Following a summer break, F1 kicks off the second-half of 2022 season at Circuit Spa Francorchamps, Belgium, with 2022 Belgian Grand Prix.
Red Bull’s Max Verstappen enters the first of a triple-header sat comfortably at the top of the standings as he looks to chase a second Belgian GP win in his birth-country, although he will be aware of Ferrari’s Charles Leclerc looking to reignite his title challenge with a strong weekend.
New technical rules also offers opportunity for many drivers lower down the grid to close the gap on their various rivals, especially with some teams yet to complete their driver line-ups for next season meaning that pressure is on to impress in coming races.
Now, here is a full guide to everything that you need to know ahead of 2022 Belgian GP weekend.
Track Guide
Circuit: Spa Francorchamps
Laps: 44
Race Distance: 308.052km
Tyre Compounds: C2, C3 & C4
Schedule
| Date | Session | Time (BST) |
| Friday 26 August 2022 | FP1 | 1:00pm |
| Friday 26 August 2022 | FP2 | 4:00pm |
| Saturday 27 August 2022 | FP3 | 12:00pm |
| Saturday 27 August 2022 | Qualifying | 3:00pm |
| Sunday 28 August 2022 | Race | 2:00pm |
Five Key Pointers
- Having dominated on one-lap pace this season, pressure will be on Ferrari to correct their race strategy calls after further blunders cost them victory in Hungary last time out.
- Introduction of new floor rules concerning porpoising could allow Mercedes to reduce their deficit to Ferrari and Red Bull further.
- Straight-line speed will be key around Spa Francorchamps given the many straights spread across the circuit, although cornering and braking will just be as crucial to nailing the perfect lap.
- Teams will need to be wary of potential for mixed track conditions if rain sweeps in because there is potential for half of the circuit to be wet, yet other half completely dry and affect strategy calls.
- One-stop strategies have often been favoured in dry races around Spa Francorchamps in recent years, but pit stop timing could well be crucial if safety car is deployed at any point.
Last Time Out
2021 saw the Belgian GP take place in farcical fashion amidst torrential rainfall with all completed laps taking place under the Safety Car, with the latter three laps considered as race laps so half-points could be awarded as Max Verstappen took the win ahead of George Russell and Lewis Hamilton.