F1 Belgium GP 2023: Where and how to watch?

This track has had a troubled reputation in recent years

As Formula 1 moves ever so closer towards the summer break, the next event on the calendar is the notorious Belgium GP, which in recent years has garnered a troubled reputation due to the fatal accident of Formula Regional driver Dilano van ‘t Hoff. Nonetheless, the 2023 F1 Belgium GP is set to take place, and its high-speed corners could bring about some changes in the standings after the Hungarian GP. Now, let’s dive into the updated schedule for the Belgium GP.

Looking back to last year’s race, the Belgium GP offered plenty of action for fans to enjoy as Max Verstappen, who started 14th due to penalties, went on to win the race, followed by an exhilarating battle between Sergio Perez and Ferrari’s Carlos Sainz to finish second and third, respectively.

Fast forward to 2023, it seems that Red Bull’s domination is far from over, as Max won the Hungarian GP by a staggering margin of 33 seconds. However, if we exclude Verstappen from the picture, there has been fierce competition between other teams. This is because Aston Martin, which had a flying start to this season, is now struggling to score points while McLaren, which had a tough start, is suddenly the second fastest car, with Lando Norris securing podium finishes in the last two races. Moreover, with Hamilton also scoring podiums in the last two races, fans could see some exciting action on track this week.

F1 Belgium GP 2023 updates schedule

The Belgian Grand Prix weekend will follow the new sprint shootout Formula 1 format, featuring one practice session and race qualifying on Friday, sprint qualifying and sprint race on Saturday and the main race on Sunday.

July 28 (Friday)

• Free Practice 1: 17:00-18:00 IST (12:30-13:30 BST)
• Race Qualifying: 20:30-21:30 IST (16:00-17:00 BST)

July 29 (Saturday)

• Sprint Qualifying: 15:30-16:14 IST (11:00-11:44 BST)
• Sprint Race: 19:00-20:00 IST (15:30-16:30 BST)

July 30 (Sunday)

• Race: 18:30-20:30 IST (14:00-16:00 BST)

New Sprint format and rainy weather

Although the Belgian GP has always followed the traditional race weekend format, this year will mark the first time the track adopts the new Sprint format, which will include a practice session and race qualifying on Friday, a Sprint shootout and the Sprint race on Saturday, followed by the main race on Sunday.

Adding to the excitement, weather reports predict rainfall during the practice session on Friday and both the sprint qualifying and the sprint race, thus presenting an additional challenge for the drivers as they adapt to changing conditions.

Belgian GP Track Layout

A staple on the F1 calendar since 1950, the Spa-Francorchamps circuit remains a favourite among Formula 1 drivers due to its challenging layout and unpredictable weather conditions. The combination of long straights and fast corners pushes drivers and their machines to the limits, making it a true test of skill and speed.

One of the most iconic sections of the track is Eau Rouge, a sequence of corners that leads to a steep climb through Raidillon. However, this thrilling climb, coupled with the unpredictable weather, has also posed a great danger to many drivers, tragically highlighted by the recent fatal incident involving Formula Regional driver Dilano van ‘t Hoff.

When talking about the overtaking opportunities, the circuit boasts two DRS zones, with the first one being located in the middle of Kemmel Straight, providing drivers with the best chance to execute daring overtakes. And while the second DRS zone is positioned on the main straight, it is relatively short in comparison.

F1 Belgium GP 2023 telecast and streaming details

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