In his absence, it is the Spaniard Carlos Sainz who starts as the favorite with his speedy Ferrari. Although he also changed parts, in his case the gearbox, he did so within the permitted limit.
Under light rain first and heavy rain afterwards, Sainz set the best time of the first free practice session on the legendary Spa-Francorchamps circuit, before setting the 5th time in the second session at the end of the afternoon, dominated by Verstappen.
Lewis Hamilton, who is aiming for a first victory in 2022, like his Mercedes teammate George Russell, may also harbor hope after the penalties on Verstappen (eight wins from 13 races) and his pursuer (3 wins).
rain of sanctions
This rainy Friday reminded spectators of the deluge of the Belgian edition of the race in 2021, when Verstappen won a Grand Prix in which only two laps were traveled behind the safety car.
According to forecasts, the weather will improve on Saturday and Sunday for the qualifying session and for the race, so last year’s situation should not be repeated.
Thus, more than the rain, it is the penalties that will fall on the grid, due to the numerous changes of elements of the engine or the gearbox.
In addition to Verstappen and Leclerc, Lando Norris (McLaren), Esteban Ocon (Alpine), Valtteri Bottas (Alfa Romeo) and Mick Schumacher (Haas) were also suspended. His starting order remains to be known, which will be determined by his result in Saturday’s qualifying session.
Friday’s session was marked above all by a long-awaited announcement: Audi’s arrival in F1 in 2026 as an engine supplier.
The four-ring brand will be associated with an F1 team “to be announced by the end of the year,” according to CEO Markus Duesmann, present in Belgium for a press conference.
This alliance could be closed with Sauber: the Swiss-based team currently competes as Alfa Romeo. But the Italian brand announced this Friday that this agreement would end after the 2023 season.
For the Audi-Sauber alliance, the way is now clear. As for the arrival, also expected in 2026, of another brand of the Volkswagen group: Porsche. The announcement of a partnership with Red Bull is expected in the coming weeks.
Another current aspect this weekend has to do with the expected permanence of the Belgian Grand Prix on the calendar. Unlike the French GP, which will be off the calendar next year, Spa could be renewed for 2023.
This is how they were in the first test in the Belgian GP:
Max Verstappen (NED/Red Bull) 1:45.507 (20 laps)
Charles Leclerc (MON/Ferrari) 1:46.369 (21)
Lando Norris (GBR/McLaren-Mercedes) 1:46.589 (17)
Lance Stroll (CAN/Aston Martin-Mercedes) 1:46.635 (16)
Carlos Sainz Jr (ESP/Ferrari) 1:46.649 (20)
Lewis Hamilton (GBR/Mercedes) 1:46.893 (18)
Fernando Alonso (ESP/Alpine-Renault) 1:46.975 (19)
George Russell (GBR/Mercedes) 1:47.042 (22)
Daniel Ricciardo (AUS/McLaren-Mercedes) 1:47.255 (18)
Sergio Perez (MEX/Red Bull) 1:47.346 (15)