There’s significant global interest in this last race before Formula One’s annual summer break.
Many trees, lush forests, changeable weather, and a fast and classic circuit will greet Formula 1 drivers and teams this weekend as the sport occurs at one of the most popular tracks on the Formula 1 calendar, Spa-Franchorchamps in Belgium.
The GP here has a history of being a beautiful area, but with that history, from the past to the Second World War, it is also one of the most dangerous circuits, having taken many lives. One reason is that it can rain on one part of the track and be sunny and clear on the other. The circuit also has the longest track on the racing program, with 4.4 miles to cover.
At one point, the circuit was over eight miles long but later reduced to its present length. It is connected to this by familiar names, such as Puchon, Stavelot, Les Combes, La Source, and Blanchiment. It also has one of the most dangerous corners (Eau Rouge), where the car can get out of control quickly, going uphill from a downhill run right after the start.
The last few seasons have seen domination by Red Bull’s Max Verstappen. But this season has turned out to be different recently, as McLaren are now the challengers to the Milton Keynes team. Lando Norris and Oscar Piastri are closing in on Red Bull as Verstappen’s teammate, Sergio Perez, has not raced competitively this season. Meanwhile, Mercedes and Ferrari seem to be in battle for third place.
But the biggest question is whether Verstappen can compete and win his fourth world championship. Can Norris, who has won only one race, step up and win more? That challenge is an issue because Verstappen seems to have difficulty dealing with things that do not go his way.
Those are just several reasons for significant global interest in the last Grand Prix before the annual summer break.
