Ever since our very first Formula 1 win, courtesy of Bruce McLaren in 1968, McLaren have a special relationship with the Circuit de Spa-Francorchamps.

Ten different drivers have won for McLaren at this iconic track in our storied history, including Emerson Fittipaldi, Ayrton Senna, Mika Häkkinen and Lewis Hamilton, but none since Jenson Button in 2012.

This weekend, Lando and Oscar will be looking to create more memories at this famous venue, while bidding to notch our first victory here in 13 years. We spoke to the pair ahead of the weekend, as well as with Team Principal Andrea Stella, to get their thoughts on the Circuit de Spa-Francorchamps, which will host the 13th round of the season and the third Sprint event of the year. We’ve also detailed why we love the race, what the main challenges are, and given you some tips on what to wear.

“I’m looking forward to getting back on track in Belgium this weekend. Spa’s always a good one to go to, and the fans there bring a mega atmosphere. 

“Winning at Silverstone was an incredible feeling, but my full attention is now on the double-header. I’ve been back at the MTC with the team, working hard and getting ready to go again. We’re motivated and focused on keeping the momentum going.” 

“I’m always very excited to go racing at Spa. It’s a legendary track which feels awesome to drive with so many high-speed sections. It’s one of the highlights on the calendar, for sure.  

“We have worked hard during the gap in races, and my thanks go to everyone doing such a good job back at MTC.” 

“After two weeks away from track, we now head to Spa for the final double-header before the summer break. It’s also a Sprint event, so we’re looking forward to competing for more points with both drivers competing for victories. 

“After the incredible 1-2 finish at our home race last time out, which meant so much to the team, we head to one of the most historic circuits on the calendar fully energised. Spa is an iconic venue and a real challenge for the drivers, so I’m sure it will offer some exciting racing for fans to watch.” 

Why we love the Belgian Grand Prix

It’s an old-school circuit with a magical history, located in a beautiful part of the world – what’s not to love?

We race in some spectacular locations, from the Austrian Alps to the Las Vegas strip, and the centre of Monaco, but Spa-Francorchamps is right up there.

Set in Belgium’s Ardennes region, around 40km from the closest city, it is similar to Spielberg in that we’re surrounded by greenery and natural beauty – it’s a rural paradise, complete with rolling hills, woodlands and rivers. There are also several charming small local villages to explore.

The circuit’s many elevation changes also offer some great viewpoints, but none more so than the grandstand near Eau Rouge, which offers an excellent view of the run-up from La Source to Raidillon and Eau Rouge.

The only downside is the unpredictable weather, which can make for some brilliant races, but isn’t so great for those wanting to explore the area on foot.  

What are the challenges?

It’s Oscar’s favourite circuit, but not because it’s easy. The Circuit de Spa-Francorchamps is one of the most challenging to drive on the calendar, which promotes thrilling, wheel-to-wheel racing.

It’s the longest track on the calendar and contains a variety of tests for the modern F1 car. The first and final sectors are fast and flowing, while the middle of the circuit is tighter and more technical, meaning that teams must decide how best to balance their setups. Do you opt for high downforce to maximise your performance in the middle sectors, or do you decrease the downforce and prioritise the start and end of the lap?

There are plenty of overtaking opportunities for drivers to tackle as well, beginning with the first corner, known as Le Source, and then again at Les Combes, following a DRS zone on the Kemmel Straight. There’s a third overtaking opportunity at the Bus Stop chicane, where cars can make a move under braking after the circuit’s fastest corner, Blanchimont.

The season so far

For the first time since 2008, we won our home race at Silverstone, as Lando became the fifth British driver to stand on the top step at home for McLaren and the 13th British driver in total. Oscar finished directly behind him in second, marking our first home 1-2 in 25 years, when David Coulthard won ahead of Häkkinen.

It was our second 1-2 in as many races and increased our advantage at the top of the Constructors’ Championship, with a 238-point advantage over second place. In the Drivers’ Championship, Oscar remains first, eight points ahead of Lando.

The fit

Stealthy, sharp and stylish, our black and phantom-coloured fanwear ranges are perfect for those who like to operate in the shadows, blending in whilst playing a crucial role in success.

Depending on which level of stealth you want to unlock, you can opt for our completely black-on-black range, or you can add a pop of colour with our World Tour graphic T-shirts, or one from Lando and Oscar’s own collections.

Whether you’re in the garage or watching from the stands, these let your performance do the talking in an unmistakably cool way.