Belgian GP 2025: check out the times and highlights of the sprint stage at Spa-Francorchamps

Formula 1 returns to the track from July 25 to 27, 2025, for the Belgium GP, the 13th round of the season, at the iconic Spa-Francorchamps circuit, marking the final race before the summer break. Featuring a sprint format, the packed schedule includes just one practice session, sprint qualifying, and the main race, broadcast live on Band, Bandsports, and F1TV Pro. The event, also hosting Formula 2 and Formula 3, promises excitement with a forecast of rain, typical of the Belgian circuit, and a tight championship battle between Oscar Piastri and Lando Norris, separated by just eight points. The mix of legendary corners like Eau Rouge and unpredictable weather heightens anticipation for a pivotal weekend.

The 2025 season enters its second half with McLaren stealing the spotlight, driven by Lando Norris’s recent wins in Austria and Silverstone. Spa, at 7.004 km, is the longest circuit on the calendar and challenges drivers with elevation changes and high-speed corners. The sprint format, the third of the year after Miami and China, limits preparation time, demanding quick adjustments from teams.

• Key highlights of the Belgium GP 2025:
  • Sprint race on Saturday, awarding points to the top eight.
  • Rain forecast, potentially impacting tire strategies and pit stops.
  • Close championship fight between Piastri (234 points) and Norris (226 points).
  • Presence of feeder series, with standout Rafa Câmara in F3.

The Belgian circuit, hosting F1 since 1950, is renowned for its history and technical challenges, making it a favorite among drivers and fans. Below, details on the schedule, curiosities, and what to expect from the event.

Full weekend schedule

The Belgium GP 2025 schedule is compact due to the sprint format, with only one practice session before qualifying. All sessions are in Brasília time (GMT-3), with live broadcasts for Brazilian fans. Below are the detailed times:

• Friday, July 25:
  • 7:30 AM: Free Practice 1 (Bandsports, F1TV Pro).
  • 11:30 AM: Sprint Qualifying (Bandsports, F1TV Pro).
• Saturday, July 26:
  • 7:00 AM: Sprint Race (Band, Bandsports, F1TV Pro).
  • 11:00 AM: Main race qualifying (Band, Bandsports, F1TV Pro).
• Sunday, July 27:
  • 10:00 AM: Main race, 44 laps (Band, F1TV Pro).

The schedule is complemented by exclusive content on Motorsport.com’s YouTube channel, including the “Podium” program after the main race and “Final Lap” on Monday at 6:45 PM, analyzing key moments. Multi-platform coverage ensures fans catch every detail, from practice to feeder series races.

Unpredictable weather at Spa-Francorchamps

Located in the Ardennes, Spa-Francorchamps is notorious for its erratic weather, often altering race outcomes. For 2025, forecasts predict rain across all three days, a factor that could favor teams like McLaren and Red Bull, known for their wet-weather prowess. Tire choice will be critical, with Pirelli supplying C1 (hard), C3 (medium), and C4 (soft) compounds, plus intermediates and extreme wet tires to handle the conditions.

Sudden weather shifts have shaped past races, like in 2024, when rain influenced strategies and results. Less experienced teams may struggle, while drivers like Max Verstappen, who won at Spa from 2021 to 2023, and Lewis Hamilton, with five victories, have a strong track record in adverse conditions. Rain could bring surprises, like Nico Hülkenberg’s podium with Sauber at Silverstone 2025.

Championship battle heats up

The 2025 season features a fierce fight at the top of the Drivers’ Championship. Oscar Piastri, with 234 points, leads the standings, but Lando Norris, with 226 points, is in top form with back-to-back wins. Max Verstappen, in third, aims to close the gap at a circuit where he excels, being Belgian by his mother’s side and with three recent Spa victories.

• Drivers to watch at the Belgium GP:
  • Oscar Piastri: Championship leader, with a 2023 Spa sprint podium.
  • Lando Norris: On a hot streak, chasing his first Spa win.
  • Max Verstappen: Three-time Spa winner, under pressure with Red Bull changes.
  • Lewis Hamilton: Five Spa victories, tied with Ayrton Senna’s record.

Ferrari, debuting a new rear suspension, and Mercedes, victorious in 2024 with Hamilton, also promise competitiveness. Red Bull’s absence of Christian Horner, replaced by Laurent Mekies, adds uncertainty to the team’s performance in its first race without the longtime boss.

Spa-Francorchamps’ history and legacy

Spa-Francorchamps is one of Formula 1’s most iconic circuits, part of the championship since 1950. With 57 editions of the Belgium GP, it ranks as the fourth most-used track, behind only Monaco, Monza, and Silverstone. Michael Schumacher holds the record for most wins (6), while Hamilton leads in poles (6) and podiums (11). Ferrari is the most successful team, with 18 wins and 51 podiums.

The circuit is known for legendary corners like Eau Rouge-Raidillon, demanding precision and bravery, and Blanchimont, a high-speed challenge testing car limits. Its 7.004 km length and elevation changes make Spa a unique test, requiring a balance of speed and strategy.

Feeder series in the spotlight

Beyond Formula 1, the Spa-Francorchamps weekend includes the ninth and third-to-last rounds of Formula 2 and Formula 3, respectively. In F2, Richard Verschoor leads with 122 points, followed closely by Jak Crawford (116) and Alex Dunne (108). In F3, Brazilian Rafa Câmara holds the lead with 120 points, ahead of Tim Tramnitz (93) and Nikola Tsolov (91).

• Rising stars in feeder series:
  • Rafa Câmara: F3 leader, aiming to solidify his advantage at Spa.
  • Richard Verschoor: F2 leader, in a tight battle at the top.
  • Jak Crawford: Second in F2, just six points behind the leader.

Feeder series races will be broadcast on Bandsports and F1TV Pro, with rain potentially opening opportunities for lesser-known drivers to shine, as seen with Câmara at Silverstone.

Broadcast and coverage in Brazil

The Belgium GP 2025 will have extensive coverage in Brazil, ensuring fans miss no action. Band broadcasts the main qualifying and race live, while Bandsports covers all sessions, including practice and the sprint race. F1TV Pro offers full streaming, with onboard cameras and English commentary.

Coverage also includes special programs on Motorsport.com’s YouTube channel, such as post-race analysis and weekend highlights. BandNews FM and Rádio Bandeirantes provide live updates, keeping listeners informed in real time.

Curiosities about the Belgium GP

The Belgium GP is filled with memorable moments that underscore its significance in Formula 1. The track has hosted historic duels, like those between Ayrton Senna and Alain Prost, and dramatic incidents driven by unpredictable weather. Below, some curiosities that enrich the event’s history:

• Spa historical facts:
  • Michael Schumacher won six times, the circuit’s all-time record.
  • Ferrari has 18 wins, more than any other team.
  • The Eau Rouge corner is considered one of F1’s most challenging.
  • Spa has hosted 57 editions of the Belgium GP since 1950.

The 2025 event promises to add a new chapter to Spa’s rich history, with intense battles, unpredictable weather, and the sprint format. Expectations are high for a weekend that will test drivers, teams, and strategies, cementing Spa-Francorchamps as one of motorsport’s most thrilling stages.