After the summer break, in which our maximum indecision was on which ice cream flavor to have, we are finally ready to restart the engines with the Belgian Grand Prix! A lot has happened during this break. 6 teams still have a free seat in 2023. The last one that has just been released, but which we think will soon be placed, is the one in McLaren which he downloaded Daniel Ricciardo upon returning from vacation. Probably his only foothold for stay in Formula 1 it will be the Alpine that stands courting however other drivers, including Mick Schumacher. While waiting to find out how the last pieces of the puzzle will fit together, let's go back to the activity on the track. One of those that appeal to both enthusiasts and pilots eager to load up on a good dose of courage and adrenaline to face the iconic Eau Rouge! So let's see, between weather and possible scenarios, what are our advice on the forecasts for this fourteenth day at Fanta F1!
12 months after the darkest day
The watchword for this weekend is unpredictability. Spa is as beautiful as it is difficult to tame. A track on which you can overtake but on which it can be easy to lose control. Furthermore, the weather conditions can disturb the peace of those who have to cross 7 km to reach the finish line. We remember very well how it ended last year, with a "farce" Grand Prix that finished after two laps behind the Safety Car and in the pouring rain that for hours had not given a break to the people who were stationed on the green hills in the hope of seeing at least a few laps without Safety. On that occasion, in addition to the controversy, George Russell's first podium also arrived, who made an extraordinary qualifying while driving a Williams. 12 months have passed and Formula 1 has a completely different face. The hierarchies have changed, the faces in the cockpit, the approaches of some pilots, who have become less inexperienced, like Max Verstappen.
But something will also change compared to a few weeks ago. The new one will make its debut in Belgium regulation anti-porpoising, which will also fight i flexible funds. A weapon, hitherto "legal" due to the gray areas of the regulation, used by Red Bull e Ferrari. The upside Mercedes it could remain unchanged as it could decrease as a result of these changes in progress. But we'll find out when the cars hit the track for the first time.
Our choices
Between Safety Car, Red Flags and risk of rain we reveal our predictions for Fanta F1!
Safety Car in the race: Yes
At Spa, with such a particular track, there is a high probability of seeing the Safety Car in action. Since 2016, he has never missed an appeal. In 2021 it assumed great importance thanks to the torrential rain.
Virtual Safety Car in the race: No
Less likely the Virtual, which has seen only two appearances on the Belgian track.
Red Flag in the race: No
Leaving aside last year's “non GP” at Spa, the last one Red Flag in F1 of the last two decades it dates back to 2016 due to a bad accident involving the current Haas driver, Kevin Magnussen. The Dane had lost control of the car coming out of Eau Rouge, hitting the barriers quite violently, given the high speed.
Drivers distinguish wet or full wet tires in the race: No
The forecasts that bring rain on the Sunday of the race are moving away. In fact, there should be a dry race, with a partially overcast but basically "unloaded" sky. However, we recommend that you monitor the situation. In the meantime, however, we would like to advise you a "NO" for the forecast at Fanta F1.
Team double in the race: No
Mercedes has joined the party and with a Ferrari struggling with some penalties it could take a gamble. The situation at Red Bull is still 50/50, with Perez having more difficulty with the new changes.
Driver who starts on pole wins the race: No
Given the trend of the last qualifying sessions, with a Mercedes back in excellent shape it is not so obvious to assign the wheel with certainty to a single driver. We predict against large numbers given that it is more rare to see a driver who does not start from pole on the top step of the podium in Belgium.
Stables to bring both cars into the top 10: 4
Hoping for good weather, we venture 4 as the number of teams to bring both riders into the Top 10.
Vehicles forced to retire: 3
As retreats we keep to the 3 year trend.
