Saturday, July 26, is expected to begin with light morning mist at Spa-Francorchamps, but conditions are forecast to improve in time for the Sprint Race. Temperatures are set to rise to around 22°C, indicating a likely dry session based on current projections. While teams will prepare accordingly, the unpredictability of Spa’s weather means they must remain cautious and ready to adapt.
By the afternoon, qualifying could see temperatures climb slightly to 23°C, with no rain forecast at this stage. Despite this seemingly favorable weather, Spa’s fast-changing conditions mean sudden showers can’t be ruled out. Teams will keep a close watch on the skies, especially considering how quickly fortunes can shift at this historic circuit.
Past experiences have shown how deceptive Spa’s weather can be. In 2021, Mercedes gambled on a low-drag setup for Sunday’s race, sacrificing pole position for Lewis Hamilton. That strategy backfired when the race was ultimately cancelled due to heavy rain, costing Hamilton crucial championship points in his fierce battle with Max Verstappen.
Moving on to Sunday, July 27, forecasts indicate a much higher chance of weather disruption. The FIA has predicted a strong likelihood of light, off-and-on rain, particularly during the afternoon hours. With the Grand Prix scheduled to start at 15:00 CET, a 60% chance of precipitation could play a decisive role in race strategy and outcomes.
The wet conditions could shake up the order, allowing drivers not typically competitive in dry weather to shine. While Max Verstappen will likely be hunting down the McLaren drivers at the front, experienced wet-weather racers like Fernando Alonso, Esteban Ocon, and Nico Hulkenberg may seize the opportunity to deliver standout performances and unexpected results.
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