Max Verstappen is on the brink of joining an elite group of Formula 1 legends by potentially winning the race in Belgium for the fourth consecutive time. This achievement has only been accomplished by legends like Ayrton Senna. Yet, the road to history won’t be easy for the reigning champion.
Inclement weather is expected during Saturday’s qualifying session, making the starting grid highly unpredictable. Verstappen also faces a ten-place grid drop due to engine penalties. Despite these challenges, Verstappen has proven his ability to overcome similar setbacks, as he did in 2022 when he soared from P14 to lead by lap 18.
However, this year’s car, the RB20, does not hold the same advantage over its competitors. Spa’s long track usually offers multiple overtaking opportunities, but the RB20’s issues with big kerbs, similar to what was seen in Monaco, could complicate matters. The final chicane, in particular, poses a significant challenge for Verstappen’s car. Verstappen himself has shown disappointment in the car’s underperformance, especially following the Hungarian Grand Prix.
Rudy van Buren, a Red Bull simulator and development driver, has backed McLaren to dominate Spa, predicting a win for Lando Norris and a second-place finish for Oscar Piastri, with Verstappen rounding out the podium in third. Such a result would narrow Verstappen’s championship lead over Norris to 66 points, highlighting the critical nature of every point lost or gained.
Meanwhile, McLaren seems to have the best all-around package this weekend, further adding to Verstappen’s hurdles. Verstappen’s frustrations aren’t just limited to the track. The reigning champion has expressed his concerns about the team’s development pace and the new upgrades that haven’t yielded the expected results.
With a mix of weather challenges, grid penalties, and car performance issues, Verstappen’s path to his fourth consecutive win at Spa is fraught with hurdles. As the final race before the summer break, this weekend is crucial for Verstappen to maintain his lead in the championship race.
