Its another Formula 1 weekend, this case one of my favorites, Formula 1 Belgian Grand Prix aka SPA, Friday starts with two free practice sessions at this iconic circuit, low down force, lots of speed. Teams and drivers got their first taste of the challenging track as it has been resurface in some sector, the sessions provided some interesting insights into the potential pecking order for the weekend ahead, however this are just practice so nothing to be excited about as per usual drivers and teams not going all out, they just testing the ground. Weather conditions remaining relatively stable throughout the day, contrary to the usual unpredictable Spa climate, this meant that teams were able to focus on their programs without any major interruptions, but it also resulted in a somewhat uneventful day of running. There were still some notable talking points to come out of the sessions, including the performance of certain teams and drivers, as well as some off track developments that could have significant implications for the future of one particular team on the grid.
Free Practice 1
Red Bull Dominance Continues
Max Verstappen once again showed why he's the man to beat this season even though the car is not on its best shape this is a track suited for Red Bull, the Dutch driver set the fastest time of the session demonstrating that the Red Bull car is still between the ones dominating the field, even at a track like Spa that requires a different aerodynamic setup compared to some other circuits on the calendar, Verstappen's performance was particularly impressive given that he will be starting the race with a grid penalty due to exceeding his allocation of power unit components, although having a new engine can give him some advantage over others, its not every day that teams have to retire cars for a bad engine but still having a new power unit helps. Verstappen in the past won this same GP coming from 20 on the grid although it needs to be said that back then the car was in a different advantage position than it is right now, if Verstappen makes pole position tomorrow and starts 11 on the grid I would probably say he will be in the front of the pack, top 5 after 6 laps if not less.McLaren Constructor Championship
During FP1 and FP2 its not strange to have McLaren close to Verstappen, they look very strong although their car has been performing the best on slow corners, lots of down force circuits but still very fast none the less. After the hole drama during Hungary GP I wonder how the relation between Piastri and Norris, on track; is at the moment. Latter this morning McLaren F1 Boss, Zak Brown gave an interview putting some focus on the Constructors Championship as their target but when he was ask about Norris fight for the Championship he said that's something that would be decided by Andrea Stella if the team feels to favorite Norris over Piastri when it comes to Drivers Championship, making it look that its not their target at the moment, its 85 points between Verstappen and Norris, nothing is impossible but that would require about 3 DNF from Verstappen and Norris wining a couple of races to then say we got a serious competition.I have to mention the McLaren look very very fast on FP2 and even though their car has been very fast on high down force sectors this time around they putting up some good top speed, Norris constantly getting over 310kmph but still having his partner Piastri and Verstappen both on his rear mirror glue to the back of his McLaren, this race is going to be a great close before the summer break.
Free Practice 2
Porpoising Problems
Mercedes and Ferrari have been suffering of continues porpoising issues, SPA is a track that punish cars suffering of this problem as the teams want to run their car as low as possible to extract as much performance they can this time around its hard for any team to do this and avoid having their car to bottom out, consequently this cause a safety issue reason why the FIA can call out teams to check the bottom plank of the car and measure how much it has wear out, both Mercedes and Ferrari look like bottoming out during both practice and some drivers like Hamilton and Sainz respectively report it during radio, this bouncing problems can become a health issue for the drivers too as they constantly keep bouncing with the car putting a heavy load on their backs. I honestly doubt that either of this two teams could become a menace for the possible three drivers performing the best been Norris, Piastri and Verstappen.Weekend Surprise
There are two teams that could give us a surprise with some great performance during quali tomorrow and thats RBR with Ricciardo performing very well, their car look very smooth and currently there is a battle between Riccardo and Tsunoda to figure out potentially who could take Checo seat after the summer break if that's the case that Red Bull decides to replace him, I cant count out Checo from this race neither since first he knows he needs a good performance so Red Bull can make up their minds and say ok he can stay because he can still turn it up, honestly Verstappen needs Checo in the front with him more than ever to fight the McLarens, Red Bull is on a similar position to 2021 when they were fighting Mercedes and back then Checo was probably in his best shape ever but this rivalry he had with Verstappen has totally destroy him, he needs to focus into driving right now instead of winning races.
Off-Track Developments
Alpine's Uncertain Future
One of the biggest talking points of the weekend so far has been the situation at Alpine, reports emerged during the practice sessions that team principal Bruno Famin could be on his way out, just weeks after a major restructuring of the team's management, this news comes on top of rumors that Alpine might be considering a switch to Mercedes power units for the 2026 season, abandoning their own engine program, it would not be strange for a total overhaul or even having some alliance with Andretti to join an already establish team and finally fulfill his dream to join Formula 1.Insights on New Haas Drivers for 2025
In more positive news for one Alpine driver, it was confirmed that Esteban Ocon will be part of HAAS for the 2025 season on a multi year contract, they always take this gambles with new drivers and not so well balance ones like Magnussen who perfome well against a rookie but then came in Hulkemberg and destroy him. This move provides some stability for Ocon's future in Formula 1 he is the one benefit from this deal in my opinion, its true that he also giving HAAS an experienced driver to lead their team next year since Hulkemberg is going to AUDI leaving them empty handed when it comes to experience on the grid. The confirmation of Esteban Ocon will be alongside young British driver Ollie Bearman and I can already see Ocon trying to be that lead driver in his own "special" way, a way that cause problems with Alonso and Gasly, I do believe this is a big mistake for HAAS but I can also understand they cant bring two rookies at the same time again that would be a worst gamble. Ocon do bring lots of experience to the American team, having competed in Formula 1 since 2016 and securing a race win with Alpine in 2021, his knowledge and feedback COULD be valuable in helping HAAS develop their car, I cant say he is not a fast driver at all. Bearman on the other hand, represents an exciting prospect for the future, the young driver has shown impressive form in junior categories and will be looking to make his mark in his rookie F1 season.
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