The Formula 1 2025 Belgian Grand Prix schedule brings the sport back to the iconic Spa-Francorchamps circuit from July 25 to 27 AEST. Known for its challenging corners and dramatic elevation changes, the Belgian Grand Prix is a key highlight of the season, offering unpredictable weather and intense racing action. Fans will witness top teams and drivers, including Lando Norris, Oscar Piastri, Max Verstappen, and freshly appointed Red Bull team principal Laurent Mekies, competing on one of F1’s longest and most storied tracks.
Setting the Scene: Spa’s Historic and Technical Challenges
First held in 1950 and using its historic layout since 1985, Spa-Francorchamps is revered for its fast, sweeping corners and significant elevation shifts that test driver skill and car performance. The track’s variable weather often influences race outcomes, with rain expected to possibly affect every day of the 2025 weekend. This unpredictability adds to the weekend’s drama, making the Belgian Grand Prix a must-watch event for fans worldwide and a vital part of the championship calendar.
Teams and Drivers to Watch During the Weekend
Heading into Spa, McLaren is the team to beat, with Lando Norris holding the championship lead after back-to-back wins. Norris aims to extend his streak, while teammate Oscar Piastri seeks redemption following a penalty at Silverstone that cost him a victory. Meanwhile, all eyes are on Red Bull Racing as it races under new leadership after Christian Horner’s unexpected departure. Laurent Mekies now leads the team, and Max Verstappen, who was born in Belgium and is a three-time winner at Spa, looks to impress at what is effectively his home race.
Return of Sprint Format Enhances Weekend Excitement
The F1 2025 Belgian Grand Prix schedule includes the return of the sprint format for the first time since the Miami race. This means that Saturday will feature both a sprint qualifying session and a sprint race, providing fans with additional competitive sessions before Sunday’s main Grand Prix event. This format increases on-track action and impacts the weekend’s overall strategy, demanding adaptability from teams and drivers alike.
Detailed 2025 Belgian Grand Prix Timetable in AEST
Friday, July 25
Practice 1: 8:00pm–9:58pm (Fox Sports 506, Kayo Sports, Foxtel Go)
Saturday, July 26
Sprint Qualifying: 12:26am–1:20am (Fox Sports 506, Kayo Sports, Foxtel Go)
Sprint Race: 7:55pm–9:30pm (Fox Sports 506, Kayo Sports, Foxtel Go)
Qualifying: 11:55pm–1:05am (Fox Sports 506, Kayo Sports, Foxtel Go)
Sunday, July 27
Build-up: 9:30pm–10:55pm (Fox Sports 506, Kayo Sports, Foxtel Go)
Race: 10:55pm–1:00am (Fox Sports 506, Kayo Sports, Foxtel Go)
Broadcasting and Streaming Options in Australia and New Zealand
In Australia, the Belgian Grand Prix will be broadcast live and exclusively on Fox Sports 506, with no free-to-air coverage or highlights available on regular channels. Fans can also stream the race through Foxtel’s services, Kayo Sports and Foxtel Go. Meanwhile, in New Zealand, Sky Sport offers comprehensive coverage, with different Sky Sport channels airing parts of the weekend’s action. The event will also be available on Sky Sport’s streaming platforms SkyGo and Sky Sport Now.
New Zealand Schedule (NZST):
Friday, July 25
Practice 1: 8:00pm–10:00pm (Sky Sport 2, Sky Sport Now, SkyGo)
Saturday, July 26
Sprint Qualifying: 2:00am–4:00am (Sky Sport 2, Sky Sport Now, SkyGo)
Sprint Race: 9:00pm–11:20pm (Sky Sport 4, Sky Sport Now, SkyGo)
Sunday, July 27
Qualifying: 1:00am–4:00am (Sky Sport 4, Sky Sport Now, SkyGo)
Build-up: 11:30pm–12:55am (Sky Sport 2, Sky Sport Now, SkyGo)
Monday, July 28
Race: 12:55am–3:00am (Sky Sport 2, Sky Sport Now, SkyGo)
Weather Forecast and Its Expected Impact on Racing
The Belgian Grand Prix is no stranger to changing weather conditions, and early forecasts indicate rain could be present at various times throughout the weekend, particularly on Friday and Saturday. These conditions will likely create a cautious and unpredictable racing environment, testing drivers’ ability to adapt strategy and control. The potential for wet weather means the races could feature surprising incidents and shifts in performance among the teams.
Significance of the 2025 Belgian Grand Prix in the Championship Battle
The Spa event plays a critical role as the seventh race in the F1 calendar, influencing the momentum in the tightly contested world championship battle between Norris and Piastri. With Verstappen also eager to assert himself at what he considers a home race, the performances here may define the trajectory for the rest of the season. The added sprint format provides an extra layer of competitive tension, which could affect championship points and team strategies moving forward.
This weekend promises a rich mix of high stakes, skill-testing conditions, and intense competition, making the F1 2025 Belgian Grand Prix a standout occasion on the racing calendar.
Our Reader’s Queries
Q. Is number 13 banned in F1?
A. Yes, the number 13 is allowed. Pastor Maldonado chose to use it when the permanent number system started in 2014. Although some cultures see it as unlucky, F1 lets drivers decide which number they want.
Q. Which F1 driver has ADHD?
A. Lewis Hamilton’s experiences with ADHD and dyslexia have influenced his life in and out of racing. His journey offers a new view of success in Formula 1, highlighting the need to acknowledge learning differences.
Q. Is 69 allowed in F1?
A. F1 driver numbers rule: Every driver can pick a number from 2 to 99, but not 17, to use for their entire F1 career.
Q. Which F1 drivers have ADHD?
A. Lewis Hamilton, born in 1985, is a British race car driver who races in Formula One for Mercedes. He previously drove for McLaren. Hamilton openly talks about his experiences with ADHD and shares his various interests and hobbies.