In a qualification wet weather that put the nerves and strategy of the teams to the test, Charles Leclerc took pole position for the 2024 Belgian Grand Prix of Formula 1. An unexpected result for many, also due to the penalty inflicted on Max Verstappen, who will start in eleventh position. Ferrari was able to best interpret the changing conditions of the Spa-Francorchamps circuit, thanks to a smart strategic choice that allowed the Monegasque to make the most of a set of fresh intermediate tyres.
Next to Leclerc on the front row there will be Sergio Perez, who demonstrated remarkable solidity in qualifying, finishing just 11 thousandths behind the Ferrari driver. The race promises to be exciting, with McLaren ready to surprise in the dry: both Lando Norris and Oscar Piastri showed a competitive race pace in free practice and could prove to be contenders for the victory.
Everyone very close, a lot of unpredictability for the race
Behind the front row made up of Leclerc and Perez, we find Lewis Hamilton who will start from third position, followed by the two McLaren of Norris and Piastri, fourth and fifth respectively. Hamilton made the most of the wet conditions, but doubts remain about his Mercedes' performance in the dry.
George Russell, sixth, and Carlos Sainz, seventh, will start on the third row. The latter made a mistake at La Source on his last flying lap, compromising a more advanced position on the grid. In eighth position we find Fernando Alonso, while Esteban Ocon and Alex Albon complete the top 10.
Max Verstappen, author of the best time in Q3, will start from eleventh position due to the ten place penalty inflicted for the installation of the fifth internal combustion engine of the season. The Dutchman will have the task of making a comeback in a race that promises to be difficult but not impossible for him, especially if the rain returns.
Continuing on the grid, we find Pierre Gasly in twelfth position, followed by Daniel Ricciardo, Valtteri Bottas, Lance Stroll and Nico Hülkenberg. Guanyu Zhou, penalized by three positions for impeding Verstappen, will start nineteenth.
Rounding out the grid, Yuki Tsunoda will start from the rear due to a cumulative 60-place penalty. The Japanese will have an uphill race, but Spa is known for its overtaking opportunities and unpredictable weather conditions, which could mix things up further.
The combination of penalties, different strategies and uncertain weather conditions promises an exciting race full of twists and turns. Leclerc's Ferrari will have to defend itself from the attacks of Perez and the McLarens, while Verstappen will try to recover with his Red Bull. We just have to wait for the checkered flag to find out who will triumph at Spa-Francorchamps.
The complete starting grid
1. Charles Leclerc (Ferrari)
2. Sergio Perez (Red Bull)
3. Lewis Hamilton (Mercedes)
4. Lando Norris (McLaren)
5. Oscar Piastri (McLaren)
6. George Russell (Mercedes)
7. Carlos Sainz (Ferrari)
8. Fernando Alonso (Aston Martin)
9. Esteban Ocon (Alpine)
10. Alex Albon (Williams)
11. Max Verstappen (Red Bull)
12. Pierre Gasly (Alpine)
13. Daniel Ricciardo (RB)
14. Valtteri Bottas (Kick Sauber)
15. Lance Stroll (Aston Martin)
16. Nico Hülkenberg (Haas)
17. Kevin Magnussen (Haas)
18. Logan Sargeant (Williams)
19. Guanyu Zhou (Kick Sauber)
20. Yuki Tsunoda (RB)
