Day 2 of the 2024 Belgian Grand Prix began with rain clouds greeting us over the skies of Hasselt. As we walked to the car park, a downpour started and that set the tone for the day ahead.
On-track activity didn't commence until later, however, we left from Hasselt at 8 in the morning to avoid traffic snarls into the circuit.
Thankfully, en route to the circuit, the rains stayed away.
Driving to Spa-Francorchamps :
Once into the Paddock Club, I was craving a bite having eaten nothing since morning.
Binging on some Croissants and Pain au Chocolat paired with a Cappuccino :
The weather over the circuit was very cloudy and the heavens opened for a downpour.
A rainy start to Saturday. The weather played spoilsport all day!
The Ferrari F1 Club filling up slowly with guests :
The F3 Sprint Race was the first event of the day and it turned out to be a contest in wet conditions.
Chequered Flag is waved at F3 Sprint Race ( Video Link ) :
After the F3 Race, multiple drivers visited the Paddock Club for interviews and meet & greets with their respective team guests!
Yuki Tsunoda giving an interview in the Red Bull Hospitality :
Charles Leclerc visits the Ferrari F1 Club for a Q&A :
Charles Leclerc interview in Ferrari F1 Club ( Video Link ) :
After the visits, the meal service commenced & it was time to enjoy the latest culinary offers by DO & CO!
Enjoying lunch :
Love the desserts in the Paddock Club, but these chocolates top the charts!
Unlike Austria, the Belgian GP was a traditional race weekend and it was time for Free Practice 3.
FP3 underway :
Max Verstappen was the quickest in FP3 from Oscar Piastri and Pierre Gasly. Charles Leclerc was P6 while Carlos Sainz Jr didn't set a time for Ferrari. The weather and the constant rain restricted running for a lot of teams.
After FP3, I had the opportunity to visit the paddock. The weather remained gloomy with a slight drizzle.
Going for a quick walk through the paddock :
The weather forced several Paddock Club guests to stay indoors and not participate in what would be the only Pit Lane walk of the day.
Stills from the pit lane walk :
As I walked back to the Paddock Club, I met Michael who was a guest of Accenture in the Paddock Club. He had visited my videos on YouTube to learn more about the Paddock Club Experience. It always encouraging to meet people who follow and appreciate content!
Getting ready for a mixed-weather Qualifying session :
Some Stills from Q1 :
Nico Hulkenberg, Kevin Magnussen, Yuki Tsunoda, Logan Sargeant and Zhou Guanyu were eliminated in Q1.
Stills from Q2 :
Alexander Albon, Pierre Gasly, Daniel Ricciardo, Valtteri Bottas and Lance Stroll got eliminated in Q2.
Shots from Q3 :
Max Verstappen went the quickest in Q3 but due to an Engine change, he incurred a ten-place grid penalty. As a result, Charles Leclerc inherited the pole position from Sergio Perez and Lewis Hamilton. Carlos Sainz Jr qualified P7 in the other Ferrari.
The top 3 Qualifiers in Parc Ferme :
After Qualifying, it was time for the Formula 2 Sprint Race and the weather threatened to jeopardize running. After a delay, the FIA issued a green light for the race.
The build-up to the F2 Sprint Race begins!
F2 Sprint Race Formation Lap ( Video Link ) :
The F2 Sprint Race is a go!
F2 Sprint Race Start ( Video Link ) :
Unfortunately, the rain worsened and the race got red-flagged due to conditions. Eventually, the FIA decided to call off the F2 Sprint and half points were awarded to the top 5 finishers.
A premature end to the F2 race was the end of on-track activities for Saturday and it was time to say goodbye to the Paddock Club. I walked to the Paddock Parking area hoping to meet some more motorsport fraternity.
Yuki Tsunoda, Visa Cash App RB F1 Team :
Sergio Perez, Oracle Red Bull Racing F1 Team :
Team Trackhouse Racing Team Manager Mr Davide Brivio!
The rains intensified again and I had to rush to the Paddock Club parking and eventually drive back to Hasselt :
My Vlog on the Saturday Experience is live on my YouTube Channel.
Vlog about the Saturday Experience at the 2024 Belgian GP :
Barring the atrocious weather, it was another enjoyable Saturday at the races. Thankfully, no more rain was predicted for the rest of the weekend and Spa remained true to its promise!
A Big Thank you to the Hosts of the Ferrari F1 Club and the Scuderia Ferrari F1 Team for hosting me! The Sunday experience follows soon!