Formula 1 returns from its holidays this weekend and heads to Spa-Francorchamps, in what might be the last Belgian Grand Prix for some time. If that is the case, there is no better opportunity for one of its own to help it bow out in style.<\/p>\n
Max Verstappen, who is of course half-Belgian, went into the summer break with his grip on the World Championship tightened after one of his greatest drives, coming from 10th<\/sup> on the grid to win in Hungary<\/a>. Meanwhile, Ferrari were left licking their wounds after yet another strategic debacle.<\/p>\n The Prancing Horse\u2019s hind legs are precariously close to the cliff edge after more baffling calls from the pit wall, which left Charles Leclerc finishing a disappointing 6th<\/sup> in Budapest. This, combined with the Monegasque\u2019s own mistakes \u2013 most notably in Le Castellet<\/a> \u2013 has left Verstappen primed to retain the Drivers\u2019 title. With nine races remaining, all eyes will be on the Scuderia this weekend, as they look to reduce their deficit to Red Bull.<\/p>\n Set in the Ardennes forest, the 7.004 km Spa-Francorchamps circuit is one of the most popular on the F1 calendar with fans and drivers alike. The circuit was originally opened in 1921 and has seen various changes over the years. Its post-war layout, which features heavily in the 1966 Hollywood movie Grand Prix<\/em><\/a>, was approximately double the length of the current layout, the basis of which was first used in 1983. Its location often brings the risk of rain, and coupled with the eclectic blend of corners and fast sections, Spa is perhaps the greatest challenge of a racing driver\u2019s skill and bravery.<\/p>\n Since the rain-sodden non-event that was last year\u2019s race<\/a>, Spa has seen a $76.5 million redevelopment. The bulk of this was spent on additional runoff areas on the notorious Eau Rogue\/Radillion complex, after a number of big accidents in recent years, most notably in the 2019 F2 race, which claimed the life of promising French driver Antoine Hubert<\/a>.<\/p>\n DECYFR\u2019D: @circuitspa<\/a> \ud83c\udde7\ud83c\uddea \ud83c\udfc1 #Decyfr<\/a> #UnlockFandom<\/a> #F1<\/a> #RaceWeek<\/a> #BelgianGP<\/a> pic.twitter.com\/cbHK5A7e5R<\/a><\/p>\n — Decyfr GP (@DecyfrGP) August 24, 2022<\/a><\/p><\/blockquote>\nThe Circuit<\/strong><\/h3>\n
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