Belgium Grand Prix Spa-Francorchamps

 

As we embark on this week's journey towards the thrilling Spa-Francorchamps Grand Prix. It has become impossible to ignore the seismic shifts that have rocked the Formula 1 landscape over the past fortnight. The news of Christian Horner's departure as CEO and Team Principal of Red Bull Racing has undoubtedly sent shockwaves through the entire team.

Christian, much like Marmite, is a divisive character – you either love him or, well, you don't. But for me, there's nothing but immense respect for what he has achieved in the world of Formula 1®. He took a fizzy drinks company, Red Bull, that was laughed at by many of the top car manufacturers just 21 years ago. He transformed them into an undeniable, world-class sporting powerhouse in motorsport.

Christian Horner is unarguably one of the most outstanding team principals the sport has ever seen. And if he were to pop up at Ferrari, working alongside Lewis Hamilton, it honestly wouldn't surprise me. Christian deserves a big brand, a big home, and a big budget for his next chapter, and it's always a real test for a great to achieve something magnificent at more than one team. This will cement him as one of the greats in F1®.

The Max Verstappen Variable: Perpetual Motion in the Paddock

Then there's Max Verstappen. Every minute of every day brings a new speculation.

Rumours are now everywhere that Toto Wolff and Max are vacationing together on private jets, sharing insights on mega yachts, and it's all rumours, and hashing out deals for the future of one of Formula 1®'s most formidable forces. With his contract containing a performance clause and the 2026 regulations looming, Max's future is a constant source of intrigue.

Spa-Francorchamps: The Apex Predator's Playground

Moving onto the Belgian Grand Prix itself, and specifically, Eau Rouge. That famous combination of downhill plunge, massive elevation change, and long straight is genuinely unique. Being second in qualifying is the ultimate advantage here. You get the draft, the slingshot effect, and ultimately, if you position your car correctly, you can carry incredible speed coming out of Eau Rouge as you climb the hill onto the Kemmel Straight. 

On Saturday, qualifying second is often not a disadvantage at Spa; in fact, it can be a significant benefit. 

A second-place driver on the grid, with the correct setup and taking the proper line, can get the crucial drag, slingshot, and drafting needed to seize first place on that first main straight as they come up the hill from Eau Rouge.

The Inevitable Clash: McLarens and the Red Bull Fight

I've been watching Formula 1® for 40 years now, and one thing I've learned is that when two drivers from the same team go head-to-head, they inevitably make contact. With the overtaking opportunities that Eau Rouge and Raidillon offer, and the immense drag and drafting you can get from this racetrack, it wouldn't surprise me if the two McLarens find themselves colliding again this weekend.

Conversely, it wouldn't surprise me if Red Bull, galvanised by recent events, has mustered even more collective effort and decided to put a powerhouse push into winning this race with Max Verstappen. The "Orange Army" will be out in full force – the Dutch fans, with their orange flags, orange shorts, and a sea of orange, are generally everywhere at this race. This home-away-from-home atmosphere could be just the boost Max needs.

Ferrari's Fight and Hamilton's Hunger

Ferrari, meanwhile, is still chasing that elusive victory. Lewis Hamilton is desperate for his first podium, his first victory, with the Scuderia. And with Charles Leclerc often splitting the McLarens and driving consistently, there is everything to play for for Ferrari.

It's going to be an exciting race, with strategic battles, raw speed, and the ever-present threat of contact.

And as always, when the lights go out and the drama unfolds, here at Senate Grand Prix, there is only one winner, and that's you, the race fans!