The reigning F1 world champion dominated qualifying, going fastest by 0.632s from nearest challenger Sainz, but with a back of the grid engine penalty Verstappen will start from 15th place.
Verstappen’s penalty meant Sainz inherited pole for Ferrari and he will be joined on the front row by Sergio Perez in the second Red Bull.
Charles Leclerc, who ended qualifying in fourth, also has a back of the grid penalty and will duly start from 16th place directly behind title rival Verstappen.
Despite the grid penalty, both Verstappen and Leclerc are predicted to fight back up to the podium spots, while Mercedes driver George Russell said he expected the Dutchman to still be able to win the Belgian GP.
It was a disappointing qualifying for Mercedes with its best effort from Lewis Hamilton 1.838s off Verstappen’s best lap, which led to team principal Toto Wolff branding it as “not acceptable”.
Valtteri Bottas, Alfa Romeo C42
Photo by: Andy Hone / Motorsport Images
When is the F1 Belgian Grand Prix?
Date: Sunday 28th August 2022
Start time: 2:00pm BST, 3:00pm local time
The 14th round of the 2022 F1 season, the Belgian GP at Spa-Francorchamps, gets underway at 3:00pm local time (2:00pm BST) on Sunday 28th August.
How can I watch Formula 1?
In the United Kingdom Formula 1 is broadcast live on Sky Sports, with highlights shown on Channel 4 several hours after the race has finished. Live streaming through NOW is also available in the UK.
Sky Sports F1, which broadcasts the F1 races, can be added as part of the Sky Sports channels which costs £20 a month for new customers. Sky Sports can also be accessed through NOW with a one-off day payment of £11.98p or a month membership of £33.99p per month.
How can I watch the F1 Belgian GP?
In the United Kingdom, Sky Sports will be live broadcasting the Belgian GP, with the race shown live on Sky Sports F1. Pre-race coverage will be starting on Sky Sports F1 at 12:30pm ahead of the race start at 2:00pm BST.
Channels: Sky Sports F1
Start time: 12:30pm BST, Sunday 28th August 2022
Autosport will be running a live text coverage of the Belgian GP here.
When can I watch the F1 Belgian GP highlights?
In the United Kingdom Channel 4 is broadcasting highlights of the Belgian GP at 6:30pm BST on Sunday evening. The full programme will run for two-and-a-half hours, covering the pre-race, the race highlights and the initial post-race reaction to wrap up the major talking points of the race weekend.
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