We’re onto our 5th Grand Prix in 6 weekends; are you complaining!?
At this weekend’s 2024 Belgian Grand Prix, McLaren will be taking on Red Bull Racing in their den at the legendary Spa Francorchamps circuit. Max Verstappen has won 3 consecutive Grands Prix at Spa (yes, we’re counting 2021 even though it wasn’t really a Grand Prix!). Red Bull Racing-Verstappen have won the last races at Spa despite taking power unit related grid penalties.
In fact, could this weekend’s race be the “Power Unit Grid Penalty” Grand Prix? It wasn’t too many years ago when McLaren took a 60 place grid penalty, but those were the days. These days, McLaren is now most-definitely the class of the field. But can they deliver a drama-free race? Mixed weather is expected on Saturday for Qualifying – let’s hope McLaren’s pit wall gets it right…after receiving sermons and team management lessons from everyone…including those who are nobody in Formula 1 (like us!).
Also, is Ferrari in the right? Will the cooler temperatures bring Mercedes closer to McLaren-Red Bull Racing? While we will see the regular narratives play out, let’s remember to enjoy the Spa Francorchamps this weekend – as a race circuit. They don’t make circuits like the Spa anymore!
And of course, Alpine might be set to lose their “works” status by signing up for Mercedes power units from 2025. Let’s hope their race weekend management is as spot-on as their new superhero livery.
Tune in!
(Season 2024, Episode 37)
Follow our hosts on Twitter: Soumil Arora, @f1statsguru and Kunal Shah
Image courtesy: McLaren
