After each Grand Prix, we present the RaceReport, offering you an exclusive and playful digital recap of the race weekend. Reporters Gerard Bos and Gwen Kleverlaan bring you up to speed from Belgium!
SPA BREATHES MOTORSPORT
A weekend at Spa-Francorchamps remains something special. Nestled between the hills and forests of the Ardennes, this Grand Prix once again demonstrates why the circuit is so beloved by fans and drivers. From the morning mist above the asphalt to the roar of various racing classes: the atmosphere is unique to Spa-Francorchamps. The rain on Sunday further underscores the character of this circuit: unpredictable, challenging, and sometimes frustrating. But above all, unique.
Not only the Formula 1, in which Max Verstappen wins the sprint race from the second starting position on Saturday and Oscar Piastri replicates this feat a day later, adds color to the weekend. With Formula 2, Formula 3, and the Porsche Supercup, the program is richly filled. Young talent showcases themselves to the public and races on the edge, while the Porsche drivers battle in compact pelotons for every meter of asphalt.
Thousands of fans camp on the hills around the track with tents, beers, and raincoats at the ready. Whether you’re standing at La Source, overlooking Eau Rouge, or watching the cars disappear into the forests after Stavelot: Spa undoubtedly stirs something within.
A weekend like this shows why the Belgian Grand Prix, a favorite among the drivers, belongs on the calendar. This is motorsport. And it should stay that way.
Highlights from Spa
Max’s Remark
“I believe that our updates…”
The work is good, but it still doesn’t provide the balance I want to really attack a corner. The problems remain somewhat the same. And whether this will improve this year is questionable. I don’t know, only time will tell.
Top & Flop
Who performed the best and who fell short during the race weekend in Belgium? Here are our top and flop from Spa!
Top Performer: Charles Leclerc
Charles Leclerc’s weekend can best be described as solidly in the upper echelons. No earth-shattering moves or sensational overtakes, just a steady performance. Sometimes, that’s exactly what a top team needs. The Monegasque was in good form all weekend: P4 in the sprint race, and on Sunday, he had enough speed to keep Max Verstappen at bay for an hour and a half to secure the final podium spot. What makes this even more impressive? The comparison with his teammate. Lewis Hamilton spent most of the weekend searching for form. P16 in the sprint qualifying, P18 in the race qualifying. Even on Sunday, when he made a commendable comeback, the difference with his teammate was evident. Leclerc may not have had any standout moments, but in a weekend filled with rain, chaos, and mistakes by others, his flawless performance was impressive.
Underperformer: Kimi Antonelli
The weekend was a complete disaster for Kimi Antonelli. Last in the sprint qualifying, nowhere to be found in the sprint race itself, and he couldn’t get it together in the ‘real’ qualifying either. On Sunday, it wasn’t just the rain that caused teary eyes: the Italian teenager broke down during the media session on Saturday, literally in tears. And that says it all. Every newcomer needs a difficult weekend to learn from, but this one falls into the ‘ouch’ category. There’s no consistency, no speed, and no confidence. He’s only eighteen and oozes talent, but at Spa, you mainly see a driver who has completely lost himself. Painful? Yes. Educational? Hopefully. But this was a weekend to quickly forget. Pack up and move on to Budapest quickly.
Behind the Scenes
A glimpse behind the scenes at the Belgian Grand Prix!
Results of the 2025 Belgian Grand Prix
The podium photo of the 2025 Belgian Grand Prix shows Piastri, Lando Norris, and Leclerc (from left to right) having a good time.
Sprint Race
The sprint race was a thrilling event, with drivers battling for position and showcasing their skills.
Main Race
The main race was equally exciting, with drivers pushing their cars to the limit and providing a spectacle for the fans.
Additional Observations at Spa-Francorchamps
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WIN: ONE OF THESE TWO POSTERS!
In collaboration with Automobilist.com, an official partner of Formula 1, we are giving away several luxury posters throughout the season – true works of art! This time, we have special posters of Lando Norris and Lewis Hamilton! (both 50×70 centimeters, valued at 99 euros)
Three Questions for… Isack Hadjar
‘You’re Only as Good as Your Last Race’
There’s a shakeup at Red Bull and Racing Bulls: Laurent Mekies is leaving for Red Bull and Alan is taking over as team manager. According to Isack Hadjar, not much changes for him. The young Frenchman reflects on an instructive first half of the season. “It’s actually going a bit better than I expected.”
Isack, what’s your take on all the changes? Christian Horner is leaving Red Bull, Laurent Mekies is taking over, and you now have Alan Permane as your new team boss. Is this a significant change for you?
“It’s certainly a significant change, but honestly, not much changes for me at this point. Alan is someone I know well. He was always quite quiet and not often seen, but he has been an important part of the team so far. Besides my race engineer, he is the one I have worked with the most. He ultimately makes the final decision about the car’s setup. He has also worked closely with Laurent, who has really built something strong over the past two years. Alan is simply taking that over now. For the team and my approach, nothing really changes.”
You mentioned that you heard the news while you were working on the simulator. How was the atmosphere afterwards? Did the team notice anything or was it a surprise?
“A bit… I think the engineers and mechanics were mostly surprised. Laurent was highly valued within the team, so there was some sadness, of course. But I think we are less worried than Red Bull Racing. I believe it’s mainly just a bit sad that Laurent is leaving, but that’s just how it is.”
Finally, your first half of the Formula 1 season is over. Has the racing met your expectations? Is there anything that really surprised you in this first half of the year?
“Yes, it has been very inconsistent in those first twelve races. But that’s to be expected when you’re fighting in the midfield. There’s a very small difference between a place in the top-10 or falling far outside of it. I’m still in the learning phase, but it’s actually going a bit better than I expected. Especially in terms of speed. So that’s positive.”
Formula 1 Podcast
Together with reporter Gerard Bos, we look back at the Belgian Grand Prix from Spa-Francorchamps. Of course, we discuss Oscar Piastri’s resounding victory and Max Verstappen’s fourth place, but also the delayed start due to rain. Was this necessary and did it not take the sting out of the race?
Next Grand Prix: Hungary
Hungaroring
Formula 1 Arrives at the Hungarian Grand Prix
The Formula 1 season has reached its fourteenth round: the Hungarian Grand Prix. The race takes place at the Hungaroring, a twisty and technical circuit just outside the capital city of Budapest. The Hungarian GP is a classic fixture on the calendar and traditionally marks the final race before the summer break. Below is the complete schedule for the Hungarian Grand Prix.
Schedule for the Hungarian Grand Prix 2025
Friday, August 1
- First practice session: 11:30 – 12:30 UTC
- Second practice session: 15:00 – 16:00 UTC
Saturday, August 2
- Third practice session: 10:30 – 11:30 UTC
- Qualifying: 14:00 – 15:00 UTC
Sunday, August 3
- Race: 13:00 UTC
