The Spa F1 Belgian Grand Prix qualifying session will take place on Saturday at the Circuit de Spa-Francorchamps to set the grid for Sunday’s race, the 13th round in a record-tying 24-race 2025 Formula 1 season. This session follows the first sprint race of the year in Miami and the third of six sprints planned this season, highlighting the build-up to an important weekend at one of the sport’s most iconic venues.
Located in Stavelot, Belgium, the circuit is known for its challenging 19 turns over 4.352 miles (7.004 kilometers), making it the longest track on the current Formula 1 calendar. Although Spa remains popular with both fans and drivers, it will no longer be featured every year, as the new contract only includes events in 2026, 2027, 2029, and 2031. The race distance is set at 44 laps, the shortest lap count of the season, reflecting the length of the circuit itself.
With the introduction of the ground effect era rules since 2022, qualifying has become less critical at Spa than at many other tracks. Historically, no winner has started from the front row since these regulations took effect, with an average starting position for the winner near 7.67 on the grid. This unusual statistic is partially influenced by Max Verstappen‘s performances in recent years, overcoming grid penalties in both 2022 and 2023 to win from well outside the front rows, driving from 14th and from 6th respectively.
It remains to be seen whether any driver can defy recent trends and capitalize on a front-row start after the sprint race on Saturday, which was itself won from the front row. So far this year, only two of twelve race winners have started from positions outside the front row, underscoring how rare such comebacks are despite Spa’s history.
Eliminations During Qualifying Sessions
The qualifying sessions will unfold in the traditional Q1, Q2, and Q3 format, progressively eliminating slower drivers and establishing the final grid order. Details about which drivers were eliminated in Q1 and Q2 will guide fans in understanding how the starting lineup has shaped up for the race, with the Q3 outcomes securing the top positions on the grid.
Complete Starting Grid Following the Sprint Race
The full starting lineup for Sunday’s Belgian Grand Prix will soon be confirmed, factoring in the results of both the qualifying sessions and the sprint race, which influences the final grid order. Spectators can watch the event live on ESPN starting at 8:55 a.m. Eastern Time. Viewers interested in tuning into the race can access it through services like FuboTV, which offers free trials for those who want to catch every moment of the action at Spa.
The Belgian Grand Prix remains a centerpiece of the F1 calendar, not only for its technical challenges but also for its unpredictable race outcomes, where starting position is less determinative than at most circuits. This weekend’s qualifying and sprint race results will be crucial in setting the stage for a thrilling race, as drivers aim to navigate the complexities of the long track and extract maximum performance.
Our Reader’s Queries
Q. Is number 13 banned in F1?
A. Yes, number 13 is permitted. Pastor Maldonado even used it when fixed numbers started in 2014. Despite its bad luck reputation in certain cultures, F1 lets drivers choose their own numbers.
Q. Which F1 driver has ADHD?
A. Lewis Hamilton’s experiences with ADHD and dyslexia have influenced his personal and professional life. His journey reshapes the idea of success in Formula 1 and highlights the importance of acknowledging learning differences.
Q. Is 69 allowed in F1?
A. Rules for choosing a number in F1: Drivers can pick a permanent number from 2 to 99, except for 17, for their entire F1 career.