F1 Belgian Grand Prix: Who will win in wet weather conditions at Spa?

Who will win in wet weather conditions at Spa?

Belgian Grand Prix weekend is underway, and it officially marks the end of the Formula One summer break. While everyone should have ideally come back refreshed and ready for the second half of the year, news filtering through has ensured everybody to stay on their toes for the hiatus.

While the two-time world champion, Fernando Alonso, has decided to retire from F1 after 2018, Daniel Ricciardo, Carlos Sainz, and Pierre Gasly have switched teams for the next year. Each decision acted as a domino effect for the next, with Daniel moving to Renault and grabbing Sainz’s seat who in turn filled in for his retiring compatriot while Gasly fills in for Ricciardo.

Apart from the driver’s market shaking things up, Racing Point Force India is a ‘new’ inclusion to Formula One family, being birthed from the Force India team’s assets. They gained entry after long discussions with FIA and only when they agreed to a new identity, and wiping off their slate of championship points.

Good news: we'll be on the grid in Spa and in every other round of the season (and beyond!), ready to fight.Bad news: zero points.And so is... pic.twitter.com/sTFK3O8V2s
— Racing Point Force India F1 (@ForceIndiaF1) August 23, 2018

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Turning away from this aspect of the sport to the one we most enjoy, racing, would be a relief. Doing so at Circuit de Spa Francorchamps, and if the weather predictions are accurate, a wet one, would be an added benefit. Mercedes and Ferrari are bringing upgrades to the race and with only 12 points separating the two, it would be interesting to see who would emerge on top with the new developments to their engines.

Here is a list of all the drivers who might sneak a win if rain becomes a factor on Sunday:-

#5 Daniel Ricciardo

Daniel Ricciardo has admitted to feeling exhausted this season, along with having finally made a decision regarding his future would have helped him take a breather. He would be feeling rejuvenated and looking forward to leaving his mark on Belgium again.

He has previously scored a victory at Spa and barring his singles retirement in 2015, has been on the podium all the years he has driver for Red Bull racing. Although all seven of his Grand Prix wins have come at different circuits, he would be looking to break the streak and grab the trophy at this track one more time.

#4 Sebastian Vettel

Sebastian Vettel would be searching opportunities to bridge the gap between him and championship rival Lewis Hamilton. A repeat of his two victories at Spa, in 2011 and 2013, would help him immensely in his title fight with the Briton.

Vettel would be eager to put his crash during the wet conditions at this year’s German Grand Prix behind him and show the world why he has four world championship titles to his name. The 31-year-old has shown his prowess in the damp conditions in the past, like Monza, 2008 and China, 2009, to count a few.

Ferrari have brought an upgraded engine to Belgium and as it is within the allotted limits for the components, the German would be receiving the upgrade without being pushed to the back of the grid.

#3 Kimi Räikkönen

Kimi Räikkönen is the unrivaled champion at Spa amongst the current crop of drivers. He has emerged victorious at the circuit four times, showing time and time again that the Finn prefers the track and how well suited he is for claiming the top spot on the podium. Although his last win in Belgium was way back in 2009, he is undoubtedly the king of Spa.

Like his teammate, Kimi would also be receiving new internal combustion engine (ICE), but the Finn’s side of the garage would skip on the new turbo and MGU-H so as to avoid grid penalties. The 38-year-old is currently third in the drivers’ standings and this circuit would be the best place for giving a boost to his ranking. A win would also put him on par with Michael Schumacher and Ayrton Senna in a number of repeat victories.

#2 Max Verstappen

Max Verstappen is yet to secure a winners’ trophy in Belgium and this year would be his best opportunity to do so with rain right around the corner. The home crowd would be cheering on the 20-year-old and it would not be a surprise for the stands to be bathed orange. The Dutch driver has proven to be a handful in wet conditions as he showed in Brazil, 2016.

He is locked in an intense battle with teammate, Daniel Ricciardo, when it comes to championship points and would be looking to end the year ahead of the departing Australian. Max is currently 13 points behind Daniel and a race victory in the wet would help him establish a lead over the Honey Badger.

#1 Lewis Hamilton

Lewis Hamilton is the reigning champion at Spa and he has previously scored three victories at the circuit. The Briton is 24 points ahead of rival, Sebastian Vettel, and would be fully prepared to make no mistakes that let the fifth world title slip from his hands.

Lewis is even stronger when it rains. Whether it be during qualifying when he shows blistering one lap pace like he did in Hungary this year, or during the race when he has time and time again shown his ability to snatch victory in the wet.

Silverstone in 2008 is just one of the many examples that come to mind when thinking about how controlled and calm the four-time world champion remains when it is pouring on track. While Sebastian would be hoping to put the Germany Grand Prix this season behind him, Hamilton would be looking forward to emulate his performance which saw him clinch victory after starting 14th on the grid.

Edited by Shiven Sachdeva