Spa to be the most important GP of the year for many
In less than two weeks time, the Formula 1 Circus will be heading to the Spa-Francorchamps track, the so-called "University of F1". The Belgian circuit is going to host a vital race for many drivers and teams.
Topping the list is Scuderia Ferrari: the Maranello team is unexpectedly still winless after the first half of the championship. Knowing their only ace in the sleeve to beat Mercedes is their power-unit, they'll have to perform brilliantly, and possibly even win, to have a chance to triumph in their home GP at Monza. The long Kemmel straight and the flat-out Blanchimont corner should play in their favor, but motorsport teaches that nothing has to be taken for granted.
https://www.motorlat.com/notas/f1/12504/will-spa-put-ferrari-back-on-top
Another power-unit will have the ultimate test on the long straights of Belgium: Honda. After an outstanding improvement in the last one and a half season, the Japanese engine constructor will show its true potential to see if Max Verstappen might be a title contender even in the end of the current season.
Pierre Gasly and Alex Albon will have to stand a lot of pressure on their shoulders, but for opposite reasons. The Thai driver, 12 races only into his Formula 1 career, will be driving for a top team beside the man on a charge Max Verstappen. No one asks him to deliver straight away, but a good performance at Spa would make his second half of the championship way easier. On the other hand, Pierre has to keep focussed and not to give up: he is still not out of the Red Bull's games. Disappointing results by Albon may give Gasly a second chance on the austrian team's seat, but only if he proves to be mentally strong. Not an easy task when operating with Helmut Marko around...
Haas team should have taken the most advantage possible out of the three-weeks summer break. Since the Silverstone GP, Romain Grosjean has been driving the Melbourne spec-car in order to compare the datas with team mate Keving Magnussen, racing on the upgraded Haas. The american team in fact had lost its development path and a good performance in Spa would therefore be crucial for their future.
https://www.motorlat.com/notas/f1/12496/the-upgrades-expected-for-f1-teams-at-restart-in-spa
Last -even on the board- but not least, Williams. With George Russell's brilliant performance in Budapest, the team may have seen some positive results after a tough start of the season. The Brit even managed to fight with cars belonging to the midfield pack which provided the team with hopes on their latest upgrades. On the other side of the garage, Robert Kubica massively struggled in the twistingness of the Hungaroring due to his permanently damaged right hand. At Spa the Pole should have easier life and he needs to catch up with Russell if he wants any chance to keep the seat also for 2020.