FRIDAY DEBRIEF: How it's looking after Belgian GP qualifying as wet weather sets up spicy weekend

Rain lashed Spa on Friday but eased off as qualifying progressed to set up a thrilling session as conditions improved and lap times tumbled. Teams were limited to just a handful of laps of practice, though, and that means they have no significant long run data heading into Saturday’s Sprint Shoot-out and Sprint as well as Sunday’s Grand Prix. Here’s how things are looking after the opening day of action…
Ferrari looked most comfortable in changeable conditions
With Spa’s epic 7km track sodden from persistent rain, there was very little action in the weekend’s only practice session – but from what we did see, it was the Ferraris of Charles Leclerc and Carlos Sainz who looked the most confident in very tricky conditions.
Next Up
Related Articles
Wolff explains Russell’s ‘disadvantage’ in Japanese GP
What the teams said – Qualifying in Japan
Watch Round 2 of the 2026 F1 Sim Racing World Championship
Ride onboard with Antonelli for his superb pole lap in Japan
BettingOur final Japanese Grand Prix betting predictions
Watch the Japanese GP highlights as Antonelli takes win
