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Race week is under way as Formula 1 heads to Spa‑Francorchamps for the tenth round of the 2026 season. Chris Medland highlights five talking points that could shape the weekend, from the title fight to the track’s unpredictable weather.
Kimi Antonelli’s championship lead has narrowed to 25 points over teammate George Russell, after a series of misfortunes that saw a wheel‑shield failure cost him a podium at Silverstone. While his pace remains strong, recent reliability woes mean Mercedes can’t afford to sacrifice speed for durability.
Max Verstappen, fresh from a high‑speed crash in Britain, says he needs a “reset” before returning to form. The Dutchman’s future with Red Bull remains unconfirmed, fueling speculation about a possible move to McLaren and keeping the driver market in flux as teams eye the summer break for negotiations. Veteran Fernando Alonso is also mentioned as a potential catalyst for reshuffling.
Spa‑Francorchamps itself promises excitement with its elevation changes, iconic Eau Rouge‑Raidillon complex and a real chance of mixed‑condition racing. Forecasts suggest rain could appear on any of the three days, meaning teams will face a steep learning curve with the new 2026 chassis and tyre packages in wet conditions.
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