2020 Belgian GP - Spa Francochamps

[Nitrodaze]

We come into Spa with the announcement of an extended calendar. As F1 revisits old historic tracks like the scary Nurburgring, Mugello, Imola, Algave International Circuit [Portugal] and the Instanbul track in Turkey.



The weekend shall commence with a revised rule on engine mapping that outlaws the use of the famous "Party Mode". Lewis Hamilton comes into this weekend with a 37 points lead over 2nd placed man Max Verstapenn. With Bottas a further 6 points adrift from Verstapenn. Verstapenn has established himself as the clear second placed driver and main challenger of Hamilton. Bottas who has been unlucky with strategy, shall be seeking to redress the loss of 2nd position at this race.

RAIN THIS WEEKEND

This is a track that would favour the mighty Mercedes as temperatures appear to be very moderate and dry. But rain is expected which means Verstapenn could be a real bother for Mercedes. Redbull must be clever with strategy to get in midst of the rapid Mercedes cars. Hence this weekend shall be a showcase of driving skills by Verstapenn as he sets about wrestling with Bottas and tries to ruffle the Meastro Hamilton.

The driver's championship has two clear battles raging; the fight for second place between Verstapenn and Bottas. And the very close fight for 4th spanning 4th placed driver Leclerc [45] through to 7th placed Norris. This group are within 6 points difference from Leclerc, with 5th and sixth placed drivers, Stroll and Albon having identical [40] points, and ahead of Norris by a solitary point [39]. Any of these guys could end up in fourth.

I expect Albon to level with or be within 3 points of 4th place at the end of this race.

In the constructors championship, things seem so much more clearer, with Mercedes almost doubling the points of second placed Redbull. The real interesting fight is the battle for the third spot. As 3rd through to 5th has one point each between each other. Racing Point's 15 points penalty brings them within reach of Mclaren and Ferrari.

With the extension to the 2020 calendar and only 37 points between Hamilton and Verstapenn, anything is now possible. Hamilton cannot afford any mistakes. And Verstapenn must be at the very top of his game to continue to apply pressure on Hamilton while keeping ahead of a very fast Bottas. We certainly are in for a great second half of this bizzare season.