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The 2024 F1 Belgian GP is the last race before the summer break. After the race, we're looking at a 4-week break for the drivers and the teams. For a lot of teams and drivers, this race is crucial. There are also quite a few contracts that are still not resolved heading into the summer break.
The F1 Belgian GP gives the teams and the drivers an opportunity to convince their respective suitors to make a decision. Going into the race weekend at Spa, we're coming off Oscar Piastri's first career win. The victory made him the 7th different winner this season, with only Sergio Perez yet to win a race from the top 4 teams.
So what can we expect from a race weekend where weather could play a pivotal role? Let's find out as we share our bold predictions for the race weekend.
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#5 Rain could throw a few surprises throughout the race
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Rain is expected to make an appearance on Friday and Saturday during the race weekend, even though Sunday is expected to be dry. Spa is one of those rare tracks where rain can throw all plans into the gutter. The track is so vast that parts of it could be dry while others could be wet, and hence picking the right tire almost turns into a lottery.
Last season, Oscar Piastri secured the pole position for the F1 Sprint as he made the most of the conditions. This time around, once again, could we see someone spring a surprise out of nowhere? It's not impossible, as rain does randomize things.
#4 Haas could have a stronger race weekend
Haas was not as competitive as it would have wanted to be in Hungary. The slow to medium-speed sections were not best suited for the team, and it does appear that it limited the drivers as well.
The track layout for the F1 Belgian GP plays right into the strengths of Haas, and to add to this, Nico Hulkenberg has excelled at this track in the past. Adding all this up, we're looking at a scenario where the American team is poised for a strong race weekend in Spa.
#3 Ferrari might struggle this weekend
There are chances of rain making an appearance, and that has been Ferrari's kryptonite in general this season. To add to this, the track demands great fast speed section efficiency coupled with great top speed.
These are the areas where Ferrari has struggled quite a bit this season, and hence the F1 Belgian GP might not be the best for the team.
#2 Max Verstappen is a wildcard podium finisher
Max Verstappen is looking at a 10-place grid penalty for the F1 Belgian GP even before a lap has been done on the track. Not only has Red Bull been brilliant at Spa, but Verstappen himself has been stunning, to say the least.
He's already won the last three races on this track and has done so in a dominant fashion. Even if he's starting the race outside of the top 10, he will be a wildcard this weekend.
#1 Lando Norris to win the F1 Belgian GP
With Verstappen expected to incur a 10-place grid penalty, one of the major challengers for Lando Norris is out of the way. The McLaren driver has been brilliant this season but has struggled to overcome that final hurdle and win races in succession.
For the F1 Belgian GP, his biggest challenger is not in contention and the path is clear for Norris to make use of the McLaren and pick up his second win of the season.
