How to follow Belgian Grand Prix on the BBC

Spa-Francorchamps will host the Belgian Grand Prix for four out of six years from 2026-2031, taking 'fallow years' in 2028 and 2030

Formula 1 moves into the second half of the season with the Belgian Grand Prix at Spa-Francorchamps from 25-27 July.

It's also a sprint weekend so extra points are on offer in Saturday's 15-lap race.

After winning the past two grands prix, Lando Norris has narrowed the gap in the drivers' championship to his McLaren team-mate Oscar Piastri to eight points.

Sunday's main grand prix, over 44 laps, starts at 14:00 BST.

Session start times and BBC coverage

Commentary of the race will be on BBC Radio 5 Live, BBC Sounds, the BBC Sport website and app and most smart speakers.

Make sure to download the Chequered Flag podcast, which previews and reviews every race of the season.

All times BST

Friday, 25 July

Practice session: 11:30-12:30 (BBC Radio 5 Sports Extra 2, BBC Sounds and smart speakers)

Sprint qualifying: 15:30-16:14 (BBC Radio 5 Sports Extra 2, BBC Sounds and smart speakers)

Saturday, 26 July

Sprint race: 11:00 (BBC Radio 5 Live and Sports Extra 2, BBC Sounds and smart speakers)

Qualifying: 15:00-16:00 (BBC Radio 5 Sports Extra 2, BBC Sounds and smart speakers)

Sunday, 27 July

Race: 14:00 (BBC Radio 5 Live, BBC Sounds and smart speakers)

What is the weather forecast in Spa?

The weather at Spa, located in the Ardennes Forest, is notoriously unpredictable so there is no guarantee the early forecast will be accurate.

A high of 22C is predicted for the Friday and light showers may affect the practice session, though it should be dry for sprint qualifying. It is due to be sunny and a couple of degrees warmer on the Saturday with only a slim chance of a shower. During Sunday's main grand prix, the rain risk is about 20-25% with a high of 21C.

A new boss at Red Bull

Laurent Mekies has previously worked for the now defunct Arrows team, Red Bull's junior team, governing body the FIA and Ferrari

Following Christian Horner's sacking as Red Bull team principal and chief executive, Laurent Mekies takes charge for the first time after his promotion from second team Racing Bulls.

The 48-year-old Frenchman had been at Racing Bulls since the start of the 2024 season and was previously racing director for Ferrari.

It is the first time anyone other than Horner has been in charge of Red Bull's main F1 team since their debut in 2005.

Englishman Alan Permane, 58, has been promoted to team principal of Racing Bulls from his position as racing director.