A look at the possibilities of the Belgian Grand Prix in an unpredictable 2024 Formula 1 season.
With the 2024 Belgium Grand Prix only a few days away. We may see some teams make headway, with upgrades expected from multiple teams this weekend. We could also see some teams continue to struggle. As we prepare for another race weekend in what has been an unpredictable season so far, here are my top 5 predictions for the 2024 Belgian Grand Prix.
1.) Both Williams cars will make it into Q2
The Williams squad has struggled this year and had a rough outing in Hungary. The team has really lacked downforce and therefore has not been able to do well on tracks with medium to low speed corners. However, James Vowles has announced that the team will bring new upgrades to Belgium.
“There will be performance adds across the next few race weekends with a very substantial package probably post-triple header [Spain, Austria and Great Britain].” – James Vowles in a video released by the team.
We did not see the package in full form in Hungary, so the upgrades should be in use this weekend if everything goes correctly. I think it will be enough to give both drivers a top-15 spot on the starting grid. Williams could really use a great outing before the summer break.
2.) Solid points for Aston Martin
Aston Martin made good improvements in Hungary and the other half of their upgrades should be in place by this weekend. Their strength comes from their one-lap pace, and I think that the drivers will be able to secure a good qualifying position and manage to get points in the race. Lance Stroll will make it three races in a row in a points position, and Alonso will break the dry spell he’s been in and join his teammate in the points.
3.) Red Bull will struggle
It has been announced that Max Verstappen has fitted a new ICE component on his care and therefore will take a 10-place grid penalty. It was also evident that Max struggled greatly in Budapest, and it is possible for it to carry over to Belgium. While Perez managed to fight into P7 after another Q3 exit, I am unsure if he will manage to fight for the win in his current form. We could see another blow to Red Bull’s Constructor’s Championship lead.
4.) George Russell outscores Hamilton
Russell had a terrible qualifying in Budapest and admitted to his mistakes in post-qualifying interviews. However, he will manage to regain his form and place into the top-3 at Spa. He once managed a podium around this track in his Williams back in 2021’s rainy weekend, and I think he could do it at Mercedes now.
5.) Ferrari to fight McLaren
Ferrari looks to bounce back in Belgium, or not bounce at all rather. The team has been working to improve bouncing in the low-speed and medium-speed corners. This weekend, they will continue with these improvements and should propel them back into form. The exact specifications behind these upgrades are unknown, but they looked better in Budapest than they have in the past few races. I think they will be the biggest competitors for McLaren this weekend and could even battle for a win.
