The most important facts and stats ahead of Belgium

Formula 1 returns to the iconic Spa-Francorchamps for the Belgian Grand Prix, Round 13 of the season, featuring a Sprint format weekend. The schedule sees Free Practice 1 and Sprint Qualifying on Friday, followed by the Sprint and Grand Prix Qualifying on Saturday, culminating in the main race on Sunday. Former F1 driver Jolyon Palmer highlights Spa's unique challenges, including crucial downforce trade-offs, the critical race start, and mastering demanding corners like Pouhon and the Bus Stop. Pirelli introduces non-consecutive tire compounds (C1, C3, C4), potentially favoring a two-stop strategy, with reduced tire allocations due to the Sprint format. The championship battle intensifies between Oscar Piastri and Lando Norris, while team performances, including Red Bull post-Horner and the competitive midfield, are keenly watched amidst Spa's famously unpredictable weather.