Belgian GP

• Track features

  It's Oscar’s favourite Formula 1 track, and for good reason. The Circuit de Spa-Francorchamps is one of F1’s oldest and greatest venues, regularly delivering thrilling races and enthralling moments – when it isn’t too wet, that is.

  The weather conditions in Belgium are known to be… unpredictable, to say the least. Located in the Ardennes Forest, it’s not uncommon for it to be raining one minute and sunny the next. Sometimes, it can even be sunny in one part of the circuit and wet in another. Providing the rain doesn’t get too heavy, these changing conditions can really add to the spectacle.

  Even without the added excitement of the unpredictable weather conditions, Spa-Francorchamps would be among F1’s most entertaining circuits. The opening corner, Le Source, offers an instant chance of overtaking and is followed by the famous Eau Rouge/Raidillon sequence, which takes cars downhill and then back up towards the Kemmel Straight and into another overtaking opportunity at Les Combes.

  Down the road, you’ll find the high-speed Blanchimont turn, taken flat out at roughly 310 kph, where drivers can line up to move ahead of another overtaking opportunity, at the Bus Stop chicane.

  The circuit isn’t entirely high-speed, though. The middle sector is of the tight and technical type, and reminiscent of the Hungaroring. Despite this, teams will generally favour a lower downforce set-up in order to maximise the fast-flowing sections of the circuit.

• What's it like in Spa?

  Located around 40km from the closest city in the stunning Ardennes region, a trip to Spa-Francorchamps makes for a great escape from reality. Whilst there you’ll be surrounded by some real natural beauty, with forests, hills and rivers to explore, as well as several small, quaint villages to wander around.

  Despite its ruralness, the area isn’t short on amazing food. As well as heartwarming stews such as Waterzooi and Carbonnade Flamande, Belgium does the simple stuff brilliantly: Belgian fries (frites), waffles and chocolate should all be high on your list for snacking.

• F1 icebreaker

  Stuck for conversation with your F1-loving friends? Spark up a discussion with our F1 icebreaker…

  The Belgian Grand Prix is technically a home race for Lando, as his mother was born in Flanders region in the north of Belgium.