Just one race before the summer break for Formula 1. The circuit where the fastest cars on the planet will race this weekend is called the university of F1. We are in Belgium, Spa-Francorchamps: so let's go and discover the circuit.
Let's discover the longest circuit of the championship
The Spa-Francorchamps circuit is a semi-permanent track. It's the track longest in the championship, measuring 7004 meters. Presents 19 curves e 2 DRS zones. The first on the main straight, the second between 6 and 7. It is one of the historic circuits of the World Championship. In the year of the inauguration (1924), the entire lap measured 14,9 km, to then be shortened with the entry into the calendar of a 14,1 km. Subsequently, in the 70 years, was brought to its current configuration of approximately 7 km. The circuit in general is commonly known as the university of F1, for his complexity e completezza.
The driver with the most victories on the Belgian track is Michael Schumacher to 6, With the Classic Ferrari for sale at altitude 14 victories. The one with the most pole is instead Sir Lewis Hamilton to 6, followed by a legend from the past: Juan Manuel Fangio (4). The overall track record belongs to Hamilton in 1'41 "252. The official one a Valtteri Bottas in 1'46 "286.
Lots of speed and lots of engine: the characteristics of the Belgian track
Finding the right set-up for such a long circuit it is not easy. We need to find the right balance between good downforce ed excellent top speed. This is why teams very often opt for a set-up from medium-low load. In terms of shape, the hind wings are very similar to those you will see in September Monza. This is mainly due to the first sector, as it comes after La Source (the source, curve 1) up to Les Combes (turn 7) everything is complete. It is the most evocative stretch of the World Championship, especially the section Eau Rouge-Raidillon-Kemmel Straight.
Due to these very high speeds it will be a very tough race for the engines, and we would see many teams take advantage of this stage to mount new components.
A keystone for the stables will be the understeer. Many curves on the Belgian track are subject to this phenomenon, and knowing how to bring it to almost zero will be the keystone for this grand prize. Less understeer means a car more bet and above all that puts less stress on the tyres.
McLaren to maintain form, Max furious at the back
Making predictions after the weekend in Hungary leads to saying that the favorite should undoubtedly be there McLaren. The one-two at the Hungaroring made us understand once and for all what the papaya-colored car is the strongest. But behind them is a Dutchman who most likely he has definitely lost his patience. Max Verstappen he is looking for redemption in a circuit where he has always shown his strength in the last two years.
ARTICLE BY FRANCESCO ORLANDO
