The rain at Spa-Francorchamps brought mixed fortunes for the drivers, with some benefiting and others struggling. Here’s what went down:
- Max Verstappen took full advantage of the wet conditions to outperform McLaren.
- Lando Norris and Oscar Piastri struggled with used tires in Q3.
- The RB20’s aero efficiency shone on the straights and high-speed corners.
- Verstappen gained crucial time in specific sectors, particularly at Pouhon and Les Combes.
Rainy weather at Spa-Francorchamps turned the qualifying session into a strategic battle. Max Verstappen excelled in these tricky conditions, showcasing his skill and the aerodynamic superiority of the RB20.
Lando Norris and Oscar Piastri, who had been optimistic after dry conditions on Friday, found themselves at a disadvantage due to worn tires in Q3. This setback was pivotal as they couldn’t match the pace of their competitors.
Verstappen’s telemetry data highlighted his dominance, especially in high-speed corners like Pouhon. He maintained a 6km/h advantage over Norris and Piastri, translating to significant time gains.
At the Les Combes chicane, Verstappen’s superior traction helped him gain an extra two-tenths of a second over Norris. These small but crucial differences showcased the edge provided by Red Bull’s setup.
Red Bull’s strategic decisions were spot-on, as both Verstappen and Sergio Pérez optimized their setups for a balanced performance, unlike McLaren’s more aero-loaded configuration for Norris and Piastri. This balance allowed Red Bull to maximize both straight-line speed and cornering performance.
The rain ultimately hindered McLaren’s race prospects. While they were well-positioned for a top-three finish in dry conditions, the wet track reshuffled the grid. They now face the challenge of overtaking faster starters like Lewis Hamilton and Charles Leclerc.
Despite a 10-place grid penalty, Verstappen’s strong performance in qualifying, combined with Sergio Pérez’s solid showing, leaves Red Bull in a promising position for the race.
In the end, the Belgian rain played a decisive role, benefiting Verstappen and Red Bull while dampening McLaren’s hopes.
Source: Planetf1
