Belgian Grand Prix: Comments Before the Race

      McLaren Formula 1 Team

      Lando Norris: "I'm looking forward to returning to track in Belgium this weekend. Spa is always a pleasure to visit, and the fans in the stands create an amazing atmosphere.

      Winning at Silverstone was incredible, but now all my focus is on the upcoming double headers. I've returned to the base to work closely with the team and prepare thoroughly for the upcoming race. We're motivated and focused on maintaining our pace."

      Oscar Piastri: "I've always been eager for the Spa race. It's a legendary track, very exciting to race on due to the many high-speed sections. There's no doubt it's one of the most thrilling events of the season.

      We worked hard during the break between races. I want to say a huge thank you to everyone working tirelessly at the Woking base."

      Andréa Stella, Team Principal: "After two weeks away from the track, we're heading to Spa for the final double before the summer break. It’s a weekend with a sprint race, so we look forward to earning more points and competing for victory.

      Following the incredible one-two at our home race, we're heading to one of the most legendary circuits on the calendar. Spa is an iconic racing ring that presents a true challenge for drivers. I'm confident fans will witness an exciting battle."

      Scuderia Ferrari

      Frederic Vasseur, Ferrari Team Principal: "The Belgian Grand Prix is one of the two races before the summer break. We've worked hard at the factory to prepare an additional update package for the SF-25, and this weekend we'll focus on maximizing its potential right from the start.

      As always, during Saturday's sprint stage, success in the second half of the weekend will depend on productive work in the sole practice session. The results difference between teams is very small, every detail can matter, so we'll concentrate on our job to steadily achieve maximum throughout the weekend on a track where weather can also play a role."

      Mercedes-AMG PETRONAS Formula One Team

      Toto Wolff: "The next two Grands Prix will be an opportunity to maintain our pace before the summer break. In the first twelve races of the season, we've been in the lead several times, though we also faced challenges in others. The team has focused all efforts on performing competitively at all stages.

      However, after the summer break, our attention will inevitably shift to preparations for 2026. The upcoming races are crucial for adapting the W16 to different circuits and weather conditions.

      Spa and Hungaroring will assist us in that work. These circuits are very different by nature. Spa features elevation changes, fast turns, and variable weather. In contrast, the narrow, twisty Budapest track often experiences the highest temperatures of the season.

      Our goal is to make significant progress in car development, optimize it each weekend, and fight for top results."

      Red Bull Racing

      Max Verstappen: "I've always enjoyed racing at Spa, it's a legendary old-school track where everything must be done right to go fast. I like the unique high-speed corners, I enjoy the elevation changes that make piloting more challenging.

      We didn't achieve the best results at Silverstone, but we managed to improve and secure pole position. Last week, I trained at the factory on the simulator, and I’m looking forward to working with Laurent Mekies.

      In Belgium, I always feel incredible support from the 'orange army'; it's like a second home race for me, so I will wear the Orange Lion helmet again."

      Yuki Tsunoda: "After Silverstone, I combined rest with intensive training to be in good mental and physical shape for Spa. I feel strong and energized, and I look forward to the remaining two races before the summer break.

      Spa marks a new chapter in our team's history, and I’m excited to work again with Laurent – we get along very well at Racing Bulls. I know how dedicated he is, and we’re fully focused on improving the team and personally on achieving better results.

      Spa is an interesting track that can suit our car. The sprint always complicates things, but proper preparation will help us perform well."

      Williams Racing

      Carlos Sainz: "A short break after Silverstone helped everyone; I feel rested and ready for a race on one of the best circuits in the world!

      Spa is always a challenge, with opportunities to do better because of the circuit's characteristics and unpredictable weather, and this year it will be a sprint weekend, which adds even more excitement.

      We'll bring some new parts to the race – it will be interesting to see how they perform on this challenging track. I hope for a successful weekend!"

      Alex Elbon: "Spa is one of the most iconic events on the calendar, and I look forward to returning to track. It’s always an exciting and unpredictable race, and our team usually performs well there, so I’m optimistic.

      A short break between Silverstone and Spa allowed us to reset and better understand the car, consolidating the experience from recent races. It’s encouraging to see the car progressing. I hope these updates will help us finish the first part of the season on a high note."

      Sauber

      Jonathan Wheatley, Team Principal: "The Silverstone race was a special moment for everyone in the team, and the two-week pause allowed us to enjoy it. Recent results boosted our confidence; we know we're in the fight and want to consolidate this success during the sprint weekend at Spa.

      Based on recent race experiences, we know that stability and attention to detail will help us qualify well and score points in the race."

      Nico Hülkenberg: "We’ll never forget the podium at Silverstone, the joy it brought me and the team, but now we’re fully focused on upcoming races.

      Spa is a true classic! A challenging high-speed track with unpredictable weather, and a sprint race on Saturday – it will be a tough weekend.

      Recently, we've achieved positive results, and we need to keep this momentum to outpace our main rivals. If we work day by day, we can fight for top positions this weekend too."

      Gabriel Bortoloto: "In junior series, I always enjoyed racing at Spa and look forward to trying out the F1 circuit.

      I took full advantage of the two-week break after Silverstone – rested, trained, and prepared on the simulator for upcoming races. The positive atmosphere in the team motivates me even more. I want to keep learning, improving, and do everything to help the team with a good mindset heading into the summer break."

      Racing Bulls

      Isaac Hadjar: "Spa is one of my favorite circuits. I scored my first win with single-seaters here and won in Formula 2 last year too.

      It was frustrating not to score points in the last three races, and I’m motivated to bounce back, especially since there’s a sprint weekend – I really like this format."

      Liam Lawson: "We aim to finish the first half of the season strong, so we can go into the summer holidays with a positive mindset.

      Spa is an iconic track with a rich history. I enjoyed racing here in other series and can’t wait to test my skills in F1. The weather always surprises us on this circuit, and I’m glad to return behind the wheel after a short break, ready for a strong finish to the first part of the season."

      Aston Martin Aramco Formula One Team

      Jack Crawford on developing the 2026 chassis...

      Haas F1 Team

      Aio Komatsu, Team Principal: "Spa is a very challenging track, but everyone is looking forward to this weekend. Thanks to its history, unpredictable weather, and unusual downforce setups, we’ll face many difficult tasks.

      Our base version of the car performed well at Silverstone, and now we need to adapt it to Spa's demands to race more confidently."

      Oliver Berman: "I’m delighted to be at Spa, on a fantastic circuit with a rich history. It’s been a while since we had a sprint race, and many events are planned. I hope our new parts perform as well as they did at Silverstone, and the weekend runs smoothly without mistakes or technical issues."

      Esteban Ocon: "I always look forward to going to Spa, where the likelihood of rain can increase our chances of success.

      The weekend includes a sprint race, and at Spa, it’s especially tricky to get everything right on the only practice session due to the long track and limited laps. The key is to gather maximum information in that hour.

      Every detail counts this weekend, as it’s crucial for good qualifying and earning points in the races."

      BWT Alpine F1 Team

      Pierre Gasly: "It’s great to return to Spa after the good result at Silverstone. The team was pleased that I finished sixth in a very tough race, and it was really fun to compete on that track.

      During the break between the UK and Belgium races, I worked with the team at Enstone, and I had the chance to talk to everyone and thank them for their hard work this season. Also, working on the simulator was important for tackling tasks related to this season’s car and preparations for 2026.

      After that, I went to Mallorca to rest a bit before the upcoming double races.

      As for the weekend, Spa always brings me mixed feelings, as I’ve mentioned before. It’s a challenging track with famous corners, and driving a Formula 1 car here is a real pleasure. But this circuit also brings some sad memories for me and many others.

      On Thursday evening, we will hold a track run in memory of my friend Antoine Hubert. All F1, F2, and F3 team members are invited to join for a run or walk around the circuit… Also, together with our friends from MP Motorsport, we will honor Dilan van’t Hoff (Dutch Formula Regional driver who tragically passed away at Spa two years ago).

      As every year, we will pay tribute to Antoine and Dilan, and I hope this will be another important and meaningful moment."

      Franco Colapinto: "I’m glad there was a break between races after Silverstone. Reflecting on the British weekend, I can say that the team experienced both good and difficult moments. Pierre did very well and achieved our best result of the season, gaining a few more points.

      For my part in the garage, the weekend ended in disappointment because we couldn’t even start the race on Sunday. But we learned important lessons and used the team base to analyze everything that happened and prepare for the two races left before the summer break…

      I feel rested and ready to return to Spa. We will do our best to perform well over the next two race weekends and start the second half of the season positively."