On the last Sunday of August, one of the most interesting races of the Formula 1 season this season can take place-it will be held in Belgium at the famous Spa – Francorchamps circuit. We offer you a forecast for the main event of the 12th stage of the World Championship.
Qualifying here almost gave one of the main sensations for many years – George Russell on the Williams was close to pole, but after the checkered flag, Max Verstappen beat him. Of course, this sensation would not have taken place without rain, but even on Sunday, forecasters predict precipitation throughout the day, so there can be many surprises.
But still, I see Verstappen as the winner of the race, who has repeatedly proved his skills to pilot a car on a wet track. He is unlikely to lose the start to Russell, and in the future he will just need to do without gross mistakes, both in aerobatics and tactics. Max's main competitor, of course, is Hamilton, but the weekend is very unstable for the Briton, and he will start only from the third position.
In pursuit of a large coefficient, you can try to play on the Ricciardo podium. The Australian will start fourth, and behind him Vettel and Gasly, whom McLaren is quite capable of not letting go ahead. Then Perez and Bottas, but it will be difficult for them to make breakthroughs in rainy weather – this is fraught with departure from the track. It will be extremely difficult for Russell to stay among the leaders – in the racing configuration, "Williams" is still not so competitive.
In duels, there is a reason to bet on Vettel against Leclair – after all, they are separated by as many as 5 positions at the start, and Ferrari has not shown itself in any way in two days. Okon should also stay above Alonso if he can finish. Giovinazzi will start just one position above Tsunoda, but he should also be at the finish line earlier. The Japanese is still damp, and is able to break firewood, trying to break through from the rear positions. You can even try to play for the departure of Yuki. And in general, on a wet high-speed highway in Spa, you should count on at least three descents.
