Rain fall at Spa could turn the Belgian Grand Prix into a lottery

From car setup choices to confidence in the wet, the paddock is alive with speculation over how the weather could turn the race on its head. Heavy rainfall significantly disrupted the Formula 2 and Formula 3 races at Spa-Francorchamps on July 27, 2025, ahead of the Belgian Grand Prix.

The Formula 3 feature race, scheduled for 7:25 AM, was abandoned due to severe weather conditions. Radar estimates reported 9–11 mm of rain between 06:30 and 09:30, causing poor visibility and standing water on the track.

Four drivers experienced spins or crashes behind the safety car, prompting officials to cancel the race without awarding points, as no green-flag laps were completed.

The Formula 2 feature race, set for 8:55 AM, started behind the safety car due to persistent rain. The track’s notorious microclimate, with wet conditions in some areas and damp in others, led to cautious driving and strategic challenges.

No major incidents were reported, but the wet conditions slowed lap times and forced teams to rely on intermediate tires. Forecasts indicate improving conditions for the Grand Prix, but the morning’s chaos underscores Spa’s unpredictable weather, impacting team preparations and driver safety.

Lando Norris, who starts from pole, welcomed the challenge ahead: “It’s probably going to rain. At Spa, that can mean one half of the track is soaked while the other is dry. Could be a Silverstone-style chaotic race, but I’m looking forward to a fun one regardless.”

Norris added that whether dry or wet, he feels McLaren has the strongest package: “I think we have the best car, so that’s the most important thing.”

Team-mate Oscar Piastri, who joins him on the front row, echoed the sentiment: “It’s tricky to predict what will happen, but starting on the front row is always a good thing. If it’s wet, it obviously adds in some other challenges—we’ll see what the weather does first.”

Team Principal Andrea Stella confirmed the team is prepared for Spa’s usual unpredictability: “The weather will certainly play its part on race day, as is so often the case here.”

Ferrari boss Fred Vasseur said the team is eager to see how their new upgrades perform in all conditions: “Rain is expected tomorrow, and that will allow us to see how these upgrades work more broadly.”

But Charles Leclerc, who starts P3, struck a more cautious tone: “Wet weather hasn’t been a strength for us lately—we’re really struggling. But every weekend is different, and we’ll see what’s possible after the first few laps.”

Sprint Race winner Max Verstappen admitted his qualifying pace left him frustrated, but he’s still hopeful for a fightback on Sunday: “Fighting for the win will be tough as both McLarens will still be fast in the wet, so we don’t expect any miracles. A lot could happen in the race with the weather.”

Last year's 'winner', who was DQed, George Russell revealed Mercedes may be slightly compromised if it rains: “We set the car up today to maximise qualifying. If it does rain, we may be slightly compromised, but starting P6 is still a good position.”

Mercedes F1 boss Toto Wolff said the team would be alert for opportunities: “With a mixed weather forecast, we’ll be looking to take advantage of anything that comes our way.”

Mercedes trackside director Andrew Shovlin added: “We’re expecting some rain. Considering our starting positions, that’s a good thing.”

At Alpine, Franco Colapinto was hoping rain could help level the playing field: “Hopefully we’ll be stronger and more competitive. At Spa, anything can happen.”

Visa Cash App RB driver Isack Hadjar said, “We know there’s a chance for a wet race but I’m happy with our setup.” The team’s head of performance, Guillaume Dezoteux, noted: “The weather will play a big part.”

Haas Team Principal Ayao Komatsu confirmed they split strategies in anticipation: “There’s a high chance it’s going to rain, so we split directions based on driver feedback.”

Aston Martin made specific setup changes, as Fernando Alonso explained: “We made some set-up changes for the rain,” while Lance Stroll noted: “It looks like it’s going to rain tomorrow, so anything can happen.”

Andy Cowell, overseeing operations at Aston, added: “With a wet race forecast, there’s still a lot to play for.”

Nico Hülkenberg said the team considered rain in setup: “Probably like everyone else,” while Gabriel Bortoleto declared: “Rain or dry, we’ll be ready and give it our best.”

Whatever the weather brings, the grid is set for another unpredictable Belgian Grand Prix at Spa—where the forecast is as much a threat as the drivers themselves.