Formula 1 2022: when is Belgian Grand Prix and how to watch on UK TV? Race schedule and circuit

Formula 1 finally returns this weekend after a month break.

The first half of the season has been not just a story of Max Verstappen rattling through, however it has also been a tale of Ferrari’s failed strategies and loss of what might prove to be critical points.

Stories from the McLaren garage have also emerged during the break that might see Daniel Ricciardo asking for a huge payout if Zak Brown and the rest of the team are hopeful of pushing the Australian out of the squad by the end of the year.

There is the looming figure of Oscar Piastri, who has been floating around the teams in the hope of a seat in 2023 - it’s becoming an increasing possibility that if Ricciardo can’t improve and provide the necessary points his team need, then Piastri could be snapped up next year.

As the second half of the season approaches, each team will have used the break to improve consistency in their cars as well as improving their strategies within the team.

The last meet was at the Hungarian Grand Prix, which saw Max Verstappen extend his lead at the top of the Drivers’ Championship once more. He was followed by both Mercedes drivers Lewis Hamilton and George Russell with Carlos Sainz and Charles Leclerc coming in at number four and number six respectively.

The Dutchman now sits on 258 points while his Monegasque rival, Charles Leclerc, is on 178 points.

When is the Belgian Grand Prix?

The race weekend begins on Friday 26 August 2022 and will conclude with the race on Sunday 28 August 2022.

Race schedule:

Friday 26 August:

• Practice 1: 1-2pm (BST)
• Practice 2: 4-5pm

Saturday 27 August:

• Practice 3: 12-1pm
• Qualifying: 3-4pm

Sunday 28 August:

• RACE: 2-4pm

Where does the Grand Prix take place?

The Grand Prix will take place at Spa-Francorchamps circuit which is located at Stavelot, Belgium. This year has seen renovations taken place on the track, and while large amounts of it stay the same, the drivers will see resurfacing, which is likely to alter the track’s grip level.

The track is one of the most loved circuits on the calendar with a mix of long straights and challenging fast corners which allow drivers to push the cars as far as they can.

Due to the weather in Belgium, the track can often be dry on one side of the track and wet on the other.

How to watch the Belgian Grand Prix?

Sky Sports will once again have all the coverage from Belgium. Sky Sports Main Event and Formula 1 will show all of the action from Spa.

Subscriptions for Sky Sports start at £46/month or NowTV passes are available for £11.99/day.

Who will win the Belgian Grand Prix?

Max Verstappen won the 2021 Belgian Grand Prix, however Lewis Hamilton has won four races in Spa since 2010.

After the break, Ferrari will need to put all their energies into winning each race if they are in with a chance of winning the Constructors’ Championship.