2021 Belgian Grand Prix predictions: can Verstappen refuse Hamilton his 100th F1 win at Spa?

The battle for the 2021 championship title is red-hot, and the marginal difference separates Max Verstappen and Lewis Hamilton in the drivers’ standings. And after a short time, the fight will begin at the Belgian GP next F1 weekend.

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Verstappen had had a life-threatening accident at Silverstone that opened a can of worms in the already intense rivalry. And while many expected the Dutchman to receive his salvation on the Hungaroring, the result was nonetheless disappointing.

All eyes are now on the upcoming Grand Prix of the classic Spa Francorchamps.

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Can Verstappen refuse F1 milestone to Hamilton?

Hamilton is well on the way to clinching his 100th race win this weekend at Spa. But between him and his impeccable performance stands a driver – Verstappen. The Red Bull driver longs to get back on his horse after scoring a meager 5 points in the last two races.

Formula 1 F1 – Hungarian Grand Prix – Hungaroring, Budapest, Hungary – July 31, 2021 Mercedes’ Lewis Hamilton hits his fists with Red Bull’s Max Verstappen after qualifying in pole position and third place or pool over REUTERS / David W. Cerny

With Belgium being Verstappen’s part home, the Dutchman will undeniably enjoy the home advantage. In addition to a fast car on the route, Verstappen is greeted by an orange sea that could boost his self-confidence.

Amid too many positive events devouring Red Bull, the chances are good that Verstappen will overtake his Mercedes rival at Spa.

Can McLaren strike back in midfield with Ferrari?

The focus is not only on the front runners, but also on the front runners in the midfield – Ferrari and McLaren. Since lap 1, the battle for P3 has been swinging like a pendulum between McLaren and Ferrari.

And at the end of the Hungarian GP, ​​the points in the constructors’ championship are tied. McLaren, with a formidable Lando Norris in one and Grand Prix winner Daniel Ricciardo in the other, will be looking for a podium or two at Spa.

Formula 1 F1 – Hungarian Grand Prix – Hungaroring, Budapest, Hungary – August 1, 2021 McLarens Daniel Ricciardo in action after a collision with Ferrari’s Charles Leclerc REUTERS / David W Cerny

This looks very plausible considering that McLaren is sporting a Mercedes powerplant at the rear that is fierce enough to beat Ferrari on the straights. A battle for P5 between AlphaTauri, Alpine and Aston Martin is raging between the two teams.

Alpine will be full of confidence after their first race win on the Hungaroring. The French scored a whopping 37 points at the weekend.

Formula 1 F1 – Hungarian Grand Prix – Hungaroring, Budapest, Hungary – August 1, 2021 Alpine Esteban Ocon celebrates with teammate Fernando Alonso after winning the Pool race over REUTERS / Florion Goga

Aston Martin suffered a relapse after the fuel problem that resulted in the disqualification of Sebastian Vettel. Hence the British outfit in Spa will seek its redemption.

Will the weather upset something?

Spa has always been one of the few racetracks where there was a significant risk of rain every race weekend. The threat looks very big this weekend too, as the odds are over 80% on all three days of the Belgian GP.

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So if it rains, you can definitely look forward to another Hungarian GP in 2021 or even a Turkish GP in 2020.

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So can F1 fans look forward to this year’s Belgian Grand Prix? Will rain spice up the race and bring another unlikely driver to the top step of the podium?

View history: Mad Max: Verstappen’s furthest rants on Team Radio