[GUEST ACCESS MODE: Data is scrambled or limited to provide examples. Make requests using your API key to unlock full data. Check https://lunarcrush.ai/auth for authentication information.]  Zach Brown [@the_zb_](/creator/twitter/the_zb_) on x 4615 followers Created: 2025-07-21 13:25:20 UTC Belgium Grand Prix 🇧🇪 Preview What can we expect this week from each of the top teams? Reminder, while there are a bunch of teams likely to deploy some of their few remaining updates here at Spa, it’s also a Sprint weekend. Any wayward setups or correlation issues get only a single FP session to be worked through. In guesstimate pecking order: X. 🟠McLaren Well, there’s no reason they shouldn’t remain the favorites here, but circuits with a premium on straight line speed can at least bring them back to earth just a bit. But also, given their tyre performance and the jump gap in compounds for the weekend, we shouldn’t hold any illusions that they’re not still the team to beat. There’s just no glaring weaknesses on the car, and some of the long radius “corners” should still suit them with their downforce monster. They are favorites. I lean slightly towards Oscar on this circuit, in the balance of their drivers Norris hasn’t historically been fantastic around Spa. X. 🔵 Red Bull So, the organization as a whole is in a moment of turmoil, but will that bleed over into the race execution? I don’t think so. Even when not as competitive elsewhere, the Red Bull has a knack for taking a step forward with its solid aero package at conventional circuits with mostly aero considerations. Max also goes incredibly well here. If they can balance the platform needs of Eau Rouge and the slow speed, they have a chance of being more competitive here, maybe even like Suzuka. They are bringing updates for the weekend, and they also still have arguably the best car at firing up the Intermediate Tyre in changing conditions, which could be a factor given the forecast. I expect a resurgent Red Bull… Max, at least. Yuki needs a respectable weekend, like Checo put together during his 2024 struggles… but unfortunately there’s just not yet a reason for us to think that will happen. X. 🔴 Ferrari The time is here, and a lot is riding on this new suspension corrective package, literally. While we may not think to see a huge direct impact at this circuit in particular, the compromises you have to make for setup and lifting at Eau Rouge follow you down the whole Kemmel Straight. I get an inkling of a feeling that Ferrari have been somewhat concerned about this extreme situation in particular, so hopefully the verifications prove fruitful from Mugello. How will the car look through Blanchimont, will we be down a few kph? IF these corrective packages have worked as intended and the SF-25 comes right according to its design goals, my gut is that Charles will struggle a tad initially with the new nature of the car while Lewis will feel more comfortable with the balance. Both are good here, but if the package does to the car what they intend, my expectation here is that Lewis has the better weekend and Charles runs out of FP time to reset the car back towards his balance preference. X. ⚫️ Mercedes The enigma of Mercedes’ competitive prospects continues this year, but one thing is for sure - they were the best here last season with two different strategies, and the car absolutely loves the cooler conditions that look to be a part of the weekend. When they are good, they are clear second best team. They are the hardest to judge. It’s almost like you just don’t know which car will show up. George should have the measure of Kimi, but if there’s a sleeper circuit where Kimi has experience and could pip George, this might be one. He has won here twice in other categories. There’s not much else to say, we just wait for the mystery of Mercedes to unfold. It’s an interesting weekend ahead, and Sprints can throw a wrench into things given how little FP running the teams get. It will be good to see racing again! 📸 by BBC - a throwback to Spa 2019, Leclerc’s maiden GP victory!  XXXXX engagements  **Related Topics** [mclaren](/topic/mclaren) [correlation](/topic/correlation) [spa](/topic/spa) [prix](/topic/prix) [belgium](/topic/belgium) [zach](/topic/zach) [Post Link](https://x.com/the_zb_/status/1947286772376834177)
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Zach Brown @the_zb_ on x 4615 followers
Created: 2025-07-21 13:25:20 UTC
Belgium Grand Prix 🇧🇪 Preview
What can we expect this week from each of the top teams? Reminder, while there are a bunch of teams likely to deploy some of their few remaining updates here at Spa, it’s also a Sprint weekend. Any wayward setups or correlation issues get only a single FP session to be worked through.
In guesstimate pecking order:
X. đźź McLaren
Well, there’s no reason they shouldn’t remain the favorites here, but circuits with a premium on straight line speed can at least bring them back to earth just a bit. But also, given their tyre performance and the jump gap in compounds for the weekend, we shouldn’t hold any illusions that they’re not still the team to beat. There’s just no glaring weaknesses on the car, and some of the long radius “corners” should still suit them with their downforce monster. They are favorites. I lean slightly towards Oscar on this circuit, in the balance of their drivers Norris hasn’t historically been fantastic around Spa.
X. 🔵 Red Bull
So, the organization as a whole is in a moment of turmoil, but will that bleed over into the race execution? I don’t think so. Even when not as competitive elsewhere, the Red Bull has a knack for taking a step forward with its solid aero package at conventional circuits with mostly aero considerations. Max also goes incredibly well here. If they can balance the platform needs of Eau Rouge and the slow speed, they have a chance of being more competitive here, maybe even like Suzuka. They are bringing updates for the weekend, and they also still have arguably the best car at firing up the Intermediate Tyre in changing conditions, which could be a factor given the forecast. I expect a resurgent Red Bull… Max, at least. Yuki needs a respectable weekend, like Checo put together during his 2024 struggles… but unfortunately there’s just not yet a reason for us to think that will happen.
X. đź”´ Ferrari
The time is here, and a lot is riding on this new suspension corrective package, literally. While we may not think to see a huge direct impact at this circuit in particular, the compromises you have to make for setup and lifting at Eau Rouge follow you down the whole Kemmel Straight. I get an inkling of a feeling that Ferrari have been somewhat concerned about this extreme situation in particular, so hopefully the verifications prove fruitful from Mugello. How will the car look through Blanchimont, will we be down a few kph? IF these corrective packages have worked as intended and the SF-25 comes right according to its design goals, my gut is that Charles will struggle a tad initially with the new nature of the car while Lewis will feel more comfortable with the balance. Both are good here, but if the package does to the car what they intend, my expectation here is that Lewis has the better weekend and Charles runs out of FP time to reset the car back towards his balance preference.
X. ⚫️ Mercedes
The enigma of Mercedes’ competitive prospects continues this year, but one thing is for sure - they were the best here last season with two different strategies, and the car absolutely loves the cooler conditions that look to be a part of the weekend. When they are good, they are clear second best team. They are the hardest to judge. It’s almost like you just don’t know which car will show up. George should have the measure of Kimi, but if there’s a sleeper circuit where Kimi has experience and could pip George, this might be one. He has won here twice in other categories. There’s not much else to say, we just wait for the mystery of Mercedes to unfold.
It’s an interesting weekend ahead, and Sprints can throw a wrench into things given how little FP running the teams get. It will be good to see racing again!
📸 by BBC - a throwback to Spa 2019, Leclerc’s maiden GP victory!
XXXXX engagements
