The 2025 Formula 1 season continues with the Belgian Grand Prix sprint at Spa on Saturday, July 26. This race marks the third sprint event of the year, featuring key drivers competing in a 15-lap, fast-paced contest that could be influenced by weather conditions.
Oscar Piastri arrives on pole position for the sprint, having delivered a commanding performance in Friday’s qualifying session. As the current championship leader, the Australian driver has a strong chance to secure his second sprint win of the season, after his victory in Miami. Lewis Hamilton previously won the season’s opening sprint in China, while Piastri’s McLaren teammate Lando Norris, who sits third on the grid, trails Piastri by just eight points in the standings.
Max Verstappen qualified between the McLaren teammates and will start from the front row, setting up a compelling battle among the top drivers. The combination of sprint race format and the possibility of rain makes the Saturday session at Spa one to watch closely.
Exact Start Times of the Sprint Race Across the Globe
The sprint race at the Belgian Grand Prix will begin at 12:00 PM local time (CEST) on July 26. For viewers in the United States, the broadcast will start early at 6:00 AM Eastern Time. Below are the start times adjusted for different time zones worldwide to help fans catch the action live:
Local Time (CEST): 12:00 PM
New York, United States (ET): 6:00 AM
Chicago, United States (CT): 5:00 AM
Denver, United States (MT): 4:00 AM
Los Angeles, United States (PT): 3:00 AM
London, United Kingdom (BST): 11:00 AM
Sydney, Australia (AEST): 8:00 PM
Adelaide, Australia (ACST): 7:30 PM
Perth, Australia (AWST): 6:00 PM
Mexico City, Mexico (CT): 4:00 AM
Berlin, Germany (CEST): 12:00 PM
Tokyo, Japan (JST): 7:00 PM
Cape Town, South Africa (SAST): 12:00 PM
Cairo, Egypt (EEST): 1:00 PM
Beijing, China (CST): 6:00 PM
New Delhi, India (IST): 3:30 PM
São Paulo, Brazil (BRT): 7:00 AM
Singapore, Singapore (SGT): 6:00 PM
Where to Watch the Sprint Race Live on Television
Fans can watch the Belgian Grand Prix sprint race live on ESPN in the United States, with several other broadcasters covering the event worldwide. The following list highlights key TV providers by country to help viewers tune in:
United States: ESPN, ESPN Deportes
Mexico: Fox Sports Mexico, Televisa
Australia: Fox Sports, Foxtel, Kayo
United Kingdom: Sky Sports
Italy: Sky Italia
Belgium: RTBF, Play Sports
Netherlands: Viaplay, Viaplay Xtra
Spain: DAZN F1
Canada: RDS, RDS 2, TSN, Noovo
Germany: Sky Deutschland, RTL
France: Canal+
Singapore: beIN SPORTS
China: CCTV, Shanghai TV, Guangdong Television Channel, Tencent
Japan: Fuji TV, DAZN
Hungary: M4 (MTVA Sports Channel)
Brazil: Bandeirantes, Bandsports
Austria: Servus TV, ORF
Middle East & Turkey: beIN SPORTS
Africa: SuperSport
India: FanCode
Latin America: ESPN
Additionally, the F1TV Pro streaming service provides live coverage in selected countries for fans who prefer digital access.
Drivers Leading the Championship and What to Expect at Spa
Oscar Piastri leads the driver standings, holding a slim eight-point advantage over his McLaren teammate Lando Norris. Both drivers are expected to be key contenders in the sprint race, yet Max Verstappen’s front-row start injects added tension into the competition. Lewis Hamilton, the former sprint winner this season, is also among the drivers who can challenge for position.
With only 15 laps in the sprint format, every move will count, and potential rain further complicates team strategies and driver performance. The race at Spa can have an outsized impact on the championship momentum, giving drivers the chance to improve their grid position ahead of Sunday’s main Grand Prix.
Our Reader’s Queries
Q. Is number 13 banned in F1?
A. Yes, the number 13 is permitted. Pastor Maldonado chose #13 when the permanent number system started in 2014. While some cultures see it as unlucky, Formula 1 lets drivers decide their numbers.
Q. Which F1 driver has ADHD?
A. Lewis Hamilton’s experiences with ADHD and dyslexia have significantly impacted both his personal and professional life. His journey challenges conventional ideas of success in Formula 1 and highlights the importance of understanding learning differences.
Q. Is the number 13 banned in F1?
A. Formula 1 drivers have the choice to select a permanent number for their entire career. They can pick any number from 2 to 99, except for 17.