Formula 1 Preview: Moet & Chandon Belgian Grand Prix

Circuit de Spa-Francorchamps – Stavelot, Belgium
Sunday, July 27, 2025 – Race Start: 3:00 PM CET
Broadcast: F1 TV, Sky Sports F1, ESPN | Radio: BBC Radio 5 Live

Race Overview

The Belgian Grand Prix returns to the legendary Spa-Francorchamps for Round 13 of the 2025 Formula 1 World Championship. Known for its sweeping elevation changes, unpredictable weather, and iconic corners like Eau Rouge and Blanchimont, Spa is a driver’s circuit in every sense. This year’s event is a Sprint weekend, adding extra drama with points on offer across three days of action.

Track Breakdown: Circuit de Spa-Francorchamps

Length: 7.004 km – longest on the calendar

Laps: 44 (Race distance: 308.052 km)

Turns: 19

Elevation Change: 102.2 meters

Key Corners: Eau Rouge/Raidillon, Les Combes, Pouhon, Blanchimont

Tyres: C1 (Hard), C3 (Medium), C4 (Soft) – non-consecutive compound selection

Weather Outlook

Friday: Light showers, 20°C

Saturday: Cloudy, chance of rain

Sunday: Showers expected, high teens

Impact: Wet conditions could trigger DNFs and strategic gambles

Weekend Schedule (CET)

Session	Date	Time
Practice 1	July 25	12:30 PM
Sprint Qualifying	July 25	2:30 PM
Sprint Race	July 26	12:00 PM
Grand Prix Qualifying	July 26	2:00 PM
Race	July 27	3:00 PM

Championship Picture

Drivers’ Standings (Top 5)

Driver	Points
Oscar Piastri (McLaren)	234
Lando Norris (McLaren)	226
Max Verstappen (Red Bull)	165
George Russell (Mercedes)	147
Charles Leclerc (Ferrari)	119

Piastri vs Norris: McLaren teammates locked in a tight title battle

Verstappen Watch: 61 points behind Norris; Spa is his home race by birth

Constructors’ Standings

Team	Points
McLaren	460
Ferrari	222
Mercedes	210

Drivers to Watch

Oscar Piastri (McLaren)

Form: 5 wins in 2025; consistent podiums

Notes: Strong in high-downforce setups; Spa suits his style

Lando Norris (McLaren)

Form: 2 straight wins (Austria, Silverstone)

Notes: Momentum driver; excels in mixed conditions

Max Verstappen (Red Bull)

History at Spa: 3 wins, including 2021’s rain-shortened race

Notes: Needs a win to stay in title hunt; new team principal drama

Charles Leclerc (Ferrari)

Spa Record: 2019 winner

Notes: Ferrari’s rear suspension upgrade could boost pace

George Russell (Mercedes)

2024 Spa: Disqualified after winning; redemption arc in play

Notes: Tactical racer with strong qualifying record

Strategy & Tyre Insights

Sprint Format: Only 1 practice session; limited setup time

Tyre Allocation: 12 sets (6 Soft, 4 Medium, 2 Hard)

Likely Strategy: Two-stop race favored due to compound jump

Weather Factor: Intermediate and full wets may be needed

Chip Strategy: “No Negative” chip advised due to rain risk

Avoid: Sprint DNFs can tank scores; beware of risky picks

Winner: Lando Norris – rain master and in peak form
Podium: Norris, Piastri, Verstappen
Wildcard: Leclerc surges if Ferrari’s upgrades deliver