Belgian Grand Prix Preview: F1 is back after summer break
Belgian GP Preview: F1 is back after summer break
It’s that time of the year when you stop thinking about summer and start thinking about Formula 1. Finally, after a four-week break, the Belgian Grand Prix is upon us this weekend at Spa-Francorchamps. The most unpredictable race of the year awaits, so let’s get right into my Belgian Grand Prix preview.
Belgian GP in 2021
Belgian Grand Prix 2021 was Formula 1’s shortest-ever race. It started raining before the race began flooding the track. Due to his collision during the warm-up lap, Sergio Perez did not even make it to the starting grid. Although he was permitted to start the race, he had to start from the back after forfeiting his seventh qualifying position.
But the race never really got going. Two attempts, one counted, were attempted from behind the safety car. Then, finally, race control deemed it a good race after three circuits with the safety car in place. As a result, it was possible to give half points, but it confused the fans.
Verstappen won at the Belgian Grand Prix ahead of Russell and Hamilton. However, the race’s organisation was heavily criticised afterwards. The FIA has changed the regulations in 2022 in response to the criticism, which means that more actual laps will need to be completed without a safety car to give any points. Fans would receive compensation, but they are still waiting.
Track modifications
This year, the circuit has undergone several changes. The track layout is almost the same as last year’s, except for turn 9 (Les Combes), which now has new kerbs that should allow taking the corner faster. The famed Eau Rouge-Raidillon part of the track is unaltered, but the run-off area on the left at the top of the climb has undergone significant alteration and grown in size.
A sizable grandstand has taken the place of the ancient chalet. In addition, most of the corners’ tarmac run-off zones have been replaced with gravel, bucking the trend observed at other venues, except for Eau Rouge-Raidillon and Blanchimont corner, to solve the “track limit” issue. Going wide now means losing time or getting stranded off the track.
Anti-porpoising measure
The new technical rule will now debut at the next race in Belgium. It calls for an obligatory increase in ride height to stop porpoising and safeguard the drivers’ health and safety.
FIA will closely examine teams’ planks and skids to ensure that they aren’t worn down too much and that the drivers aren’t subjected to excessive “vertical oscillations”—bouncing or porpoising—that might compromise their safety.
The porpoising phenomena, which is severe bouncing brought on by a loss and gain of downforce on the straights, has returned with the advent of ground effect vehicles in the new age of Formula One, bringing this issue to the forefront.
Ricciardo leaves McLaren
McLaren and Daniel Ricciardo have decided to part after the current Formula 1 season, ending his contract with the Woking-based team early.
The former Red Bull and Renault driver initially signed a three-year contract with McLaren in 2021. Ricciardo had the ultimate choice on whether or not to complete the last year. He said that up until recently, despite certain competitive difficulties, he was entirely devoted to seeing things through.
However, given the need for change at McLaren and the team’s situation had not improved, all parties ultimately decided that continuing was not the best course of action. As a result, Ricciardo will reportedly receive his entire contract salary for 2023, but he is also free to compete anywhere else.
