The fabled Spa-Francorchamps circuit plays host to the Belgian GP, the tenth round of the Formula One (F1) World Championship, and could deliver a significant turning point in the fight for the driver’s championship. Famed for its long straights and unpredictable weather, Spa is widely regarded as one of the world’s greatest circuits.
Similar to Silverstone, electrical power is once again creating concern among several drivers who believe one of F1’s greatest challenges could be watered down into a battle of the batteries. Without further ado, here are the main talking points from the Belgian GP that fans need to know.
Alonso: “Less Power Than F2”
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He may not be driving the fastest car on the grid, but Aston Martin’s Fernando Alonso is among several drivers worried about how battery deployment will negatively impact how it feels to drive around one of F1’s quickest tracks.
“Silverstone and Spa, they are very thirsty on energy,” said the Spaniard before the British Grand Prix. Spa is going to be the same thing. If you deploy from turn one to five, it is finito for the rest of the lap.”
Alonso goes a step further, claiming that 2026’s F1 cars without any electrical assistance will have much less power than 2025 and even less than Formula 2 (F2). “We have significantly less power than last year and less power than F2,” said Alonso. “That is the case when you cut the deployment. So, yes, it is a challenge.”
Belgium is likely to be a struggle for Aston Martin. Despite this, it’s the last round before the team’s anticipated upgrade that is said to bring several seconds in pace and bring the green machines much closer to the highly competitive midfield.
Continued Ferrari Momentum
Belgium is a track where Ferrari has had some of its most memorable moments. From Michael Schumacher’s seventh title win to Charles Leclerc’s emotional first victory, the Prancing Horse has experienced plenty of success in the Ardennes Forest.
Silverstone was another strong showing for the Scuderia, which remains the closest challenger to a dominant Mercedes car. Victory for Leclerc and a third-place finish for Lewis Hamilton keep both drivers in title contention as the season reaches the halfway point.
Before taking the top step in Great Britain, Leclerc has struggled to extract maximum pace from his Ferrari. After making a breakthrough, victory at the Belgian GP could provide a much-needed boost as he looks to continue battling at the front of the field.
Mercedes Duel Heats Up
The battle between George Russell and Kimi Antonelli is shaping up to be another tantalizing battle between teammates. Spa hasn’t been kind to Mercedes when its two drivers are competing for the highest honor in motorsport, with Hamilton and Rosberg colliding in 2016.
There have been a few examples of Russell and Antonelli almost coming together. The Canada Sprint Race could’ve proved disastrous for the title contenders, handing valuable points to their rivals.
Russell’s experience at the Belgian GP could make the difference this year, having demonstrated his excellent car control in 2021, when he guided an under-performing Williams to the front row with a stunning lap in treacherous conditions. Antonelli arguably should’ve won in Silverstone if it wasn’t for a broken car. If he can bounce back with blistering pace and battle with Russell, Belgium could decide the course of this year’s championship.
Published: Jul 15, 2026 03:00 pm