[akash_v12]

Formula One returns after the summer break after what seems like an eternity to me. The Circuit de Spa-Francorchamps is one of the most iconic race tracks on the Formula 1 calendar.
Based in the small municipality of Stavelot, this track has hosted almost every Belgian Grand Prix since 1983, missing only 1984, 2003 and 2006.
Throughout its history Spa has undergone several design changes, but by far the most notable was in 1979 when it was cut from an 8.76-mile circuit to its current length of 4.32 miles. In the process, this track went from using public roads to becoming a permanent racing facility with 20 corners. The most recent one, however, brought in the following changes:

The run-off at the top of the hill, particularly to the inside, has been a major talking point following some big accidents in this area of the track.
If cars crashed and hit the inside barrier, they were likely to be spat back out into the middle of the race track, while unsighted cars crested the hill.
Following the fatal accident of Anthoine Hubert in the 2019 Formula 2 feature race, drivers reiterated calls for this section of the track to be changed.
They did not want the essence of Eau Rouge/Raidillon to change, but for more room on the inside in case something went wrong.
This has happened over the winter of 2021/22, with the famed corner finally undergoing some major renovation work.
In part, this was made necessary by floods that heavily damaged the track during 2021/22 winter.
Resurfacing work was carried out, with Spa also then taking the opportunity to address some of the safety concerns about the Eau Rouge/Raidillon sequence.
Some slight tweaks have been made to the radius of Eau Rouge itself, but there is now far greater run-off on either side of Raidillon.
The barrier has been moved further back, creating lots more run-off for drivers in case they need to use it.

Most of the major work at Spa has been centered on Eau Rouge/Raidillon, with the remainder being tweaks to run-off throughout the lap.
At La Source, the tight Turn 1 hairpin, the run-off has been extended and a gravel trap added on the outside.
Following the blast down the Kemmel Straight, the Les Combes/Malmedy section of track has had its asphalt run-off again replaced with gravel, with the barrier pushed back.
Turn 11, the so-called 'Corner with no name', will feature a new section of track to the inside, but F1 machines will remain on the iconic layout.
This new bit of track is so that Spa can potentially hold motorcycle races as in line with FIM requirements.
Elsewhere, the run-off at Blanchimont has been increased in a similar fashion to the rest of the track, with gravel again being added to the outside.
The total cost of the renovation work is estimated to be about €25 million.

Spa is seen as one of the ultimate tests of a driver. In particular, the Eau Rouge and Raidillon corner combination are some of the most spectacular sights in Formula 1, especially when the cars are launched through there at full throttle.
And as if the circuit itself wasn't difficult enough, Spa has a habit of producing very unpredictable weather. Sometimes it can be raining at one part of the circuit, but dry and sunny at another part. (The 2021 'event' haunts me now seeing the weather forecast this weekend).

Schedule



Circuit



Tyres



Weather



Drivers Championship



Constructors Championship

[ninjatalli]

So Verstappen, Leclarc, Norris, Bottas, Ocon & Mick Schumacher will start from the end of the grid, thanks to engine related penalties (e.g power unit changes for Leclarc).

With one Red Bull and Ferrari car consigned to start from the back, Mercedes could have their best chance of claiming their first win of the year. Also Toto has given several hints over the last few weeks of additional changes being made so this will be an interesting Sunday for sure. Russell was 4th in FP1 today, so there's definitely potential for Mercedes car to come first.


Source: 1

[attinder]

Max can win this race from the back.

[aravindb_0711]

The summer break is a very important period for teams to work on upgrades for their cars, based on the driver feedback. I hope and pray that Mercedes should find a good amount of pace, now that some revisions have been made to reduce the porpoising effect.

The 2022 season has proved to be a game changer, in terms of viewer excitement, and as always the amazing Spa will provide spots for thrilling overtakes.

p.s. I don't understand why Ferrari makes such bad strategy decisions and I hope they improve in the upcoming races.

[Cyborg]

Originally Posted by aravindb_0711

The summer break is a very important period for teams to work on upgrades for their cars, based on the driver feedback.

No work is allowed during the summer break, there are penalties applied if any team does any car improvement during this 14 day period. This period is for everyone to take a break, that’s it. Only maintenance work or marketing work is allowed.

The article below explains everything in detail.

https://www.motorsport.com/f1/news/w...long/10346924/

Cheers

[aravindb_0711]

Originally Posted by Cyborg

No work is allowed during the summer break, there are penalties applied if any team does any car improvement during this 14 day period. This period is for everyone to take a break, that’s it. Only maintenance work or marketing work is allowed.

Hey! I guess you misunderstood this article. Between the Hungarian and Belgian grands prix weekends, there are 27 days and all F1 teams are required to stop their work for only 14 of them for their break.

Thus, it gives them 13 valuable days to work on upgrades without restraint. All work other than maintenance and marketing is not allowed only during that 14 day period.

[Red Liner]

Ferrari never ceases to amaze me. Never.

What in the name of God is going on in there?!

[Yusha]

Originally Posted by Red Liner

Ferrari never ceases to amaze me. Never.

What in the name of God is going on in there?!

Ferrari are useless. They can’t get anything right. They are not communicating properly with their drivers. Leclerc had to ask if he’s doing a lap with the tyres he had on. And then they screwed up the tow for Sainz. He had to lift before Eau Rouge.

[attinder]

Amazing that the guy starting from 15th is the bookies favourite to win the race.

[SShandilya]

Few things I realised during this race -

1. Verstappen is in a different league compared to others. This man was flying today and what a performance. It’s one of the few races where we got to watch man and machine become 1.

2. Perez put up a poor show today. From the start, he just wasn’t able to capitalise on his position and to be in the same machine as Max and still finish 18 seconds behind is inexcusable.

3. Ferrari did put their thinking cap on while on the break and their new innovative strategy is to let drivers be their own strategist while they also drive at 300+kmph. The constant ‘questions’ being raised on the radio was so embarrassing for their team.

4. Mercedes are back and for sure they are eyeing 2nd position on the constructors and might as well win it. They will make Redbull and Ferrari feel their presence in the coming races.

[Red Liner]

Originally Posted by SShandilya

Few things I realised during this race -

3. Ferrari did put their thinking cap on while on the break and their new innovative strategy is to let drivers be their own strategist while they also drive at 300+kmph. The constant ‘questions’ being raised on the radio was so embarrassing for their team.

4.

They are smart. All blame on strategy will be pushed to the driver now.

If a leader does not acknowledge their mistakes, then something is terribly wrong. Your drivers do, so why the hell don’t you?

[Dry Ice]

YT is going wild

Some comments that sure made me chuckle!

Verstappen is just in a league of his own. Last race starts p10, does a 360 and wins. Today, starts from p14, overtakes the whole field in less than 10 laps and wins. Whats next? Starts from the back of the grid, mid race goes to drink some coffee with horner, then realises the race isnt finished yet, goes back to the track and wins with only two tyres??

Charles pitting to get the fastest lap, getting a 5 second penalty and losing p5 to Alonso is honestly peak Ferrari

There are two great examples of driver and team in unison. Max and Red Bull when it comes to winning; Leclerc and Ferrari when it comes to bottling.

That slide at the end from Max dropped my heart for a second

to think that there'll be no ferrari disasterclass this time only to get it on the very end is amazing

[SShandilya]

Originally Posted by Red Liner

They are smart. All blame on strategy will be pushed to the driver now.

If a leader does not acknowledge their mistakes, then something is terribly wrong. Your drivers do, so why the hell don’t you?

Exactly ! You nailed it. If leadership is not acknowledging their fault, it’s game over for Charles and honestly to some extent it does seem that it’s over for Ferrari.

Their strategist are at more pressure than their drivers. They know they are being looked at by everyone, they are under confident and will now have to incorporate Mercedes in their plans.

[Speedshift]

The Red Bull have nailed everything from the Aero to the PU. The difference in straight line top speed was incredible.

The difference in performance is very similar to what Mercedes did during the second half of the last season. Very similar to Hamilton's Sao Paulo sprint from 20th to 5th in 2021.

[nevin007]

RedBull are in a different league. Their pace was phenomenal, with Perez also keeping a good pace throughout they are very well ahead by 118 points from Ferrari in constructors championship.
Their were great moves from other drivers too, Ocon pulling a mega move on Vettel and Gasely, replicating what Mika did to Michael.
There was another important battel between Alpine and McLaren, and Alpine have stretched their lead by 16 points. They are proving themselves as 4th fastest car.