Spa 2025: F1’s Wild Card Returns as McLaren’s Title Duel Heads to the Ardennes

McLaren Showdown Heads into the Forest

Just a few weeks ago, Lando Norris was waving the Union Jack in front of a rain-soaked Silverstone crowd after a dream win on home soil. But as the Formula 1 circus rolls into Belgium for Round 13, there’s no time to bask in that moment — because the Ardennes demands focus, guts, and a bit of luck.

Oscar Piastri, who led the championship heading into the British Grand Prix, is now looking over his shoulder. Norris has closed the gap to just eight points. And with Spa-Francorchamps being a sprint weekend and the weather looking typically sketchy, this could be a turning point.

Forecast? Bring a Raincoat

Spa and sunshine rarely co-exist. This weekend looks no different.

Friday is set for light showers and mild 20°C highs. Saturday’s expected to stay cloudy with a strong chance of more drizzle. As for Sunday’s main race — yep, more rain in the forecast.

That means chaos. And Spa loves chaos.

Red Bull’s Off-Track Drama Takes Centre Stage

Red Bull enter Spa not just on the back foot, but in the middle of a full-blown team shake-up. Team principal Christian Horner was sacked during the break — a dramatic move that has fans speculating whether the decision was made to appease Max Verstappen, who’s being linked more and more to Mercedes.

In Horner’s place steps Laurent Mekies, promoted from Racing Bulls. The paddock will be watching closely to see if the new leadership can settle the dust — and perhaps explain why Red Bull passed on signing Carlos Sainz to partner Verstappen this season.

Spa: The Rollercoaster in the Woods

Few tracks stir the soul like Spa-Francorchamps. Nestled in Belgium’s Ardennes forest, it’s a seven-kilometre rollercoaster of blind corners, elevation drops, and slippery straights.

It’s the longest circuit on the calendar and one of the oldest, dating back to F1’s inaugural season in 1950. In fact, it’s so historic that parts of it still run along public roads, and the legendary Eau Rouge and Raidillon section has become a symbol of bravery in motorsport.

Lewis Hamilton once called it “a proper old-school track” — and the fans agree. Whether you’re watching from the grandstands at Eau Rouge or tuning in from your couch in Johannesburg, Spa promises spectacle.

Fun Facts for the Die Hards

• Spa is technically Max Verstappen’s home race too — he was born in Belgium to a Belgian mother.

• The track’s famous “Bus Stop” chicane? It used to be a literal bus stop on the old public road layout.

• Of the 69 Belgian Grands Prix, 27 have been won from pole position — so qualifying still matters here.

• Michael Schumacher still holds the record for most wins at Spa with six.

Who’s Hot Going into the Weekend?

McLaren are flying. The papaya duo of Norris and Piastri have dominated the last few rounds, and it’s hard to see anyone else breaking their rhythm — not even Verstappen, who sits 61 points behind in third.

Still, don’t rule out Ferrari in the wet, and Hamilton will have the memory of last year’s Spa win (inherited after Russell’s disqualification) as motivation.

But if we had to pick? Piastri looks hungry. Spa could be where he reasserts control of the championship

Weekend Schedule: 

FP1: Friday 12:30 SAST
Sprint Qualifying: Friday 16:30

Sprint Race: Saturday: 12:00
Qualifying: Saturday: 16:00
Race: Sunday:15:00

South African F1 Fans: Here’s How to Watch

For South Africans hoping to catch every minute, SuperSport will be broadcasting all sessions live. Friday’s qualifying and sprint shootout, Saturday’s sprint race, and Sunday’s main event will all be available on DStv (usually on channels SS Motorsport or SS Grandstand). You can also stream it via DStv Stream on mobile or desktop.

You can also purchase an F1 TV Subscription which comes with various options for various budgets

Pro tip: The sprint weekend format means qualifying happens on Friday, not Saturday — don’t miss it.

Who Will Finish on the Top?

If there’s one race that captures everything F1 is about — speed, danger, history, unpredictability — it’s Spa. And with championship pressure mounting, team politics unraveling, and the rainclouds gathering, this weekend could be the wildest one yet.

Source:ESPN Africa 

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