F1 | GP BELGIUM, GIAN CARLO MINARDI “VERSTAPPEN MUST HELP THE TEAM, NOT ATTACK IT”
From Hungary we quickly pass to Belgium, Spa-Francorchamps. A circuit absolutely the opposite compared to the Hungaroring. It is very fast and long with its 7,004 metres and just as demanding for the cars and the drivers. The unknown factor of the weather is not to be underestimated. On the Friday and the Saturday, the chance of rain is around 50%, lowering to 20% for the Sunday.
We come quickly to this round after the episodes that marked in a particular way the final part of the race in Budapest. Now Verstappen should be trying to lead the team, rather than attacking it badly with inappropriate team-radio and acts on the track certainly unworthy of a three times world champion. He is the tip of the iceberg. After years of unchallenged domination, he must help the team, as he has already done in the past, and as he certainly knows how to do.
In my opinion, today Red Bull and Verstappen are still the point of reference, even if behind them is a McLaren in great shape that is proving to be competitive in many different conditions. With last weekend’s one-two, it overtook Ferrari in second place on the constructors’ ladder and is trying to put its sights on the leadership that is running with only one driver.
With the Hards Ferrari had been the fastest car with Leclerc, before switching to the mediums. It remains to be seen if they will be able to repeat the performance as Pirelli has brought the C2-C3-C4.
In the meantime, came the news of Mattia Binotto joining Audi’s programme. An operation that could be very attractive for some technicians now working at Maranello. 2026 is approaching quickly and all the teams are committed to reinforcing their departments, especially on the engine front. In September, Vasseur will announce the new organizational chart.
And talking about the engines, Alpine could be leaning towards the Mercedes engines. If this is the case, it could be a sign of a sales negotiation. It would be strange to think that a team linked to Renault using a Power-Unit of a competitor, but at the present time it is hard to interpret these rumours.
Gian Carlo Minardi
