Belgian Grand Prix: Notes before the stage

Pirelli

Mario Isola: “Compared to last year, the circuit in Spa has changed a lot, but thanks to last month’s 24-hour race, we know what to expect. It was the biggest race on the track from the point of view of the participants and tire workers, which made it possible to evaluate the new asphalt.

In addition to new asphalt in five corners, four new gravel traps have been made, which will be closer to the track. As a result, riders will have to pay more attention to the boundaries of the track and the likelihood of gravel hitting the tarmac increases.

However, the grandiose character of the Spa has remained unchanged and all the traditional challenges that make the circuit so exciting have not disappeared.”

Red Bull Racing

Max Verstappen: “I am rested and ready to race. I look forward to getting behind the wheel again.

An exciting series of three stages is ahead, but we will be able to handle it without any problems, as everyone is equipped. The changes on the track kept the old school spirit with gravel safety zones – I like it.

Spa is my favorite track and I’m looking forward to the weekend ahead. According to the forecast, rain is possible, which will complicate the task, but our team is ready to take on the challenge.”

Sergio Perez: “I’m looking forward to getting behind the wheel of the RB18 and on the track again. I had a good rest and replenished my strength for the second half of the season – I’m ready.

Big races are ahead of us. Let’s start with Belgium – I love the track, there are always great fans. Can’t wait to get back to work and meet the team. It’s great to have three races in a row after the break – a schedule like that allows you to get back to the rhythm.

Ferrari

InterviewStory by: Luigi Fraboni

Mercedes AMG Petronas

Toto Wolff: “We went on summer break after a series of successful stages and the race in Hungary was our most productive race of the season. So far we can’t fight for wins, but the gap is closing – we need to keep gaining momentum and put pressure on our rivals.

The summer break was important for the team, allowing them to rest a little, recuperate and spend time with their families, who provide invaluable support to all our employees throughout the season.

We are ready for an uphill battle in the second part of the season – we still have nine chances to progress and, hopefully, compete with Red Bull and Ferrari for wins.

The spa needs no introduction. A classic old-school track with many memorable moments, this weekend is a real test for the cars and drivers. We are excited to be back and hope to please the fans and celebrate the 55th anniversary of Mercedes-AMG with some fun activities.”

McLaren

Lando Norris: “I’ve enjoyed the last few weeks, taking a break from the busy schedule of Formula 1. I played golf and relaxed, so I now feel ready for the second half of the season. We have to fight for fourth place in the Constructors’ Championship and I’m ready.

The track in Spa has always challenged teams and drivers. This week I came to base to prepare to return to the wheel. I want to get to the track quickly to understand what we can do.

Since my mother is from Belgium, I consider the coming stage one of my home. It’s nice to see so many fans in the stands – I hope I will please them with the points I have earned. Fingers crossed that the weather will be better than last year.”

Daniel Riccardo: “I am looking forward to returning to Belgium. Spa has an exciting track where riders enjoy fast corners such as Eau Rouge and Raidillon. In combination with the long straights on this track, you can attack to the limit. There is always a good atmosphere in Belgium, so it’s nice to be back on such a track after a few weeks of vacation.

I feel rested. I spent time in the US vacationing with friends, and now I’m ready to get back behind the wheel and give my best in the remaining nine races.

Today we made a statement, now all my attention is on the remaining races – I intend to leave the team at a high level. Let’s get back to racing.”

Andreas Seidli, Team Principal: “Everyone in the team is rested and ready for the second half of the season. At Spa we have an interesting challenge, but we can do a lot. Drivers have the opportunity to overtake and the track itself is unlike any other on the calendar.

I know the team is happy to be back in Spa and start a series of built stages. Despite the fact that driving three races in a row comes with certain difficulties, this opens up opportunities to fight Alpine – I hope we will earn points with two cars.

Today we made a statement about Daniel, and now we can fully focus on work this weekend. We have an important fight in the Constructors’ Championship and together with Daniel and Lando we look forward to continuing it.”

alpine

Interview: Otmar Safnauer | Fernando Alonso | Esteban Ocon

Alfa Romeo

Frederic Vasseur, Team Principal: “The summer break was necessary after a busy first half of the season, but now we are rested and motivated back in Belgium, ready for three consecutive races and the rest of the season. Nine races in thirteen weeks will be a real challenge for everyone in the team, but we are ready.

July turned out to be difficult, but we are determined and the approach will remain unchanged – the team intends to turn the tide, get back to the positions where we should be, join the middle group of teams and important points to earn. We will do our best and I am sure we will do well this weekend.”

Valtteri Bottas: “I needed to relax, spend time with friends and family. During the summer holidays I did a lot of sports and now I’m ready to get behind the wheel again. I’m looking forward to it, I feel ready and motivated for the second half of the season.

I love racing at Spa – it’s a legendary track that has had impressive races in the past and I’ve been on the podium three times. Racing in Belgium is usually unpredictable, so it’s important to do our job well and take advantage of every opportunity we get. Then we have the chance to compete and earn points, which will be a great start to a series of built races. ”

Guanyu Zhou: “It was nice to rest and relax for a few weeks during the break. A lot happened in the first half of my rookie season, so I was happy to have the chance to recover. Now I am ready to return to the cockpit.

In the past I have raced in Spa and been on the podium in Formula 2. When I come to Belgium I always think of Antoine Hubert – this weekend I will race for him.

Looking ahead, I can say that I am entering the second half of my debut season with confidence and ready for the challenges ahead. In the last races before the summer break we have not been able to score points, but I am positive and I think we have a chance to return to the top ten in Belgium.”

Hare F1

Interview: Gunther Steiner | Kevin Magnussen | Mick Schumacher

AlphaTauri

Pierre Gasly: “I enjoyed my summer vacation and went to Greece for the first time, where I spent a week with my friends. Then I returned to France, where I rested with my parents, brothers, cousins, and then went to Spain for a few days. Nothing special but I was able to relax, spend time with my family and exercise. I wanted to rest well for the last part of the season.

Then I went back to work, starting with a session on the simulator. Since Monday everyone has been working at maximum efficiency so my phone is more torn from calls than in the previous three weeks!

The track in Spa is one of my favorites. This weekend we start a series of three stages, but after the break I am happy to get back behind the wheel and race. Several races before the summer break proved difficult for us – we didn’t earn any points and everything was not in our favour. The team did not want the results.

Since the podium in France, we have new items that we already understand better. However, it remains difficult for us as the battle in the middle group is very tight. We are not giving up and will continue to work hard to get the most out of the car as soon as possible and fight for the points every weekend.

Last year the race was actually canceled due to rain, and this weekend we will see changes on the track – first of all I am interested in the Eau Rouge-Raidillon combination. Much work has been done since Antoine Hubert’s crash, leading to changes on this part of the track and the appearance of new gravel safety zones.

Yuki Tsunoda: “I had a good summer vacation and practiced a lot. The first week I spent on a training base in Austria, where I worked with a sports psychologist and a physiotherapist. The second week was off and then I returned to Faenza to continue training, doing wakeboarding and other fun activities.

About 70% of the time I was working out but I know it will help me so I chose not to fully relax during the break. However, I managed to relax, turn off the phone for a few days and not think about racing. Was great.

It’s interesting to see the changes in Spa – I’ve only seen them in the simulator so far, but I don’t think the Eau Rouge has changed much. More changes are due to Raidillon, where the departure zone at the exit has been changed and gravel catchers have appeared on some other parts of the track.

I like the track, especially the medium speed and fast corners. Spa is one of the best routes on the calendar and one of my top five favorites.

My approach this weekend will not change from what I followed in the first half of the season. As far as expectations go, however, I’ve made an effort to “reset” my mind and start with a clean slate. I feel strong and rested – I’m very motivated for the second half of the season.”

Aston Martin

Sebastian Vettel: “It’s great to be back on track after the summer holidays and straight to the Spa – just fantastic. The lap is incredibly fast and fluid, and every race is exciting and unpredictable, which is great for the fans.

I think our car is fast in the race distance and the team is doing a great job. I hope we have a good weekend.”

Lance Walk: “Spa has a great track where you can fully feel the speed and possibilities of a Formula 1 car. Here you can drive close behind an opponent and overtake.”

In the last races our car was fast on Sunday, so I hope we can give the fans a great show, especially after last year’s flood.”

Williams

Alex Albon: “It’s great to wrestle again after the holidays. Spa is one of my favorite circuits, it’s interesting to fight there and in a fast lap you get an incredible amount of fun. Also, as we saw last year, there are always surprises with the weather in Spa.”

Nicholas Latific: “The summer break gave me a chance to relax a bit, take a break from racing, before the start of the second part of the season I feel refreshed and rested.

It’s nice to come to the track in Spa after the holidays – one of the best on the calendar. It will be interesting to drive a new generation car on an old school highway. Hopefully this weekend we will take all our chances to get a good result and the weather can play a role, as it usually happens in Spa.