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🇧🇪 Belgian GP: corners, rain and Franco’s first Sprint with Alpine

Franco faces one of the most technically demanding weekends of the year – with his first Sprint race alongside Alpine

Published

21 Jul 2025

Est. reading time

3 min

🤩 An iconic track and a new challenge for Franco

This weekend, Formula 1 lands at one of its most legendary venues: Spa-Francorchamps 🇧🇪

With famous corners, unpredictable weather, and a unique layout, the Belgian GP is a true classic on the calendar… and now, it’s also part of Franco Colapinto’s journey.

What makes it so special? And what should Franco focus on to stand out here? We’ll break it all down for you.

⚡ Sprint weekend: double race action for Franco

For the first time in 2025, Franco will race a Sprint with Alpine – and it’s happening at Spa! This will be the only European Grand Prix with a Sprint format this year, bringing fans extra excitement with two qualifying sessions and two races over just three days.

What’s a Sprint?

It’s a short race (around 100 km) held on Saturday, awarding additional championship points. It also has its own qualifying session – Sprint Qualifying – separate from the traditional qualifying that sets the Sunday grid.

⏳ A circuit full of history, corners and legends

The Belgian GP began in 1925 and was part of the inaugural F1 season in 1950. Spa-Francorchamps has hosted most editions, except for a few held at Zolder and Nivelles. Since its early days, the track has been known for its length, technical complexity and breathtaking layout. Today, it measures 7.004 km, making it the longest circuit on the calendar, with 19 corners. The Eau Rouge–Raidillon section is perhaps the most iconic in all of F1 – a high-speed, uphill corner sequence that tests the bravery and precision of every driver.

😱 Unforgettable moments in Spa

- In 1998, thirteen cars were eliminated on the opening lap due to a massive crash in the rain. - In 2021, the race lasted only three laps behind the safety car due to heavy rain, becoming the shortest F1 race in history.

Will 2025 add another moment to Spa’s rich history?

🎉 Heading to the circuit? You're in for a treat!

Alongside F1, fans will also enjoy: - F2, F3 and Porsche Supercup races. - The circuit opens from 6 am and closes between 8 and 10 pm. - There’ll be live music from Dimitri Vegas, Henri PFR and MATTN, and a vibrant Fanzone with activities for all ages. - If you’ve got a pit walk ticket, get ready for a close-up view of the teams in action.

🧠 3 key points Franco must keep in mind

We'll tell you more about this throughout the week, but for now...

Unpredictable weather:

It can rain in one sector and be dry in another. Car control will be crucial.

High-speed corners:

Eau Rouge, Blanchimont and Pouhon demand maximum precision. Every millimetre counts.

Tyre strategy:

With such a long lap, picking the right compound at the right time could define the entire race. We’ll break these down in more detail closer to the start of practice.

👉 Follow every lap live on the FC43 app

If you want to stay up to date with Franco’s performance in every session, download the official app. You’ll get notifications, live lap-by-lap coverage, and exclusive content.

Download the App!

Stay up to date with the latest by downloading the Franco Colapinto app for Android or iOS.

Download Now

🗓️ Live session times

25 July

- FP1: 12:30 BEL / 11:30 UK / 7:30 ARG - Sprint Quali: 16:30 BEL / 15:30 UK / 11:30 ARG

26 July

- Sprint: 12:00 BEL / 11:00 UK / 7:00 ARG - Quali: 16:00 BEL / 15:00 UK / 11:00 ARG

27 July

- Race: 15:00 BEL / 14:00 UK / 10:00 ARG

💙 #FranClub43 is ready to light up Spa

This legendary circuit has seen icons like Fangio, González and Reutemann shine… and now it’s Franco’s turn. Support him with your energy, share your passion on social media using #FranClub43, and check out all the articles we’ll be posting this week — including a special feature on Franco’s experience at Spa and an exclusive photo gallery.

Let’s go, Franco!

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