What To Watch For in the Belgian Grand Prix

(opens in a new tab)Sign InSubscribeF1ScheduleResultsStandingsDriversTeamsF1 UnlockedOpen menuFIA if(window.f1MobileDetection.iOSSafari) { var meta = document.createElement("meta"); meta.name = "apple-itunes-app"; meta.content = "app-id=835022598, app-argument=https://www.formula1.com/en/latest/article/what-to-watch-for-in-the-belgian-grand-prix.75GZV4gQoBB8JsoGNvcnFz.75GZV4gQoBB8JsoGNvcnFz"; document.head.appendChild(meta); } {"@context":"https://schema.org","@type":"NewsArticle","@id":"https://www.formula1.com/en/latest/article/what-to-watch-for-in-the-belgian-grand-prix.75GZV4gQoBB8JsoGNvcnFz","url":"https://www.formula1.com/en/latest/article/what-to-watch-for-in-the-belgian-grand-prix.75GZV4gQoBB8JsoGNvcnFz","mainEntityOfPage":"https://www.formula1.com/en/latest/article/what-to-watch-for-in-the-belgian-grand-prix.75GZV4gQoBB8JsoGNvcnFz","datePublished":"2026-07-18T18:20:32.975Z","dateModified":"2026-07-18T18:20:32.975Z","headline":"What To Watch For in the Belgian Grand Prix: Slipstreaming, Safety Cars, and Verstappen vs Mercedes","author":"F1","description":"Chris Medland picks out five key things to keep an eye on when the lights go out on race day at Spa-Francorchamps.","image":{"@type":"ImageObject","url":"https://www.formula1.com/etc/designs/fom-website/social/f1-default-share.jpg"},"isAccessibleForFree":"false","publisher":{"@type":"SportsOrganization","@id":"https://www.formula1.com#organization","name":"Formula 1","logo":{"@type":"ImageObject","url":"https://www.formula1.com/etc/designs/fom-website/social/f1-default-share.jpg","width":"480","height":"120"}}}What To Watch For in the Belgian Grand PrixWhat To Watch ForF1 UnlockedBelgiumShow more tagsSpecial ContributorChris MedlandFrom Max Verstappen's threat off the line to the Mercedes internal battle, and from two fast drivers out of position to the potential for plenty of race-changing moments, here are five things to look out for when racing gets underway on Sunday at Spa-Francorchamps. Taking pole position at the Belgian Grand Prix is a satisfying result for any driver, given the challenge of putting together a quick lap around the iconic circuit. But it doesn’t always lead to the most comfortable start of a race. Unlock exclusive F1 content and more with F1 Unlocked. Totally free. Membership gets you closer with: Live like an F1 insider with exclusive access and VIP experiences Member benefits, rewards and offers Download the Official F1 AppYour ultimate companion into
the world of Formula 1 Legal & complianceTerms of Use Beyond The Grid - the F1® podcast F1FacebookXInstagramYouTube© 2003-2026 Formula One World Championship Limited