Formula 1 Drivers Face Unique Challenge in Belgium

Formula 1 drivers are bracing for their first competitive test with the cars for 2026 on a wet track during this weekend's Belgian Grand Prix.

As of 2:45 PM Bulgarian time on Monday, July 13th, weather forecasts for the Spa-Francorchamps circuit predict a rainy weekend, with all three days of on-track action expected to be affected by precipitation. This would mark the first such instance under competitive conditions since the start of the season.

Some drivers, including Lewis Hamilton, Pierre Gasly, and Racing Bulls' Liam Lawson and Arvid Lindblad, have already driven in wet conditions during pre-season testing or special Pirelli tire trials. However, no session during a race weekend has yet taken place in fully wet conditions.

The start of the Canadian Grand Prix was impacted by light rain, but most drivers on the grid opted for dry tires.

Current forecasts indicate a 50% to 67% chance of rain on both Friday and Saturday. For Sunday's race start at 3:00 PM local time in the Ardennes, the probability of precipitation drops to approximately 39%.

Temperatures are expected to hover around 25 degrees Celsius throughout the weekend, with winds blowing from the northwest. This translates to a tailwind along the south-facing Kemmel Straight and a headwind at the Bus Stop chicane at the end of the lap.