Formula 1: Belgian Grand Prix Review

Image: Motorsport Images

Max Verstappen once again showcased his sheer dominance in the world of Formula 1 at the Belgian Grand Prix, securing an astounding eighth consecutive victory and further cementing Red Bull's supremacy in the 2023 season. With an impeccable track record, the team has claimed victory in all 12 races so far, leaving their competitors struggling to match their relentless pace. While Verstappen's teammate, Sergio Perez, showed some resilience at the beginning, he ultimately had to settle for second place. Ferrari's Charles Leclerc, however, managed to find his rhythm, securing a well-deserved spot on the podium, concluding the first half of the season on a high note before the much-awaited summer break. 

Verstappen's Unyielding Dominance   

Throughout the 2023 season, Max Verstappen has been nothing short of sensational, delivering a masterclass in driving that has left his rivals in awe. The Belgian Grand Prix was no exception, as Verstappen made the challenging Spa-Francorchamps circuit look like a walk in the park, starting the race from P6. 

Red Bull's Unblemished Record 

Red Bull Racing has demonstrated an unrivaled level of performance this season, claiming victory in all 12 races so far. Their relentless pursuit of excellence, bolstered by their rocket ship of a car and mainly Verstappen has seen them soar to new heights of achievement. As they continue their reign of supremacy, other teams are left scrambling to bridge the gap and mount a challenge for the championship. 

Image: Getty Images

Perez's Battle and Leclerc's Triumph 

  Sergio Perez, Verstappen's teammate, fought valiantly at the Belgian Grand Prix, holding the lead for a brief period. However, his efforts proved insufficient to match Verstappen's blistering pace, and he had to settle for the runner-up position. While Perez remains under immense pressure from Helmut Marko and the F1 fans, he proves he is an essential asset for Red Bull. 

On the other hand, Ferrari's Charles Leclerc enjoyed a positive outing in Belgium, securing a podium finish. Ferrari have been striving to reclaim their glory days in Formula 1, and fans are hungry for success. Leclerc's podium finish served as a morale boost for the Scuderia, as they continue to improve their car's performance to compete with the dominant Red Bull. 

Image: Reuters

Controversy at Spa-Francorchamps 

The Belgian Grand Prix was not without its share of controversy. The most significant incident involved the in-form McLaren rookie, Oscar Piastri, and Ferrari's Carlos Sainz. The two drivers collided at the apex, resulting in both cars retiring from the race. Sainz was quick to label it as a "racing incident," but opinions have been divided. Viasport, among others, questioned the amount of space left by Sainz, suggesting that he might bear some responsibility for the collision. Such incidents highlight the fine margins in Formula 1 and the need for precise decision-making in high-pressure situations. 

Lando Norris's Impressive Drive 

McLaren's Lando Norris had a rollercoaster of a race at Spa-Francorchamps. The team opted for an extreme downforce setup, initially leaving Norris vulnerable on the track. However, when rain intervened, the setup played to his advantage, transforming him into the fastest driver on the circuit. Norris's remarkable feat of keeping his soft tires workable for 26 laps allowed him to secure an impressive seventh-place finish. His driving skills and strategic decision-making demonstrated why he is a formidable force in Formula 1. 

Yuki Tsunoda's Resurgence 

After a lackluster performance in the previous race, Yuki Tsunoda showed great resilience and determination at the Belgian Grand Prix. The AlphaTauri driver showcased real racecraft and impressive overtaking maneuvers, earning valuable points for the team. His resurgence proved his potential as a promising young talent, and it will be exciting to see how he continues to develop throughout the season. 

The Belgian Grand Prix showcased the indomitable spirit of Max Verstappen and Red Bull Racing, as they continued their dominance in the 2023 Formula 1 season. While Sergio Perez put up a valiant fight, Verstappen's relentless pace was too much for anyone to match. Ferrari's Charles Leclerc also delivered a strong performance, securing a podium finish, instilling optimism in the team's quest for redemption. However, the race wasn't without drama, as a controversial incident involving Oscar Piastri and Carlos Sainz sparked debates about responsible racing. Additionally, Lando Norris's impressive drive and Yuki Tsunoda's resurgence added further excitement to an already gripping season. As the teams head into the summer break, the championship battle intensifies, promising even more excitement and action in the second half of the season. 

Viasport Race Rating: 6/10 

Decent race. It is clear that pretty much everyone is fed up with the Max Verstappen dominance, and that is understandable. However, the midfield action was thourougly exciting with Alpine, Williams, and Tsunoda involved in plenty of battles. See you all in one month, as the drivers take a deserved summer break.