2024 F1 Belgian GP: Race Predictions

The grid for the 2024 F1 Belgian GP is set already, as we will have Charles Leclerc in pole position with Sergio Perez in P2. Last season as well, we had something similar, and at the time, we had the Red Bull driver jump the Ferrari contender on the very first lap.

Just like last season, Max Verstappen starts the race after incurring a penalty. He's starting in a more suboptimal setting this time because the pace differential is not as massive as it used to be in the last two years. Having said that, all eyes will be on him to see what he can do in the F1 Belgian GP. So what can we expect from the race? Let's take a look.

#5 Tire strategy will play a pivotal role

One of the most notable outcomes from a rain-affected qualifying is the abundance of tire choices for the teams. It is both good and bad because the teams will need to ensure they opt for the right combination.

The F1 Belgian GP is expected to have multiple stoppages, and the timing and strategy are going to be critical.

#4 The battle for final point would feature multiple contenders

There's always a possibility of a turn-one pile-up, and that could certainly happen this time around in the F1 Belgian GP. Having said that, the last few events have seen the drivers be a bit more circumspect in the manner they approach the first turn.

If that is the case, we're looking at a scenario where the top 8 slots are more or less sealed. The battle will be for the bottom 2 slots in P9 and P10, and we have multiple contenders that would want to stake their claim for that one.

#3 Charles Leclerc and Lando Norris are the dark horses this weekend

Charles Leclerc didn't express much optimism when he found out he had secured pole position. This might have something to do with the fact that he had pole in the F1 Belgian GP last season as well before Sergio Perez zoomed past him on the Kemmel straight.

The driver had decent pace in his Ferrari on the long runs on Friday. It surely was not on the level of Red Bull or McLaren, for that matter, but it wasn't too far behind. If the driver can keep the lead at the start of the race, it's not going to be straightforward for others to just pass him on the straight.

Similarly, for Lando Norris, starting on the second row does not mean that all is lost. The driver needs a clean start, and if he makes his way through safely, then he could be a dark horse when it comes to winning the F1 Belgian GP.

#2 Lewis Hamilton might be vulnerable at the start due to lesser straight-line speed

Lewis Hamilton and George Russell seem to have taken divergent approaches to their setup. George has gone for a lot more straight-line speed, while Lewis has gone in the other direction.

Hamilton is around 3-4 kph slower than everyone around him on the straights. It might not seem much, but at the start, it could leave him vulnerable to attack from behind.

Unless Lewis nails the start of the F1 Belgian GP, he might be at a disadvantage on the Kemmel straight.

#1 Max Verstappen wins the F1 Belgian GP

Yes, we're going with Max Verstappen. It's not going to be easy, and it's certainly not going to be similar to what we've seen in the last two seasons.

The driver doesn't hold a massive speed advantage over teams like McLaren, Mercedes, and Ferrari. Lando Norris and Oscar Piastri also had a similar pace to the Red Bull driver in the long runs.

Despite all of this, it's clear that Max Verstappen is fighting with a chip on his shoulder, and when that happens, we see something special. This might be the weekend we get something special from the driver.