If the forecasts are to be believed, the heavens will open above the Spa-Francorchamps circuit on Sunday, and Max Verstappen and his colleagues will almost certainly have to contend with rain. Will this help him to possibly win from P4? It would be the ‘Miracle of Spa’. But don’t count on it.
Chaos in the rain?
There were times when Verstappen could confidently replace a few parts and take a grid penalty in Belgium. Because: he would probably win anyway. This year is different, as has been evident all season. And yes, Verstappen won the sprint race. This speaks volumes about his exceptional class. But can he win the Grand Prix on Sunday? That would require some unusual circumstances.
“P3 is the highest achievable,” predicts the four-time world champion. For Verstappen fans, this is undoubtedly a sad realization, even the sky is crying along. And the rain that comes from it can always cause some chaos, as Verstappen acknowledged. But he is also the first to admit that the battle in the Belgian Ardennes will probably be mainly between Lando Norris and McLaren teammate Oscar Piastri.
Perhaps the two will clash, now that the season is halfway through and the fight for the title promises to be a thrilling battle. And that’s where the Miracle of Spa could emerge for Verstappen, who might end up being the laughing third. It’s also something that Charles Leclerc – he starts ahead of Verstappen in third place – will be hoping for. “Wishful thinking,” is the telling phrase heard in the paddock.
Prepared for Rain in Spa
Whether it rains or not, only time will tell on Sunday afternoon. Regardless, the battle further down the field will be interesting. Drivers like Lewis Hamilton (nearly in tears on Saturday) and Kimi Antonelli (completely in tears) have a lot to make up for. Not to mention the heavily disappointing Aston Martin (both cars on the last starting row). “But we have set up the car for rain,” is the excuse from Fernando Alonso and Lance Stroll‘s team. The same can be said for the rest of the field.
Who will perform best in the likely changing conditions on Sunday? Who has found the best compromise between speed and downforce, and who will make the right strategic move when a safety car inevitably enters the track? The Belgian Grand Prix never disappoints. Expect the same this Sunday. Just don’t count on a miracle.
And furthermore…
…a lap is 7004 meters long
…the chance of a safety car is 63 percent
…Michael Schumacher has won the most times (6x)
…it’s 165 meters from pole to the braking point for the first turn
