgian circuit will be a testing ground—given the similar track characteristics—for the Monza GP, which will take place on September 7th.

The forecast calls for rain

Even with regards to the car's set-up, weather permitting: at the moment the forecast is for rain. And the umbrella isn't the only unknown factor of the weekend. In fact, the Sprint Race returns on Saturday (Ferrari will therefore have only one free practice session to test the new features), the format (it is the third race of the 6 scheduled) that this year saw Ferrari's only victory of the season, with Lewis Hamilton (in China). The Englishman of the red team is also the driver who has obtained the most pole positions (6) at Spa, where last year he won his last Grand Prix, thanks to the disqualification of his then teammate George Russell, who was found to be underweight at the finish line with the Mercedes. The Belgian track also smiles on Charles Leclerc (coming from 2 consecutive poles here), who at Spa – in 2019 – achieved his first Formula 1 success, with a dedication to his childhood friend Anthoine Hubert, who passed away the day before during the Formula 2 race. The numbers therefore favor Ferrari, the most successful team (14 times) at Spa ahead of rivals McLaren (12). Not just the track: Spa is also a crucial hub for the driver market. First of all, it will be Red Bull's first race without team principal Christian Horner, fired after a twenty-year marriage. Then there is the Max Verstappen issue, with Toto Wolff (executive director of Mercedes) who has dismissed rumors of the Dutchman's possible arrival at the German team: "There will be no surprises, the priority is to confirm George Russell and Kimi Antonelli. At Spa we will know who our drivers are for the 2026 season", revealed Toto. Waiting for the track's verdict. Below are the times and where to watch the Belgian GP.

Friday, July 25th

12:30 p.m.: F1 – Free Practice 1 (exclusive and live on Sky, live streaming on Now)

4:30 PM: F1 – Sprint Qualifying (exclusive and live on Sky, live streaming on Now)

Saturday, July 26

12:00 PM: F1 – Sprint Race (Sky, Now, and live on free-to-air TV8)

4:00 PM: F1 Qualifying (Sky, Now, and live on TV8)

Sunday, July 27

3:00 PM: F1 Race (exclusive and live on Sky, live streaming on Now, delayed on TV8 from 6:00 PM)