It has been one of the most remarkable Formula 1 seasons in recent memory, as the race for the Drivers’ Championship looks set to go down to the wire. The next stop in the battle between Lewis Hamilton and Max Verstappen takes up to Belgium, for the Belgian Grand Prix this Sunday.
Belgian Grand Prix Details & History
The Belgian Grand Prix is revered for being one of the most unpredictable on the F1 calendar, and that likely to be the case once again this weekend given how this season has played out. The drivers involved in the race this weekend will need to complete 44 laps, which is a total length of 191.398 miles. It has been held at its current venue at Circuit de Spa-Francorchamps since 2017, as it made its long-awaited return to the track.
No driver has experienced more success in the Belgian Grand Prix than the great Michael Schumacher, as the German world champion won this prestigious race on seven occasions during his esteemed career. Ferrari are the leading manufacturer in the race too, as they have won the race on 18 separate occasions. Their most recent victories came in 2018 and 2019, as Sebastian Vettel and Charles Leclerc won the races in those respective years.
Verstappen VS Hamilton
The BetXchange odds would certainly suggest that the race this weekend is a clear cut pick between the two drivers at the top of the standings. Verstappen is the narrow 1/1 favourite in the betting, while Hamilton is valued just higher at 11/10. The next favourite in the betting is a much bigger price of 12/1, as Sergio Perez leads the best of the rest. Other drivers at bigger prices includes Valtteri Bottas at 20/1 and Lando Norris at 33/1. However, it looks unlikely that any of the rivals will come close to Hamilton and Verstappen this weekend.
A war of words between the two drivers has ensued over recent months following the dramatic British Grand Prix. Hamilton eventually got the win in his home grand prix, but it wasn’t without drama. On the opening lap, Hamilton and Verstappen collided, which left the Dutchman reeling into the support barriers and out of the race. The Brit was handed a ten-second penalty, but that still wasn’t enough to stop him claiming victory.
That victory ended a three-race winning sequence for Verstappen, and he hasn’t been able to respond since. In the Hungarian Grand Prix, he relinquished his lead at the top of the Drivers’ Championship, as the Dutch star could only finish ninth. Hamilton finished the race second behind shock winner Esteban Ocon. Hamilton’s form has been excellent throughout the season, and he looks to be building ahead of the thrilling second half of the season.
Belgian Grand Prix Prediction
Hamilton is our pick to win the Belgian Grand Prix this weekend, as his record in the race is excellent. The Brit won the race last year for the fourth time in his career, and we expect him to close to within one victory of the great Schumacher this weekend to extend his championship lead.
