The Belgian Grand Prix remains one of the most iconic races on the F1 Calendar. Circuit de Spa-Francorchamps, the venue for the Belgian Grand Prix is also the longest track on the calendar and a must-visit for any motorsport fan. Visiting this circuit has become like an annual pilgrimage for me and there was no hesitance in attending the 2024 Belgian Grand Prix when the opportunity presented itself.

The event was held from the 26th to the 28th of July in 2024, right before the summer break for the series. My dear friend Gautam ( who currently resides in Belgium ) also decided to accompany me for the weekend. As a childhood motorsport fan, it was his first F1 experience.

We stayed in Hasselt and had the luxury of driving to the circuit and back throughout the weekend. 

Memories from this race commence with the Friday Experience and the entire experience was shot with the Sony RX10 IV, DJI Osmo Pocket 3 and the Samsung Galaxy S24 Ultra.

Enroute to Spa-Francorchamps :

The Race Passes! We had to drive to the team hotel in Spa to collect the race passes for the weekend. Funnily enough, the team member mentioned my name incorrectly on the envelope!

After navigating through some traffic, we finally reached the parking and I walked over to the Paddock Club.

Welcome to the Ferrari F1 Club :

Views from the Paddock Club :

Coffee and Croissants for breakfast :

After a quick coffee to kickstart my Friday, it was time to head down for the Pit Lane Walk.

Shots from the first pit lane walk of the weekend :

The Scuderia Ferrari F1 Team Garage, Charles Leclerc taking a special child around his car :

Systems Checks on Valtteri Bottas' Car ( Video Link ) :

McLaren F1 Team Pit Stop Practice ( Video Link ) :

Visa Cash App RB F1 Team Pit Stop Practice ( Video Link ) :

As we returned to the Paddock Club, it was time to listen to some insights from Oliver York.

British Karting Champion, Former F4 driver and now an expert host, Oliver York visiting the Ferrari F1 Club and explaining about the F1 Steering Wheel :

The Scuderia Ferrari F1 Wheel, Explained by Oliver York ( Video Link ) :

It was now time for the first practice session of the weekend.

Shots from Free Practice 1 :

The Scuderia Ferrari F1 duo during FP1 :

Practice Starts after Free Practice 1 ( Video Link ) :

Max Verstappen was the quickest in FP1 from Oscar Piastri and Alexander Albon. Charles Leclerc and Carlos Sainz Jr were P6 and P9 for Ferrari, respectively. 

Time for some lunch, shortly after FP1 :

After FP1, the team granted me access to visit the F1 Paddock.

Spending some time in the Paddock :

The time in the Paddock was fruitful as I met a couple of F1 Drivers.

Nico Hulkenberg, Moneygram Haas F1 Team :

Triple World Champion Max Verstappen, Oracle Red Bull Racing F1 Team :

Shortly after, it was time for the 2nd Practice session of the day.

Free Practice 2 underway :

 The Scuderia Ferrari duo during FP2 :

Lando Norris was the quickest in FP2 from Oscar Piastri and Max Verstappen. Charles Leclerc and Carlos Sainz Jr were P4 and P5 for Ferrari, respectively.

The Ferrari F1 Club was finally shut for the day ( after FP2 ) and it was time to say goodbye!

Enjoying some ice cream before leaving the Paddock Club :

Post the contract activities, I took my friend Gautam for a quick tour of the support race paddock.

A walk through the support race paddock :

The F1 Classic Car garages :

As we walked back from the support race paddock, we got invited over by our friends to hop onto one of the trucks for a tour of the circuit onboard one of the trucks. As always, touring Circuit de Spa Francorchamps is an amazing experience.

Stills from the Track Tour from one of the trucks :

Video Link to the Paddock Club Track Tour :

The pit lane shut and unfortunately, we couldn't visit the garages for the 2nd Pit Lane Walk of the day. Nevertheless, we walked down to the parking area outside the paddock to meet some more F1 Fraternity!

Formula E Champion, ex F1 Racer and Racing for Peugeot in WEC, Stoffel Vandoorne :

Hollywood Legend Brad Pitt!! or Mr Sonny Hayes ( his character in the F1 film ) :P

We left the circuit at 830 pm to return to Hasselt and arrange for some dinner!

Returning to Hasselt :

I also published my Friday experience as a Vlog on my YouTube Channel.

Vlog about my Friday Experience at the Belgian GP :

It was an amazing Friday at the Belgian Grand Prix and a big shout-out to the Hosts of the Scuderia Ferrari F1 Team and Philip Morris for their hospitality and attention!

The Saturday and Sunday experiences follow shortly!