F1 2024: Belgian GP - Spa-Francorchamps (July 28)

[GuidoK]

F1 2024: Belgian GP - Spa-Francorchamps (July 28)

Schedule:
https://www.formula1.com/en/racing/2024/belgium

Circuit:
https://www.formula1.com/en/racing/2024/belgium/circuit

Spa-Francorchamps
When was the track built?

The original, triangle-shaped track was built in 1921, with designers Jules de Thier and Henri Langlois van Ophem using public roads between the towns of Francorchamps, Malmedy, and Stavelot to create an amazing 14.9km circuit taking in the forests and rolling hills of the beautiful Ardennes region. The track was redeveloped in 1979, and although the new circuit is only half the original's length, it’s still the longest on the current calendar at 7.004km.
When was its first Grand Prix?

Having hosted a non-championship Grand Prix as long ago as 1924, Belgium’s iconic circuit was one of just seven to be part of Formula 1’s maiden championship in 1950. That race was won by the legendary Juan Manuel Fangio, who led home an Alfa Romeo one-two ahead of team mate Nino Farina.
What’s the circuit like?

Spa is among Formula 1 drivers’ most loved tracks, with its mix of long straights and challenging fast corners allowing them to push their cars to the edge of their capabilities – if it’s dry, that is. The size of the track and the nature of Belgian weather means it can sometimes be raining on one part of the track and dry on another, meaning grip can vary from one corner to the next. Keep an eye on the thrilling Eau Rouge, arguably the most famous sequence of corners in the world, as the drivers flick left, right and then up the hill through Raidillon.
Why go?

What’s not to love about one of Europe’s classic tracks? Only the truly great drivers conquer Spa, with Ayrton Senna and Michael Schumacher among those to master this magical circuit. Add in the wonderful setting of the Ardennes forest and it’s no surprise that it’s a fan favourite, with a record 265,000 spectators turning out to watch the 2017 Spa showdown.
Where is the best place to watch?

The elevated grandstand located near Eau Rouge gives you the best view of the iconic corner, while also boasting panoramic views from La Source through to Raidillon. But if you fancy taking in some of the best trackside atmosphere, then the grandstand located on the Pouhon corner should be right up your street.

2023 race highlights:

2023 Thread:
https://www.zpost.com/forums/showthread.php?t=2035867

2023 Lollipopman F1 Comics race highlights:

[GuidoK]

So what are your predictions?
Last GP at the Hungaroring showed that the McLarens definately have the fastest car now.
However, I think that at SPA the difference will be less as RB seem to have a very effective DRS, so the RB20 is probably strong at overtaking here. But if it'll be enough?

Here is my prediction:
1. NOR
2. VER
3. PIA
4. SAI
5. HAM
6. LEC
7. PER
8. RUS
9. ALO
10. TSU

[///M Power-Belgium]

Originally Posted by GuidoK

So what are your predictions?
Last GP at the Hungaroring showed that the McLarens definately have the fastest car now.
However, I think that at SPA the difference will be less as RB seem to have a very effective DRS, so the RB20 is probably strong at overtaking here. But if it'll be enough?

Here is my prediction:
1. NOR
2. VER
3. PIA
4. SAI
5. HAM
6. LEC
7. PER
8. RUS
9. ALO
10. TSU

Mate . Thanks for posting this new F1 thread . Great job (as usual)!

Think the McLarens are unbeatable (anywhere)! So , also at SPA ..

The SPA-Francorchamps track got a new asphalt layer , this will make the circuit even faster .

Friday => 90% chance of rain (5 mm)
Saturday => 95% chance of rain (13 mm)
Sunday => 45% chance of rain (1.5 mm)

Temps. => 18/20°C

Hopefully we can see a race without crashes and incidents ..
As we know the Spa track is extremely dangerous (!)

[TheBingoBalls]

• McLaren automatic favorites, obviously.
• Mercedes is the easy sleeper - if temperatures are on the cooler side, the performance is there to make podium, if on the warmer side, their usual finish of P5-P8 unless we get crash outs.
• Max will be in contention for podium finish regardless, a win will highly be dependent on how well the car can be set up.
• Who knows with Ferrari at this point. They reverted back to the Imola spec car so not sure what upgrades will be done, if any and if will be enough to compete like they were early in the season.

Rain factor: if it rains, it’s anyone’s race if youre on the top 4 teams.

[AmuroRay]

I still don't think Mercedes is as fast as everyone else does - It's about on Par with Ferrari, and at best slightly faster due to driver. McLaren is easily the fastest and Redbull is not far behind.

[Chihuahua]

This is the race I look forward to every year.

[TheBingoBalls]

Originally Posted by AmuroRay

I still don't think Mercedes is as fast as everyone else does - It's about on Par with Ferrari, and at best slightly faster due to driver. McLaren is easily the fastest and Redbull is not far behind.

Because they’re a prisoner of the moment. Both Mercedes wins are a result of circumstances outside of the W15’s performance/pace.

In Austria, RUS was almost 15 seconds behind both Lando and VER and 2 seconds ahead of SAI before the accident allowing RUS to win.

At Silverstone, HAM won because of the rain and better (tire) strategy but you take the rain away, HAM likely doesn’t finish ahead of Lando or VER.

In race pace, McLaren is the quickest and has been for the most part since Miami and Red Bull is just behind them. Mercedes and Ferrari are 3 and 4 depending on track and external conditions.

[AmuroRay]

Originally Posted by TheBingoBalls

Because they’re a prisoner of the moment. Both Mercedes wins are a result of circumstances outside of the W15’s performance/pace.

In Austria, RUS was almost 15 seconds behind both Lando and VER and 2 seconds ahead of SAI before the accident allowing RUS to win.

At Silverstone, HAM won because of the rain and better (tire) strategy but you take the rain away, HAM likely doesn’t finish ahead of Lando or VER.

In race pace, McLaren is the quickest and has been for the most part since Miami and Red Bull is just behind them. Mercedes and Ferrari are 3 and 4 depending on track and external conditions.

100% agree.

[M5Rick]

1. MAX (birth country
2. NOR
3. SAI
4. LEC
5. RUS
6. PER (last chance saloon for him? if so that should seal it.
7. HAM
8. ALO
9. TSU
10. STR

[///M Power-Belgium]

Originally Posted by AmuroRay

I still don't think Mercedes is as fast as everyone else does - It's about on Par with Ferrari, and at best slightly faster due to driver. McLaren is easily the fastest and Redbull is not far behind.

Mercedes scored 5 podiums and 2 wins in the last 5 races .
Red Bull can only dream about that....

[///M Power-Belgium]

Originally Posted by M5Rick

1. MAX (birth country
2. NOR
3. SAI
4. LEC
5. RUS
6. PER (last chance saloon for him? if so that should seal it.
7. HAM
8. ALO
9. TSU
10. STR

I just hear : If Checo will be replaced , it will be by Ricciardo .
That's what Horner wants ...

[AmuroRay]

Originally Posted by ///M Power-Belgium

Mercedes scored 5 podiums and 2 wins in the last 5 races .
Red Bull can only dream about that....

Context matters.

[M5Rick]

Originally Posted by ///M Power-Belgium

I just hear : If Checo will be replaced , it will be by Ricciardo .
That's what Horner wants ...

I had a feeling for that
Horner is more sympathetic to some than others would give him credit for.

[///M Power-Belgium]

Originally Posted by AmuroRay

Context matters.

In F1 : It's only the results that really matter.

[AmuroRay]

Originally Posted by ///M Power-Belgium

In F1 : It's only the results that really matter.

True.

But still, I think TheBingoBalls really was pretty close when it came to car/team rankings. From there, there is any new upgrade and strategy.

I don't think Lando just "matured" into a better driver, I think the car allowed him to be over Sainz level, and even over Max...those cars are very quick.

Mercedes just seem content with building on a concept that works, and working on incremental changes that cut the gap. I think the 2 wins are a little optimistic considering where the cars are compared to the others.

Ferrari is basically the same thing, it looks like messy* management. Sounds like the talent is there at least. Hopefully they iron it out before Lewis steps in.

[Blindside_137]

Originally Posted by ///M Power-Belgium

I just hear : If Checo will be replaced , it will be by Ricciardo .
That's what Horner wants ...

I think it makes sense. If he is terrible they sack him by year end and he is probably done for good.

They would have to show some grace period with Yuki and Lawson should they make the switch at summer break and Red Bull doesn’t have the luxury for that with the car now and bleeding points. But this way maybe Lawson gets into RB alongside Yuki and the next 6 months they battle out for the 2025 Red Bull seat if Danny sucks.

[///M Power-Belgium]

Originally Posted by AmuroRay

True.

But still, I think TheBingoBalls really was pretty close when it came to car/team rankings. From there, there is any new upgrade and strategy.

I don't think Lando just "matured" into a better driver, I think the car allowed him to be over Sainz level, and even over Max...those cars are very quick.

Mercedes just seem content with building on a concept that works, and working on incremental changes that cut the gap. I think the 2 wins are a little optimistic considering where the cars are compared to the others.

Ferrari is basically the same thing, it looks like message management. Sounds like the talent is there at least. Hopefully they iron it out before Lewis steps in.

Ex Red Bull , "Rob Marshall" left the Red Bull Team and joined the McLaren Team .

3-4 races later , the McLarens started to fly (!)

[Killed by Death]

Originally Posted by ///M Power-Belgium

I just hear : If Checo will be replaced , it will be by Ricciardo .
That's what Horner wants ...

Choice of Checo or Ricciardo

Might as well keep Slims money.

[Car-Addicted]

Originally Posted by ///M Power-Belgium

I just hear : If Checo will be replaced , it will be by Ricciardo .
That's what Horner wants ...

Replacing the too slow guy with money with the too slow guy with no money is not a Horner move.

Max and Red Bull regain their form and Max takes poll and flag to flag win.

[///M Power-Belgium]

Originally Posted by Killed by Death

Choice of Checo or Ricciardo

Might as well keep Slims money.

Originally Posted by Car-Addicted

Replacing the too slow guy with money with the too slow guy with no money is not a Horner move.

Max and Red Bull regain their form and Max takes poll and flag to flag win.

As you guys know : My choise is Nico Hulkenberg to replace Checo.

Horner s@cks (!)

[TheBingoBalls]

Originally Posted by ///M Power-Belgium

In F1 : It's only the results that really matter.

I’m glad we all agree that HAM is the greatest F1 driver of all time.

[Killed by Death]

Originally Posted by TheBingoBalls

I’m glad we all agree that HAM is the greatest F1 driver of all time.