Formula 1 returns with full intensity for the 2025 Belgium GP, the 13th round of the season at the iconic Spa-Francorchamps Circuit, from July 25 to 27. After a two-week break, the championship kicks off its second half with the third sprint race of the year, won by Max Verstappen, and high expectations for intense battles. The event, held at the legendary Belgian track, will be broadcast live on Band in open TV and Bandsports on cable, with real-time coverage by ge.globo. The presence of Brazilian driver Gabriel Bortoleto, from Sauber, heightens local excitement, while pilots like Lewis Hamilton and Lando Norris aim for historic milestones. The sprint race and main event promise thrills on a challenging track, known for the Eau Rouge corner and unpredictable weather conditions.
The event, part of the F1 calendar since 1950, is one of the sport’s most traditional races. The 7.004 km Spa track combines long straights and technical corners, demanding precision from drivers. The sprint race, introduced in 2021, adds dynamism to the weekend, offering up to eight extra points to the top eight finishers. Additionally, the main race’s qualifying session, set for Saturday at 11 a.m., determines the starting grid for Sunday’s race.
- Key attractions of the Belgium GP:
- Sprint race on Saturday, covering 100 km of competition.
- Eau Rouge corner, one of F1’s most challenging sections.
- Brazilian driver Gabriel Bortoleto, a debutant in the category.
- Unpredictable weather, potentially altering race strategies.
Full weekend schedule
The 2025 Belgium GP features a packed schedule, with activities spread across Friday to Sunday. The program includes only one free practice session due to the sprint format, limiting teams’ preparation time. Below are the times in Brasília time zone:
- Friday, July 25:
- Free Practice 1: 7:30 a.m.
- Sprint Qualifying: 11:30 a.m.
- Saturday, July 26:
- Sprint Race: 7:00 a.m.
- Main Qualifying: 11:00 a.m.
- Sunday, July 27:
- Main Race: 10:00 a.m.
The broadcast will be split between Band, airing the main qualifying and Sunday race on open TV, and Bandsports, covering free practice, sprint qualifying, and the sprint race on cable. Ge.globo provides real-time coverage with analysis and updates throughout the weekend. For fans, following the race on digital platforms is convenient, with streaming available via Bandplay and F1TV Pro.
Driver highlights at Spa
The Spa-Francorchamps Circuit is renowned for testing drivers’ skills on a track that demands courage and precision. Lewis Hamilton, now at Ferrari, is the top winner among current drivers with four Spa victories, aiming to close in on Michael Schumacher’s record of six wins. Max Verstappen, the current champion and 2025 sprint race winner, also stands out with three victories at the Belgian track. Brazilian Gabriel Bortoleto, in his debut season with Sauber, impressed by securing tenth in sprint qualifying, reinforcing his potential as a rising star in Brazilian motorsport.
- Drivers to watch:
- Lewis Hamilton: Seeking his fifth Spa win.
- Max Verstappen: Championship leader, strong on technical tracks.
- Gabriel Bortoleto: Brazilian rookie with promising performance.
- Lando Norris and Oscar Piastri: McLaren duo in a tight title fight.
The rivalry between Norris and Piastri, both from McLaren, adds extra excitement. Norris, winner of the British GP, trails Piastri, the championship leader, by just eight points, promising fierce on-track battles.
History and significance of Spa-Francorchamps
The Belgium GP is one of Formula 1’s oldest events, part of the championship since its inception in 1950. Located in the Ardennes, the Spa-Francorchamps track is revered for its history and technical challenges. With 56 races held at the circuit, it has hosted iconic moments, such as Michael Schumacher’s six victories and Lewis Hamilton’s four. The Eau Rouge corner, with its 40-meter elevation, is a motorsport icon, requiring a blend of speed and control.
The region’s unstable weather is another critical factor. Frequent rain can drastically change track conditions, influencing tire choices and team strategies. For 2025, weather forecasts indicate possible rain, which could shake up the race and favor experienced drivers like Hamilton and Verstappen.
Broadcast and accessibility for fans
The 2025 Belgium GP coverage is extensive, ensuring Brazilian fans have multiple ways to follow the Formula 1 action. Band, a motorsport staple, broadcasts the main qualifying and Sunday race, while Bandsports covers all sessions, including free practice, sprint qualifying, and the sprint race. For digital audiences, ge.globo offers real-time updates with in-depth analysis and exclusive interviews.
- Where to watch live:
- Band: Main qualifying (Saturday, 11 a.m.) and race (Sunday, 10 a.m.).
- Bandsports: Free practice, sprint qualifying, and sprint race.
- ge.globo: Real-time coverage with videos and analysis.
- F1TV Pro: Full streaming of all sessions.
- Bandplay: Streaming of Band and Bandsports broadcasts.
F1TV Pro offers a comprehensive experience with onboard cameras and English commentary, while Bandplay provides convenience for mobile viewing. BandNews FM and Rádio Bandeirantes also offer live narration, ideal for fans on the go.
Sprint race impact on the championship
The 100 km sprint race is a highlight of the weekend, offering up to eight extra points to the top eight finishers. Introduced in 2021, the short race boosts competitiveness, as drivers have less time for car adjustments. In 2025, Max Verstappen won the sprint, solidifying his lead, while Gabriel Bortoleto scored points by finishing ninth, a notable achievement for a rookie.
Sprint race points can be decisive in a tight championship. With Norris and Piastri separated by just a few points, every position gained on Saturday could impact the overall standings. The sprint also serves as a strategy test for the main race, especially at Spa, where weather can affect tire performance.
- Sprint race scoring:
- 1st place: 8 points
- 2nd place: 7 points
- 3rd place: 6 points
- 4th to 8th place: 5 to 1 point
Main race expectations
The Sunday main race is the weekend’s climax. With 44 laps on the Spa track, the race demands balance between speed on straights like Kemmel and precision in corners like Pouhon and Blanchimont. Ferrari, with its new rear suspension, aims to close the gap to McLaren, while Mercedes, with George Russell and Kimi Antonelli, bets on consistency to score well.
Brazilian driver Bortoleto, despite racing for a less competitive Sauber, has a chance to score again, especially if the weather favors bold strategies. Red Bull, led by Verstappen, remains the favorite, but McLaren’s young duo could surprise, particularly after Piastri’s strong sprint qualifying performance.
- Factors that may define the race:
- Tire strategy, influenced by unpredictable weather.
- Performance on long straights, where engine power is key.
- Skill in technical corners like Eau Rouge and Raidillon.
- Teams’ ability to make quick adjustments post-sprint.
The 2025 Belgium GP promises to be a pivotal moment in the season, with fierce battles and potential shifts in the championship standings.