The 2024 Belgian Grand Prix qualifying at Spa had twists and turns that kept fans on the edge of their seats.
- Max Verstappen showcased dominant form, yet a grid penalty meant he would start further back.
- Ferrari’s Charles Leclerc grabbed an unexpected pole position, thrilling the crowd and shaking up expectations.
- Changeable weather conditions added to the drama, with rain influencing tire choices and performance.
- A fiery performance by drivers under wet conditions demonstrated their skill and determination.
Max Verstappen was undeniably the man of the hour during the qualifying rounds at Spa-Francorchamps, flaunting an impressive pace. Despite being nearly six-tenths of a second ahead of his nearest rival by the end of Q3, a ten-place grid penalty due to a new engine meant Verstappen wouldn’t start in his hard-earned position. This unexpected twist elevated Ferrari’s Charles Leclerc to pole position, rewarding the young driver for his tenacity and skill.
Weather played its unpredictable hand throughout the session. The rain had initially drenched the circuit but tapered off just in time for qualifying, demanding the use of intermediate tires in Q1. As the laps progressed, Verstappen led the session comfortably, almost six-tenths faster than McLaren’s Oscar Piastri. However, Piastri managed to clinch the top spot in Q1 with a time of 1:54.835, just 0.076 seconds ahead of Pierre Gasly’s Alpine.
The elements continued to challenge the drivers in Q2. Although lighter, the drizzle left the final sectors wet, prompting strategic tire decisions. Verstappen maintained his momentum, topping Q2 as well, this time with only a two-tenths gap over Lewis Hamilton. Notably, Lance Stroll and Valtteri Bottas were among those who didn’t advance further.
The fight for the pole in Q3 was intense. Verstappen established a quick pace early on with a 1:53.159. Yet, as rain returned, Sergio Perez momentarily seized provisional pole. However, it was Leclerc’s run on fresher inters that pushed him ahead, securing his position at the front for the Belgian Grand Prix for the second consecutive year. This result sets an intriguing stage for the race, where Verstappen will have to claw back positions, offering fans plenty to anticipate.
The 2024 Belgian Grand Prix qualifying left fans buzzing with excitement and set the stage for an unpredictable race.
