Belgium GP of F1 2025: schedules, broadcast and tips to watch the main race

The Belgian Grand Prix of Formula 1, held at the Spa-Francorchamps Circuit, reaches its main race this Sunday, July 27, 2025, with the start scheduled for 10 AM Brasília time. The stage, which is the 13th of the 2025 season, brings together 20 drivers in a fierce dispute, highlighting McLaren’s front row lockout, led by Lando Norris in pole position, followed by Oscar Piastri. Max Verstappen, winner of the sprint on Saturday, starts in fourth, while Brazilian Gabriel Bortoleto, from Sauber, begins in tenth. The live broadcast is handled by Band on open TV, Bandsports on pay TV, and F1TV on streaming, with the possibility of rain altering strategies. The event takes place in the province of Liège, Belgium, and promises excitement at one of the most iconic circuits on the calendar, meeting the expectations of fans seeking where to watch and the exact times to not miss any detail.

The unstable weather forecast, with chances of precipitation during the race, could transform the dynamics of the event, requiring quick adaptations from the teams. Drivers like Charles Leclerc, third on the grid for Ferrari, and Verstappen, known for his performance in wet conditions, emerge as favorites in unpredictable scenarios. Bortoleto, in his debut season, seeks to repeat the good performance from the sprint, where he finished ninth.

Viewers can follow the complete coverage, including pre- and post-race analyses, on multiple platforms. Band offers free broadcast, while F1TV provides interactive options, such as on-board cameras and real-time data.

Channels and broadcast platforms

Band, the official Formula 1 broadcaster in Brazil, airs the main race live starting at 9 AM, with specialized narration and commentary. On pay TV, Bandsports begins coverage at 8:30 AM, including interviews and technical analyses. For those who prefer streaming, F1TV, the category’s official service, makes the event available in high definition, with access to multiple angles and instant replays.

The ge.globo sports portal offers real-time tracking with minute-by-minute updates, ideal for those on the go. Apps like Bandplay and the Band website also allow online viewing, at no additional cost for registered users. 4K transmission is available on F1TV Pro, for premium subscribers.

• Viewing options:
• Band: Open TV, accessible throughout the national territory.
• Bandsports: Subscription channel, focused on motorsports.
• F1TV: Dedicated streaming, with exclusive content in Portuguese.
• ge.globo: Live text and highlighted videos.

The race, with an estimated duration of two hours, includes 44 laps on the 7,004 km layout, known for its challenging corners.

Here's how our drivers will line-up for Sunday's race 👀#F1 #BelgianGP pic.twitter.com/PmsCuLhAdY

— Formula 1 (@F1) July 26, 2025

Detailed weekend schedules

The Belgian GP schedule started on Friday, with free practice 1 at 7:30 AM and sprint classification at 11:30 AM, both shown on Bandsports and F1TV. On Saturday, the sprint took place at 7 AM, with broadcast on Bandsports and F1TV, followed by the main classification at 11 AM, which had coverage from Band, Bandsports, and F1TV.

For Sunday, the main race start is at 10 AM, but coverage begins earlier: Bandsports at 8:30 AM, Band at 9 AM, and F1TV at 8 AM. After the event, there are post-race analyses until 12 PM on all platforms. All times are Brasília time, adjusted for the Belgian time zone, which is five hours ahead.

F1TV allows pausing and reviewing key moments, while Band offers interactivity via social networks during the broadcast.

Starting grid and favorites

Lando Norris secured pole with a time of 1min40s562, commanding the front row alongside Piastri. Leclerc closes the top 3, with Verstappen in fourth, Alexander Albon in fifth for Williams, and George Russell in sixth for Mercedes. Bortoleto, in tenth, outperforms veterans like Lewis Hamilton, who starts in 16th.

McLaren, leader of the Constructors’ World Championship with 473 points, seeks to widen the gap over Ferrari, which has 372. Piastri, with 241 points in the drivers’ championship, defends the lead against Norris, with 232, and Verstappen, with 174 after the sprint victory.

The tire strategy, supplied by Pirelli, includes soft, medium, and hard compounds, with the possibility of intermediates if it rains.

Team preparations for the race

Teams adjusted their cars for the Belgian circuit, with McLaren prioritizing aerodynamics for fast corners. Red Bull, Verstappen’s team, focused on traction for wet conditions, while Ferrari introduced a new suspension. Sauber, Bortoleto’s team, optimized the floor for better grip.

Drivers conducted race simulations in practice, with Norris recording the best long-run pace. The forecasted rain may force extra pit stops, benefiting agile teams in tire changes.

Bortoleto, who scored points in Austria, aims for the points zone, exploring overtakes on the Kemmel straight.

• Technical updates:
• McLaren: New diffuser for greater downforce.
• Ferrari: Improved rear suspension.
• Red Bull: Front wing adjustments.
• Sauber: Revised floor for stability.

Tips for watching online and interacting

To watch via streaming, F1TV requires a subscription but offers a free trial for new users. The F1 app, available for iOS and Android, syncs with the broadcast, providing real-time telemetry. On ge.globo, fans can participate in polls about the expected winner.

Band encourages interactions on X and Instagram, with hashtags like #F1naBand. For those who miss the start, replays are available immediately on F1TV.

The coverage includes exclusive cameras, such as Bortoleto’s on-board, highlighting the Brazilian perspective.

Broadcast history in Brazil

Formula 1 has been broadcast in Brazil since the 1970s, with Band taking over the rights in 2021. Bandsports, launched in 2002, complements with 24/7 content. F1TV arrived in 2018, revolutionizing digital access.

In 2025, viewership grew 15% compared to 2024, boosted by Bortoleto. Platforms like YouTube offer official highlights post-race.

Track conditions and safety

Spa-Francorchamps, with its elevation variations, demands attention to safety, especially at Eau Rouge. The FIA implemented DRS zones on the Kemmel straight and after Blanchimont. Rain may activate the safety car, as in past editions.

Drivers use extreme wet tires if necessary, with compounds designed for drainage. Race direction monitors the weather in real time.

Brazilian participation in the category

Gabriel Bortoleto represents Brazil after seven years without points, since Massa in 2017. His tenth position on the grid reflects the talent revealed in F2. Sauber plans more updates for the second half.

Brazilian fans follow via Portuguese broadcasts on F1TV, with local commentary.

• Bortoleto’s performance:
• Ninth in the sprint.
• Tenth on the main grid.
• Four points in the season.

Alternative coverage options

In addition to the main ones, sites like UOL Esporte and Grande Prêmio offer textual lives. Radios like BandNews broadcast live audio. For internationals, ESPN covers in Spanish, accessible via streaming.

The race is accessible on smart TVs via Band and F1TV apps.