Formula 1 is back in action this weekend for the Belgian Grand Prix, the tenth round of the season.

Spa-Francorchamps is one of the most iconic and demanding circuits on the calendar, with its unique combination of high speeds, steep elevation changes and often unpredictable weather. This weekend runs to the usual format, with three free practice sessions giving teams more time to prepare for qualifying and the Grand Prix than last time out at Silverstone.

At 7.004 kilometres, Spa-Francorchamps is the longest circuit on the calendar while Eau Rouge-Raidillon, the Kemmel straight, Pouhon, Blanchimont and the Bus Stop chicane are among the championship's most famous sections, all requiring an extremely fine balance between aerodynamic efficiency, high-speed stability, and traction through the more technical sections.

Overall car efficiency is particularly important at Spa-Francorchamps: the long straights reward top speed, while the high-speed corners and rapid changes of direction require precision and stability. Tyre management also remains a key factor, given the high loads they are subjected to throughout the lap. As is often the case in the Ardennes, the weather could also play a key role this weekend: it is not uncommon for rain to affect just one sector of the circuit while another remains completely dry, creating highly variable conditions and making strategy and adaptability crucial throughout the weekend.

Fred Vasseur: We arrive at Spa-Francorchamps knowing that a particularly demanding weekend lies ahead. It is one of the most challenging races of the year because of the characteristics of the track and the way the weather can change from one moment to the next in the Ardennes. We know we can count on a united team with everyone always working in the same direction, and on two drivers who work well together and push each other every time they are on track. Once again, our objective is to maximise our result and make sure we execute every detail as well as possible from the first session to the chequered flag.

Ferrari at the Belgian GP

69 GP Entered
1950 (A. Ascari 5th; L. Villoresi 6th)
18 (26.09%) Wins
17 (24.64%) Pole Positions
19 (27.54%) Fastest Laps
52 (25.12%) Podiums

Three questions to Jerome d'Ambrosio, Deputy Team Principal.

This is your home Grand Prix. What's it like sporting Scuderia Ferrari HP colours here, knowing that in Belgium the team can count on huge support from the fans?
Jerome d'Ambrosio: It is always a pleasure for me to come back to Spa, not only because of my nationality but because this is one of the most iconic and beautiful circuits on the calendar. Belgium has a real passion for motorsport and the Ferrari fans always come here in great numbers. It also has a special place in Ferrari's history: the Cavallino Rampante made its racing debut here at the 1932 Spa 24 Hours with a one-two finish, and Francorchamps was home to one of Ferrari's earliest and most important importers, Garage Francorchamps. That heritage makes racing here with Ferrari even more special.

We come here off the back of Silverstone, where Charles won just a few weeks after Lewis' victory in Barcelona. What kind of atmosphere and mindset do you see within the team?
JdA: The atmosphere is positive, but above all very focused. The wins in Barcelona and Silverstone reflect the progress made by the whole team, both at the track and in Maranello, and are the result of continuous hard work. However, we know that the development rate is central to this year's championship, and we are working hard together with both drivers to keep on improving the package.

This championship is proving to be very unpredictable with plenty of twists and turns. How is the team approaching it?
JdA: The key is to stay grounded, knowing every race might produce a different story. We are competing against very strong rivals, so we approach every race and every session with the same mindset: maximize everything we have. With these cars, small details can make a big difference, and attention to detail from everyone in every area is important. We continue to work on both fronts, extracting the maximum from the package at the track while developing the car in Maranello.

Belgian Grand Prix - Facts and Figures

5. The number of times that the winning margin at the Belgian Grand Prix held at Spa-Francorchamps was under one second. In 1961 just seven-tenths separated the Ferraris of Phil Hill and Wolfgang von Trips. Only 0.647 seconds split Lewis Hamilton and Oscar Piastri in 2024, while in 1998 the Jordan cars of Damon Hill and Ralf Schumacher were separated by just 0.932 seconds. Seven thousandths was the winning margin for the Ferrari of Kimi Räikkönen, ahead of the Force India of Giancarlo Fisichella. From the following round, the Italian would step into the F60 to replace the injured Felipe Massa. Finally, in 2019, Charles Leclerc took his maiden win, finishing 0.981 seconds ahead of Hamilton.

50. The percentage of the Ardennes covered by forest, making it the largest green lungs in Western Europe. It's this very landscape that makes Spa-Francorchamps one of the most spectacular and unpredictable circuits on the calendar in terms of the weather.

1,600. The varieties of beer produced in Belgium, a tradition so deeply rooted that it was added to UNESCO's Intangible Cultural Heritage list in 2016. From Trappist beers to lambics, every region of the country boasts unique recipes and types.

5,000. The kilometres of hiking trails in the Ardennes, running through forests, valleys, and small villages. It is one of the largest and most popular outdoor areas in Western Europe.

600,000. The tonnes of chocolate produced each year in Belgium, making it one of the world's largest producers despite it being a small country. It is a tradition dating back to the nineteenth century that has made Belgian chocolate a symbol of excellence recognised worldwide.