Welcome back to the Track Limits Podcast! Tune in with Henny, Feven and Claudia as they unpack all the highlights from the recently concluded Belgian Grand Prix.
Spa has always been known for producing thrilling races. As the longest track on the calendar at over 7 km per lap, teams needed to strike the perfect balance between straight-line speed and downforce. McLaren was expected to be the strongest team this weekend, but with the teams appearing evenly matched, no clear favourite emerged.
Qualifying featured exciting mixed conditions with rain, highlighting Max Verstappen's dominance as he led in every sector. However, an engine penalty meant he would start from P11. Spa's long straights have historically led to multiple DRS trains, often limiting on-track action.
This race surprised many pundits and analysts, as neither Red Bull nor McLaren were in contention for the win. Instead, Ferrari and Mercedes battled at the front. George Russell made a bold call to go for a one-stop strategy, initially winning the race, only to be disqualified due to the car's weight.
Lewis Hamilton ultimately took the win, but Mercedes was stripped of their 1-2 finish in Belgium. Despite the setback, this performance bodes well for the team as they head into the summer break. With four teams now within a second of each other, the second half of the season promises exciting racing. Now, as the "silly season" begins, fans eagerly await announcements about driver lineups for next year.
