Toto Wolff: The subsequent two Grands Prix present a possibility to move into the summer season break with momentum. Within the first 12 races of the season, we’ve got been at entrance of the sector on a number of events. At others, we’ve got struggled. Now we have centered our energies on bettering this delta, working onerous to make sure we could be aggressive in any respect occasions. Submit shutdown, our consideration will inevitably flip additional in the direction of 2026 although. These subsequent two races are due to this fact necessary in making certain we get the W16 into nearly as good a spot as potential throughout various tracks and situations.
Spa and the Hungaroring are helpful venues for serving to us proceed that work. They’re completely different in character; Spa with its elevation modifications, high-speed corners, and changeable climate contrasts with the tight, twisty circuit format of Budapest that always sees a number of the highest observe temperatures of the yr. We’ll purpose to make good steps with the automobile while optimising every weekend and combating for sturdy outcomes.
Reality File
• With its 7.004km, Spa-Francorchamps is the longest on the F1 calendar. In consequence, the race is run over the shortest variety of laps of the yr: 44.
• The climate at Spa also can closely impression the race, with a 56% probability of a moist session throughout the weekend. This makes Spa the race most definitely to be affected by rain.
• The run right down to the primary braking zone at Flip One (La Supply) is likely one of the shortest of the season at simply 137m. Solely Azerbaijan (90m) and Las Vegas (111m) are shorter.
• The tow at Spa-Francorchamps could be very highly effective because of the lengthy straights, significantly the part after Raidillon. On the primary lap that is much more highly effective, as a result of drivers chasing can decide up a tow from a number of automobiles. The shortage of DRS on lap one additionally will increase this impact.
• It was one of many greatest challenges for engine responsibility and time spent on full throttle, however with the brand new laws and new tracks becoming a member of it has fallen down the listing. It nonetheless stays within the high 5, although.
• Tyre responsibility and put on are a number of the highest of the season at Spa, with excessive averages throughout all 4 corners of the automobile.
• From the exit of La Supply to the braking zone for Les Combes, the drivers have their foot firmly on the throttle for round 23 seconds (and 1,875 metres) of observe format.
• The Belgian Grand Prix will host an F1 Dash race for the second time in 2025, having beforehand hosted the shortened format in 2023.
• Mercedes has six wins at Spa – the primary coming with Juan Manuel Fangio in 1955.
• This yr marks the a hundredth anniversary of the Belgian Grand Prix with a primary race going down in 1925.
• This may also be the 600th Grand Prix weekend for Mercedes Benz as an engine provider in F1.
