Formula One Columnist Joe Morin returns to give his thoughts on what to watch for when F1 makes its way back to the Cockpit of Europe
By Joe Morin | July 14, 2026
There are few places in motorsport quite like Spa-Francorchamps. With legendary corners such as Eau Rouge, Raidillon, Pouhon, and Blanchimont, the Belgian Grand Prix has long been one of Formula One’s ultimate tests of driver skill. This year’s race arrives at a fascinating point in the 2026 season, with the championship battle tightening and several teams hoping Spa’s unique characteristics will swing momentum in their favor.
Here are the three biggest storylines to watch this weekend.
1. Can Kimi Antonelli Strengthen His Grip on the Championship? The biggest story entering Belgium is undoubtedly the championship fight.
Mercedes rookie sensation Kimi Antonelli has exceeded nearly everyone’s expectations in his first full Formula One season. Leading the Drivers’ Championship after nine rounds, Antonelli has shown remarkable maturity, consistency, and speed. However, Spa is a very different challenge from the circuits that have made up much of the first half of the season.
His teammate, George Russell, has steadily reduced the championship gap, while Ferrari’s Charles Leclerc and Lewis Hamilton remain within striking distance. One poor weekend from Antonelli could completely reshape the title race.
Spa has punished even the sport’s greatest champions over the years. Changing weather, long straights, and unforgiving corners mean mistakes are costly. If Antonelli can leave Belgium still leading the standings—or even extend his advantage—it would be another major statement that the 19-year-old is ready to become Formula One’s newest world champion.
2. Will Ferrari’s Upgrades Finally Close the Gap?
Ferrari has shown flashes of championship-winning pace throughout 2026, but consistency has remained elusive.
Belgium represents one of the team’s biggest opportunities yet. Reports suggest Ferrari is bringing another package of upgrades specifically aimed at improving performance under the new 2026 regulations, particularly on circuits demanding efficient energy deployment and strong straight-line speed.
Spa has traditionally rewarded cars that balance aerodynamic efficiency with confidence through high-speed corners.
If Ferrari’s upgrades perform as expected, Charles Leclerc and Lewis Hamilton could become genuine contenders for victory, while also putting pressure on Mercedes in both championships.
Anything less than fighting for the podium may leave Ferrari facing an uphill battle for the remainder of the season.
3. Can Max Verstappen and Red Bull Bounce Back?
For the first time in several years, Max Verstappen arrives at Spa with questions surrounding both his championship hopes and Red Bull’s future.
Performance issues and costly incidents have left Verstappen outside the top two in the standings, while speculation surrounding his long-term future continues to swirl. Belgium, one of Verstappen’s strongest circuits, offers the perfect opportunity to remind everyone why he remains one of Formula One’s elite drivers.
Spa has been the site of some of Verstappen’s most dominant victories. If Red Bull has solved some of its recent problems, this could be the weekend they return to the front.
If not, the pressure on both Verstappen and the team will only continue to grow as the championship slips further away.
Final Thoughts
Every Formula One season has races that feel more significant than others, and the Belgian Grand Prix is shaping up to be one of those weekends.
The championship battle could tighten even further, Ferrari may finally prove it has the pace to challenge Mercedes consistently, and Max Verstappen has a chance to reignite both his title hopes and Red Bull’s momentum.
Throw in Spa-Francorchamps’ famously unpredictable weather—which is already expected to be a factor this weekend—and fans could be in for one of the most dramatic races of the 2026 season. At a circuit where legends are made, and championships can shift in a single lap, the Belgian Grand Prix once again promises must-watch Formula One.
Joe Morin is a regular contributor to The Sidearmer, specializing in Formula One coverage. He has been following Formula One and other forms of racing for over 30 years. He has even competed in the now-defunct Canadian Karting Championship, finishing second overall in 2008. This gives him a driver’s perspective, complemented by an analyst approach. Morin also has experience in podcasting, having worked behind the microphone for over ten years and as a video and audio editor for The Gorilla Position and Turnbuckle Studios.
