Formula 1 as a sport has gained popularity after the advent of the Drive to Survive series on Netflix. The opening of borders and lifting of restrictions post-COVID-19 led to more races allowing fans on the circuit.
The 2022 F1 Season allowed levels of access that were as good as the pre-pandemic times and both fans and sponsors wanted to experience racing, live! Such was the demand to be at the races, that several races became sell-out events early on in the season.
Thankfully, I got the opportunity of securing a pass for myself for the Belgian Grand Prix, my favourite circuit on the calendar. Once again I had the privilege of being a guest of the Scuderia Ferrari F1 Team.
This is day 1 of the Belgian Grand Prix experience.
The first task of the weekend was to collect my race passes from the team hotel, which was Radisson Blu in Spa.
Enroute to the town of Spa to pick up my race passes :
The Race Passes are here!
With the passes collected, I made my way down to the circuit entrance. The walk is long with a lot of gradient changes. The cardio for the day is done!
Making my way to the Paddock Club :
The Polestar, a futuristic electric vehicle to ferry guests from the Paddock Club Parking to the Club :
Hello Paddock Club!
The Ferrari F1 Suite at Spa-Francorchamps :
The Menu for the day!
Lunch is served, loved the spread, definitely did justice!
Shots from the first Pit Lane walk of the weekend :
Some stills with the Samsung S22 Ultra :
Alfa Romeo F1 Orlen mechanics practising the pit stops ( Video Link ) :
Slow Motion Video of the mechanics practising pit stops :
Mercedes AMG Petronas F1 Team Pit Stop Practice ( Video Link ) :
Oracle Red Bull Racing F1 Team Pit Stop Practice ( Video Link ) :
The Scuderia Ferrari F1 Team Garage getting prepped for FP1 :
Meeting Benjamin Daly, sim racer and famous Youtuber ( tiametmarduk fame ) :
The view from the Paddock Club before the start of FP1 :
The host had ensured that I would get a clear view of the Podium, the Bus Stop Chicane and the Start-Finish straight, very thoughtful of her!
Shots from FP1 :
Some shots from FP1, with Samsung S22 Ultra :
Max Verstappen pitting during FP1 ( Video Link ) :
Scuderia Ferrari F1 Team during FP1 :
Marc Gene visited the guests in the Ferrari F1 Club to share his insights and also explain the 2022 F1 Steering Wheel :
Video Link of the Interview :
Post the interview, I rushed to the Global Partner Lounge to catch a glimpse of Mika Hakkinen.
Mika Hakkinen, Double World Champion and my first F1 hero!
I then decided to head down to the support race paddock for a stroll and in an attempt to meet Mick and Jack Doohan.
Walking through the Support Race Paddock :
Time to head back for the start of Free Practice 2 :
Shots from FP2 :
Some stills with the Samsung S22 Ultra :
Max Verstappen pitting in FP2 ( Video Link ) :
Drivers practising their practice starts at the end of the pit lane, during FP2 :
The end of FP2 got quickly followed by the arrival of some old F1 cars on the track.
The F1 Classic Cars parade, is a sight to behold, rolling back the years!
Shots from F2 Qualifying :
Cappuccino and Pizza anyone?
The circuit organisers razed an entire stretch of greenery on the Kemmel Straight. Reasons best known to them but their decision has wrecked a beautiful sector of the circuit.
The Paddock Club Photo stop does a fine job of getting your photos clicked with your favourite drivers :
A selfie with the McLaren CEO, Zak Brown!
Returning to Hasselt on Friday evening :
I have also shared a Vlog of my Friday Experience on my Youtube Channel, just like the Vlogs from the Hungarian GP weekend.
Video Link :
It was a wholesome and fulfilling Friday at the Belgian Grand Prix. It felt so nice to return to this iconic track after a hiatus of 3 years and I was excited about the events to follow over the next two days. A truly memorable day in my Motorsport travels!
Thank you to Edge Global Events for organizing my race passes and a big thank you to Scuderia Ferrari F1 team for hosting me, making me feel welcomed, as always!
Saturday and Sunday Experiences to follow shortly!