Thrilling Belgian GP awaits: Grid penalty sets stage for Spa drama

The Belgium Formula 1 (F1) Grand Prix (GP) main race is scheduled for Sunday, July 28, 2024, with the race set to start at 1:00 PM GMT, and after typically sensational F1 qualifying and practice sessions the grid positions are locked in.

Let’s take a look at what events led us to to race day, and what that might mean in terms of F1 betting opportunities ahead of Sunday.

The Belgium GP is at driver and fan favourite track, Spa-Francorchamps, with arguably the most well known corner in f1 history.

“Eau Rouge” referring to the water stream that passes beneath the corner, has drivers passing through at a calm 300 km/h, however with rain looming we could be looking at a much different approach at Spa this Sunday.

During the week Red Bull Racing released a statement placing three-time World Champion Max Verstappen’s car with a new engine part which exceeds the allowable limit for the season.

The necessary replacement consequently hands Verstappen 10 place grid penalty from where ever he qualifies this weekend.

Belgium F1 Spa Betting After Practice Sessions

During practice Verstappen has looked the most dominant topping two of the three Free Practice (FP) sessions and looked as if the 10 place grid penalty would be less significant come race day.

Zak Brown (McLaren CEO) saw Verstappen as the favourite for pole during the qualifying sessions saying that “it would be a big mistake to think he (Verstappen) cant go from P11 to P1”, with Brown making reference to the time Verstappen went from P20 to P9 within three laps a few years back.

Max Verstappen is currently paying +300 to win at Spa with the best online bookmakers

Red Bull junior team Visa Cash app (VCARB) are also subject to a penalty this weekend with Yuki Tsunoda replacing almost all components within his engine and receiving a mammoth 60 place grid penalty. Tsunoda will be starting from P20 following qualifying

Yuki Tsunoda is paying +700 for a points finish with the top online betting apps.

McLaren have looked deadly once again with Lando Norris fastest overall through all FP sessions.

Mclaren will be looking to continue their best form here at Spa, and thankfully for them they’ve proved to be fast in the wet with those conditions expected on race day.

Lando Norris was paying +200 for fastest qualifier with sports betting sites.

Belgium F1 Spa Betting After Qualifying Sessions

History has repeated with Verstappen taking pole however Charles Leclerc will inherit pole position due to Verstappen’s grid penalty.

The same situation occurred in the 2023 Belgium GP.

Embattled Red Bull driver, Sergio Perez, may yet resurrect his career after qualifying in P2.

McLaren would be disappointed with their qualifying session with both drivers outside of the top three spots after qualifying.

McLaren have been very good in wet condition this season and will have be searching for their third team win of the season.

Spa Belgian GP F1 Best Bets

We’ve seen Verstappen previously win from bigger deficits and he can very well win from P11. The Dutchman will be hunting down the top 10 early on after the Red Bull cars seem to be the quickest this weekend.

Lewis Hamilton is capable of a masterclass driving in the wet and from P3 can very well catch Perez and keep himself in the mix for his 201st podium finish.

Oscar Piastri was definitely the most comfortable of the two Mclaren drivers over the practice and qualifying sessions and can very well continue that fast pace on Sunday with the conditions expected to get drier as the race goes on.

Sergio Perez definitely needs a win to his name this season after a unimpressive first half of the 2024 F1 season has seen the Mexican at risk of losing his seat. A win here at Spa will keep his chances alive at Red Bull next year.

2024 F1 Belgian GP Grid Positions