Sundays are the most exciting and tense days of any race weekend. The show-stopper, or the main event, the Grand Prix , takes place on Sunday. Everything else that unfolded over the previous two days suddenly becomes irrelevant! Points are awarded on Sunday, and the day begins early for fans and team personnel.

The Sunday Experience at the 2024 F1 Belgian GP was captured with the Sony RX10 IV, DJI Osmo Pocket 3 and the Samsung Galaxy S24 Ultra.

It was an early morning start for us on Sunday. We had to check out of our hotel in Hasselt since we intended to return to Brussels on Sunday night. 

Driving to the circuit :

The traffic en route, even during the early hours was humungous, and after navigating through it, I barely made it in time for the Carlos Sainz Jr interview in the Paddock Club. As I rushed to the Ferrari F1 Club, the Spaniard had already arrived and our MC James Towers was interviewing him.

Carlos Sainz Jr in the Ferrari F1 Club :

After Sainz's departure, I settled into my seat and wanted to indulge in some savouries & sweets.

Croissants for Breakfast :

A glorious Sunday morning at the races!

The final legends parade of the weekend, featuring some classic F1 cars!

Sunday is when the Paddock Club gets visited by several drivers, sometimes at overlapping time slots. I had to be picky about who to meet and since Red Bull Hospitality was next to us, decision-making was easy.

A moment with Daniel Ricciardo, Visa Cash App RB F1 Team.. unfortunately, the Honey Badger got forced out of the sport. This might be my last memory with him :(

There was a lull before the final pit lane walk and I had a 90-minute gap to Fred Vasseur's visit to the Ferrari F1 Club. I used it to visit the Fan Zone with my friend.

Getting out of the Paddock Club to go to the Fan Zone :

After a long walk, I finally reached the Fan Zone.

Stills from the Fan Zone :

Beautiful views of Raidillon :

Unfortunately, I got delayed at the Fan Zone and missed meeting Mr. Fredric Vasseur. Also, due to the non-availability of a shuttle, I had to walk back to the Paddock Club. More cardio!

A stricken Porsche being taken back to the support race paddock :

As I came through one of the tunnels to the support race paddock, I met Victor Martins, who had completed his Formula 2 race and was headed home from the track.

Victor Martins, Alpine Academy F2 Racer :

It was time for the final pit lane walk of the day and as I entered the Pit lane, I met another Alpine Academy Driver.

Sophia Floersch, Alpine Academy and F3 Racer :

Stills from the final Pit Lane Walk of the weekend :

The Scuderia Ferrari F1 Team practising pit stops :

Video Link of the Pit Stop Practice :

Carlos Sainz Jr's Car undergoing system checks before the race ( Video Link ) :

Post the pit lane walk, I rushed back upstairs.

Time for a quick lunch before getting a vantage point for the race :

The buildup to the race begins. Drivers getting wheeled to their respective grid slots :

Stills from the grid :

The Red Bull top brass and drivers getting ready for the GP :

The Doohans! Father-son duo on the grid :

Drivers getting suited up for the race start :

Carlos Sainz, Game face on!

Counting down to the formation lap as the grid is cleared of all non-essential personnel :

Formation Lap ( Video Links ) :

With Sony RX10 IV :

With DJI Osmo Pocket 3 :

Race Start ( Video Links ) :

With Sony RX10 IV :

With DJI Osmo Pocket 3 :

Shots from the race :

Towards the end, I walked to the Viewing Terrace which was above the Parc Ferme & the Finish Line. It also offered views of the Bus Stop Chicane.

Shots of the Bus Stop Chicane :

Chequered Flag after the race ( Video Links ) :

With Sony RX10 IV :

With DJI Osmo Pocket 3 :

Right above Parc Ferme, great to see the drivers lining up at the weighbridge :

Interviews of the Podium finishers :

Right after the interviews, the team offered me the opportunity to attend the Podium Ceremony from Pit Lane. I rushed down and after a mega sprint, I was just in time to witness the celebrations!

Shots from the Podium Ceremony :

Video Link of the Podium Celebrations :

George Russell produced a masterclass to snatch victory from Lewis Hamilton with a one-stop strategy. Lewis Hamilton and Oscar Piastri completed the podium. Although Russell won the race, he got disqualified after failing to reach the minimum weight requirements mandated by the FIA! We didn't receive this news until a lot later.

As a result, Lewis Hamilton inherited the win. Oscar Piastri got promoted to P2 while Charles Leclerc bagged P3. Carlos Sainz Jr finished P6 in the other Ferrari.

The pit lane after the race and the ceremonies are done :

Met Esteban Ocon, Alpine Racing F1 Team as I walked back to the Paddock Club :

Fans being escorted from the Pit Straight after the post-race track invasion :

It was time to say goodbye to the Paddock Club and the hosts who have become amazing friends!

The hosts of the Scuderia Ferrari F1 Team :

We still had time before heading back to Brussels and thanks to my friend Greg, we got the opportunity to spend some time in the Paddock!

Welcome to the F1 Paddock, again!

Getting to meet some motorsport fraternity as they headed back home!

Lando Norris, McLaren F1 Team :

Mr John Elkann, Chairman of Ferrari and Fiat :

Valtteri Bottas, Stake F1 Kick Sauber :

Yuki Tsunoda, Visa Cash App RB F1 Team :

Carlos Sainz Jr, Scuderia Ferrari F1 Team :

After 45 minutes, the guests got ushered out of the paddock as the team personnel commenced tearing down the motorhomes to ship them back to their respective bases for the summer break!

Taking in the sights of Circuit de Spa-Francorchamps, one last time :

Time to head back.. to Brussels!

My Vlog about the Sunday Experience is also live on my YouTube Channel!

Vlog Link about the Sunday Experience on my YouTube Channel :

It was an amazing experience at the 2024 F1 Belgian GP. My college friend Gautam accompanied me, making this race more special! A big thank you to the Scuderia Ferrari F1 Team and their hosts for their kindness and hospitality over the weekend!

The Paddock Club Diaries series will return in 2025 ( God willing ). Thank you for your support and love!

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!

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!

The Belgian Grand Prix is my favourite race on the F1 Calendar. Travelling to Circuit de Spa-Francorchamps feels like a pilgrimage now! The circuit is one of the classic tracks with F1 history galore and is popular amongst drivers and fans. Nestled in the Ardennes forest, Spa's inclement weather and old-school layout ensure that a fan gets his cardio workout!

As always, the experience of a race weekend begins with a post in "A Gallery of Memories" series!

These are memories from the 2024 F1 Belgian GP!!

Nico Hulkenberg, Moneygram Haas F1 Team :

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

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

Hollywood Legend Brad Pitt!!

Yuki Tsunoda, Visa Cash App RB F1 Team, selfies over two days :

Sergio Perez, Oracle Red Bull Racing F1 Team :

Team Trackhouse Racing Team Principal ( MotoGP ), Mr Davide Brivio :

Daniel Ricciardo, Visa Cash App RB F1 Team :

Victor Martins, Alpine Academy F2 Racer :

Sophia Floersch, Alpine Academy and F3 Racer :

Esteban Ocon, Alpine Racing F1 Team :

Lando Norris, McLaren F1 Team :

Mr John Elkann, Chairman of Ferrari and Fiat :

Valtteri Bottas, Stake F1 Kick Sauber :

Carlos Sainz Jr, Scuderia Ferrari F1 Team :

The hosts of the Scuderia Ferrari F1 Team :

As I flew back to Mumbai from Brussels onboard Emirates, I spotted what seemed to be a legendary footballer from the yesteryears in the First Class Lounge. I wasn't mistaken!

Meeting Brazilian Football Legend, also a legend for FC Barcelona and AC Milan, Ronaldinho!!

Although the weather played spoiled sport on Saturday, it was great to capture selfies with some from the Motorsport Fraternity. A Big Thank you to the hosts of the Scuderia Ferrari F1 Team who entertained me over the weekend.

The Paddock Club Diaries follows shortly after, and this might be the last post for "A Gallery of Memories" in 2024.

The last day of the 2023 Belgian Grand Prix had finally arrived. Unlike, the rest of the weekend, Sunday saw better weather & clearer skies. I had an early start to the day as I tried to beat the morning traffic into the circuit.

Enroute to the circuit :

Walking over to the Paddock Club :

Starting my day with Cappuccino and Croissants as always!

Sunday morning views of the track. The F3 Race got underway with a rolling start :

F3 Feature Race Formation Lap ( Video Link ) :

The F3 Feature Race is a go & what a cracker of a race this was!

F3 Feature Race Start ( Video Link ) :

As the F3 race carried on, I decided to visit the fan village.

Walking over to the F1 Fan Village :

The F1 Fan Village, full of activity!

Shots of Raidilon from the Fan Village :

I returned to the Paddock Club and the Ferrari F1 Club Hosts arranged for me to go to the Photo Safari for the start of the F2 Feature Race.

We got escorted to the support race paddock which offered views of Eau Rouge and Raidilion :

The Safety Car comes into the pits and the F2 Feature Race resumes :

F2 Feature Race Restart ( Video Link ) :

Shots from the Feature Race :

Jack Doohan produced a stunning comeback to win the feature race from P11. 

Shots from the celebrations in Parc Ferme :

While the celebrations carried on in Parc Ferme, we had Ferrari's star driver join us in the Ferrari F1 Club.

Charles Leclerc in the Paddock Club!

Charles Leclerc Interview in the Ferrari F1 Club ( Video Link ) :

Going down to the Paddock for some more selfies!

Nico Hulkenberg, Moneygram Haas F1 Team :

Papa Perez! Mr Antonio Perez Garibay :

Hannah Schmitz, Principal Strategy Engineer for Oracle Red Bull Racing F1 Team :

Frederic Vasseur, Team Principal, Scuderia Ferrari F1 Team :

The vintage cars getting ready for the Drivers' parade. My friend drove Leclerc around the track :

Shots from the final pit lane walk of the weekend :

The Scuderia Ferrari Garage before the race :

The Ferrari mechanics warming up with some pit stop practice :

Scuderia Ferrari F1 Team getting ready for the race with Pit Stop Practice ( Video Link ) :

Diego Ioverno, Sporting Director at Scuderia Ferrari F1 Team :

Jack Doohan! It is always a pleasure to meet him, he is a thorough gentleman & an even better racer :

Time for a quick lunch before gobbling down some chocolates as desserts :

The grid getting ready for the main event of the weekend :

The drivers emerge from the pits for their sighting laps :

The drivers getting rolled by their mechanics into their respective grid slots :

National Anthem time :

The F1 Grid before the start of the Race ( Video Link ) :

The Air Force giving the fans an acrobatic display :

The grid gets clear of all non-essential personnel :

Formation Lap time :

Video Link of the Formation Lap :

The drivers navigating the Bus Stop chicane on the Formation lap :

The five red lights illuminate and as they went out, the 2023 Belgian Grand Prix was a go!

Race Start ( Video Link ) :

Lap 1 ( Video Link ) :

Shots from the race :

The Scuderia Ferrari F1 Team working hard to extract the maximum from the weekend :

Max Verstappen won the race from Sergio Perez while Charles Leclerc was P3 for Ferrari. A mechanical issue caused Sainz Jr to retire from the race.

Charles Leclerc patiently answering questions by Martin Brundle on Parc Ferme :

The Red Bull Duo having a mini post-race debrief :

Waiting for the top 3 to appear on the podium :

Leclerc, Perez and Verstappen are all smiles as they made their way to the podium :

The trophies being lifted by the Podium finishers :

Time for some champagne!

Podium Celebrations ( Video Link ) :

Mohammed Bin Sulayem, former Rally Driver and Current President of the FIA :

Some dear friends from Belgium, such a blessing to know them!

Selfie time in the paddock :

As I was walking around the Paddock, a gentleman and his grandson walked up to me and told me that they were at the race this weekend due to my Vlogs from 2022! They loved how well I had documented my experiences at the races and it helped their decision-making for a visit to an F1 race :

Jamie Chadwick, development driver at Williams Racing F1 Team & the triple-world champion in the now defunct W Series :

Daniel Ricciardo, Scuderia Alpha Tauri F1 Team :

Timo Glock, ex-F1 Driver and now a commentator for German TV :

Carlos Sainz Jr, Scuderia Ferrari F1 Team :

The Paddock is getting dismantled as the teams leave for the summer break :

Until next time, Circuit de Spa-Francorchamps!

I also made a Vlog about my experience from Sunday, sharing the YouTube link here :

It had been a memorable weekend at the Belgian Grand Prix. Thankfully, the FOM decided to extend the Belgian GP contract till 2025 and I hope to see this track on the F1 calendar for several more years. Once again, a big thank you to the Paddock Club team for their hospitality over the weekend. A special mention to the hosts in the Ferrari F1 Club who always make me feel welcomed and a part of the team, whichever race I am at.

There is another special experience to come from 2023, so watch this space!

Saturdays on an F1 weekend are the longest, mainly because of the number of activities lined up for Paddock Club guests. Although Aachen is closer to the circuit than Hasselt, it was still an early start to the Saturday for me. Having left from Aachen at 730 am, my friend and I reached the circuit around 845 am, just in time for Carlos Sainz Jr's visit to the Paddock Club ( more on that later in the post ).

Lets revisit the memories from the Saturday at the 2023 Belgian Grand Prix!

En route to the circuit on Saturday Morning:

As soon as I entered the Paddock Club, I rushed across to reach the Ferrari suite and thankfully, Sainz Jr hadn't arrived yet!

Carlos Sainz Jr visits the guests in the Ferrari F1 Club :

Video Link of Sainz' interview in the Paddock Club :

Shots of the Suite reserved exclusively for the Scuderia Ferrari Team guests in the Paddock Club :

And suddenly the weather changed at Spa-Francorchamps :

Gloomy weather called for some hot breakfast!

Kick Starting the day with some coffee and croissants :

After my coffee, I went downstairs to spend some time in the Paddock but the rain played spoil sport. Nevertheless, I got a selfie with Esteban Ocon from Alpine F1 Team :

Soon enough, it was time for Sprint Qualifying, better known as the Sprint Shootout!

Sprint Shootout gets underway :

Scuderia Ferrari F1 Team during the Sprint Shootout :

Shots from Parc Ferme post Sprint Shootout :

Max Verstappen was the quickest from Oscar Piastri and Carlos Sainz Jr. while Charles Leclerc was P4 in the other Ferrari.

Post the Sprint Shootout, I was hungry & wasted no time in having an early lunch.

Enjoying some lunch, the chocolates were so good!

Post the Sprint Shootout, the guests had the privilege of enjoying an interview with the team's new Sporting Director ( announced on the weekend of the Belgian GP )

The newly-appointed Ferrari Sporting Director, Mr Diego Ioverno briefly joined us in the Ferrari F1 Club :

Video Link of his interview :

The action was relentless as now it was time for the Formula 2 Sprint race on the track!

The F2 cars line up on the gird for the Sprint :

F2 Sprint Race Formation Lap ( Video Link ) :

Due to a car stalled on the grid, the F2 cars had to go around for a second formation lap.

Video Link :

F2 Sprint Race Start ( Video Link ) :

Shots from the F2 Sprint :

Some closeups of Jack Doohan!

& then we had a Safety Car period due to an incident!

Back to flat-out racing!

Celebrations in the Parc Ferme for Enzo Fittipaldi, Theo Pourchaire and Dennis Hauger. Jack Doohan finished a fine P5.

After the F2 Sprint Race, I got some time to spend in the Paddock before the Formula 1 Sprint.

Walking through the paddock, the sun was out again!

Thankfully, I was able to meet more drivers during this time!

Valtteri Bottas, Alfa Romeo F1 Team Stake :

Sophia Floersch, Van Amersfoort Racing, Formula 3 :

Oscar Piastri, McLaren F1 Team :

Lando Norris, McLaren F1 Team :

Jerome d'Ambrosio, Development Driver at Mercedes AMG Petronas F1 Team :

I made my way back to the Ferrari F1 Club, to prepare and grab myself a vantage spot for the start of the F1 Sprint Race.

The grid being readied for the F1 Sprint :

The mechanics rolling the cars & the drivers into the respective grid slots :

The Ferrari mechanics doing the same :

Building up to the formation lap :

Drivers returning from their loo breaks, game face on!

As the cars got readied on the grid, the heavens opened and a downpour hit the track.

The teams had to bring out their gazebos to cover the cars on the grid. The race start got delayed.

Video Link :

The rain relented and it was time to go racing!

The Grid ready for the Formation Lap ( Video Link ) :

The track was quite damp and the stewards decided to begin the F1 Sprint behind the Safety Car.

Video Link ( shot with Sony RX10 IV ) :

Video Link ( shot with Samsung S23 Ultra ) :

Video Links of the Cars running behind the Safety Car

Shot with Sony RX10 IV :

Shot with the Samsung S23 Ultra :

Finally, the Safety Car got called into the pits and it was time to go racing. However, by then, many drivers deemed it safe to switch to the intermediate tyres. Several drivers pitted at the Race start while some ( most importantly Verstappen ) chose to do one full lap on the wet tyres before making a decision.

Video Link of the F1 Sprint Start :

The move to pit on the opening lap of the Sprint yielded dividends for Oscar Piastri who jumped Verstappen after everyone pitted for intermediate tyres. However, a crash brought out the Safety Car again & the field got bunched up, negating Piastri's advantage built from the earlier stop.

Safety Car Deployed ( Video Link ) :

After the track got cleared racing resumed and as expected, Verstappen powered past Piastri to retake the lead of the F1 Sprint.

Video Link :

The drivers battling it out in the F1 Sprint :

The cars returning to Parc-Ferme after the F1 Sprint :

The Chequered Flag is waved at the end of the F1 Sprint & the drivers return to the Pit Lane ( Video Link ) :

Max Verstappen won the F1 Sprint from Oscar Piastri and Pierre Gasly. Gasly, like Piastri, benefitted from the early stop and jumped the Ferrari duo of Carlos Sainz Jr & Charles Leclerc who finished 4th and 5th, respectively.

With the F1 Sprint done, the organizers decided to entertain the remaining crowd with a display of some F1 cars from the yesteryears. Loud, uncensored and still brutally quick!

The classic F1 cars doing some track time!

After the classic cars show, it was time for the final activity of the day - the Paddock Club Pit Lane walk!

Selfies from the Saturday evening pit lane walk :

Shots from the evening pit lane walk :

Stills captured with the Samsung Galaxy S23 Ultra :

Stills from the Scuderia Ferrari F1 Team garage on a Saturday evening :

I got to meet some more people from the Motorsports Fraternity during the Pit Lane walk.

Friends and mechanics from the Scuderia Ferrari F1 Team! 

Jason Cozzetto, one of the senior mechanics at Alpine F1 Team :

Tiffany Cromwell, Australian Road & Gravel Cyclist & Valtteri Bottas' partner :

With the Pit Lane walk done, we were allowed access to walk on the track and get some selfies. Meanwhile, the parade was practicing for the pre-race ceremony.

Walking around La Source and enjoying the views from the tarmac!

After spending some time in and around La Source, I walked over to the F2 Paddock and then further on to the makeshift garages set up for the F1 vintage cars.

The classic racecars from yesteryears, so beautiful!

As I walked back to the entrance of the Paddock Club, I met a charismatic and very elderly gentleman who is as passionate as any of his younger colleagues!

Mr Fritz van Amersfoort, the founder, Team Principal & F3 Team Manager for Van Amersfoort Racing :

Finally, it was nice to get a selfie with Pietro Fittipaldi, Reserve Driver for Moneygram Haas F1 Team :

Goodbye from Circuit de Spa-Francorchamps :

As I walked back to the Taxi stand to take my ride back to the hotel in Aachen, my heart was full of joy. Although I had a physically tiring and body straining day, I didn't experience any mental fatigue! It was just a wholesome Saturday, difficult to describe in words.

Once again, a Big Thank you to the Hosts of the Ferrari F1 Club for all their love and hospitality on the Saturday. 

The Sunday experience follows soon!

Circuit de Spa-Francorchamps, home to the Belgian Grand Prix, is my favourite track on the F1 calendar. Ever since Mika Hakkinen and Kimi Raikkonen delivered stunning victories at this vintage F1 track, visiting this circuit nestled in the Ardennes forest has become an annual pilgrimage for me. Having attended this race on six occasions, I can now declare myself as half-Belgian :)

Spa-Francorchamps is one of the few classic F1 tracks that remain on the calendar, and I hope the contract extends beyond 2025.

The Paddock Club Diaries begin with the Friday Experience, and although I am six months late, it is amazing to relive the memories through these blog posts!

Pictures taken with the Sony RX10 IV and Samsung Galaxy S23 Ultra.

En route to the circuit on a rainy Friday morning:

I had to pick up my race passes from the Radisson Blu Hotel in Spa and luckily, I got myself parking passes too!

Race Passes for the weekend :

The walk from the Taxi Drop-off to the Paddock Club completes my cardio workout for the day!

Walking to the Paddock Club :

The Ferrari F1 Club, the home of the Scuderia Ferrari F1 Guests for the weekend :

Coffee and Croissants to kickstart my day!

Thanks to the team, I got myself some time to visit the Paddock but unfortunately, a downpour began.

Walking through a wet and rainy Paddock :

The rain let up soon and I had the opportunity of getting selfies with some famous faces from the F1 Paddock.

Davide Brivio, ex-Yamaha, ex-Suzuki in MotoGP and Racing Director in Alpine Racing F1 Team :

Alexander Albon, Williams Racing F1 Team :

Sergio Perez, Oracle Red Bull Racing F1 Team :

Charles Leclerc, Scuderia Ferrari F1 Team :

It was then time for the first pit lane walk of the weekend and I walked across to the Pits to behold the cars up close!

Shots from the first pit lane walk :

Stills with the Samsung Galaxy S23 Ultra :

Williams F1 Team Practicing their Pit Stops ( Video Link ) :

Meeting Beat Zehnder, Sporting Director, Alfa Romeo F1 Team Stake ( in the pit lane ) :

Lunch is served! A great spread indeed :

The Belgian Grand Prix was a Sprint-Race weekend in 2023, so the drivers had only one Practice session before the Grand Prix qualifying that gets held on a Friday evening.

Free Practice gets underway!

The Scuderia Ferrari F1 Team working hard in FP1 in inclement weather :

The chequered flag brings to an end an FP1 which was battered by rain :

Drivers practising their starts from various grid slots :

Video Link :

Carlos Sainz Jr topped the timesheets from Oscar Piastri and Lando Norris. Charles Leclerc was P4 in the other Ferrari.

Post Free practice, Marc Gene visited the Ferrari F1 Club for a quick Q&A :

I decided to spend some more time in the Paddock before Qualifying and as I walked through the Paddock Club, I met an ace ex-cricketer!

1983 Cricket World Cup Winner, Indian Cricket Legend and now an ace commentator, Ravi Shastri :

The Media pen in the Paddock, abuzz with activity after a session :

The trip to the Paddock was fruitful as I met more drivers.

Liam Lawson, Reserve Driver for Red Bull Racing F1 :

Zhou Guanyu, Alfa Romeo F1 Team Stake :

Tom Kristensen, WEC Champion & Record winner of the 24 Hours of Le Mans :

Soon enough it was time for Qualifying and I headed back upstairs.

Q1 underway :

The Ferrari Drivers in Q1 :

Shots from Q2 :

Scuderia Ferrari F1 fighting it out in Q2 :

The sun came out before the start of Q3. Glorious views!

The final shootout commences :

Leclerc and Sainz go full send :

The Parc-Ferme after Qualifying :

Max Verstappen was the quickest at the end of Qualifying from Charles Leclerc and Sergio Perez. Carlos Sainz Jr was P5 in the other Ferrari. 

However, Leclerc inherited Pole Position since Verstappen had a five-place grid penalty due to new engine components.

Post-Qualifying, the Paddock Club guests had the privilege of going on a track tour on trucks!

Ready for the tour!

Shots from the Paddock Club Track Truck Tour :

Video Link of the Paddock Club Track Truck Tour :

As I got off the trucks, I got to meet Jakey Benham, Dani Bereznay, Jarno Opmeer & Marcel Kiefer, Sim racers for Mercedes F1 E-Sports Team :

The tour was the last activity of the day and it was time to head back to my hotel in Aachen.

Goodbye Circuit de Spa-Francorchamps :

I also compiled a Vlog about my Friday Experience on my YouTube Channel!

Video Link about the Friday Experience :

A big thank you to the hosts at the Ferrari F1 Club and the Scuderia Ferrari F1 Team for their hospitality and for making my Friday Experience a memorable one. The Saturday Experience follows shortly!

 The Belgian Grand Prix held at Circuit de Spa-Francorchamps is my favourite race on the F1 calendar. Every year, I make an effort to be present at the Grand Prix and a trip to this beautiful circuit in the Ardennes has become like an annual pilgrimage. The 2023 Belgian Grand Prix was the second F1 race that I attended in the year. 

As always, I kickstart my experience from the weekend with "A Gallery of Memories" post, where I share my memories with all the famous and well-known people from the motorsport world and beyond!

Davide Brivio, ex-Yamaha, ex-Suzuki in MotoGP and Racing Director in Alpine Racing F1 Team :

Pierre Gasly, Alpine Racing F1 Team :

Alexander Albon, Williams Racing F1 Team :

Reigning World Champion, now a Triple World Champion, Max Verstappen, who races for Oracle Red Bull Racing F1 Team :

Sergio Perez, Oracle Red Bull Racing F1 Team :

Charles Leclerc, Scuderia Ferrari F1 Team :

Beat Zehnder, Sporting Director, Alfa Romeo F1 Team Stake :

1983 Cricket World Cup Winner, Indian Cricket Legend and now an ace commentator, Ravi Shastri :

Liam Lawson, Reserve Driver for Red Bull Racing F1 :

Guanyu Zhou, Alfa Romeo F1 Team Stake :

Tom Kristensen, WEC Champion & Record winner of the 24 Hours of Le Mans :

Jakey Benham, Dani Bereznay, Jarno Opmeer & Marcel Kiefer, Sim racers for Mercedes F1 E-Sports Team :

Esteban Ocon, Alpine F1 Team :

Valtteri Bottas, Alfa Romeo F1 Team Stake :

Sophia Floersch, Van Amersfoort Racing, Formula 3 :

Oscar Piastri, McLaren F1 Team :

Lando Norris, McLaren F1 Team :

Jerome d'Ambrosio, Development Driver at Mercedes AMG Petronas F1 Team :

Jason Cozzetto, one of the senior mechanics at Alpine F1 Team :

Friends and mechanics from the Scuderia Ferrari F1 Team! 

Tiffany Cromwell, Australian Road & Gravel Cyclist & Valtteri Bottas' partner :

Pietro Fittipaldi, Reserve Driver for Moneygram Haas F1 Team :

Mr Fritz van Amersfoort, the founder, Team Principal & F3 Team Manager for Van Amersfoort Racing :

Nico Hulkenberg, Moneygram Haas F1 Team :

Papa Perez! Mr Antonio Perez Garibay :

Hannah Schmitz, Principal Strategy Engineer for Oracle Red Bull Racing F1 Team :

Frederic Vasseur, Team Principal, Scuderia Ferrari F1 Team :

Diego Ioverno, Sporting Director at Scuderia Ferrari F1 Team :

Jack Doohan! It is always a pleasure to meet him, he is a thorough gentleman & an even better racer :

Mohammed Bin Sulayem, former Rally Driver and Current President of the FIA :

Some dear friends from Belgium, such a blessing to know them!

The Hosts at the Ferrari F1 Club, such amazing moments with them, so gracious and welcoming as always :

Jamie Chadwick, development driver at Williams Racing F1 Team & the triple-world champion in the now defunct W Series :

Daniel Ricciardo, Scuderia Alpha Tauri F1 Team :

Timo Glock, ex-F1 Driver and now a commentator for German TV :

Carlos Sainz Jr, Scuderia Ferrari F1 Team :

An eventful and inclement weather-filled weekend!

A big thank you to the Scuderia Ferrari F1 Team and the hosts at the Ferrari F1 Club for having me over the weekend. 

Although this was the last post of "A Gallery of Memories" from an F1 weekend, there remains a surprise, from a new event that I had the opportunity of attending in 2023. More on that later, so watch this space!

Raceday arrived and I was excited about the prospect of seeing another Ferrari victory in 2022. The day began early as I headed out from Hasselt to be at the circuit in time for Charles Leclerc's visit to the Ferrari F1 Club.

The early start helped me to avoid the long lines heading into the circuit. 

So how was the race day experience at the 2022 Belgian Grand Prix? Well, this is a humble attempt at covering such a memorable day. Photos were taken with both my Sony RX10 IV and Samsung S22 Ultra.

En route to the circuit and enter via La Source. Always a pleasant sight to behold Hotel La Source.

After the usual cardio workout through the woods, I finally reached the Paddock Club!

Sunday Morning views from the Ferrari F1 Club :

All the calories shed got recovered with some Belgian Ice Cream on Sunday Morning!

The Formula 3 race was underway when I arrived and it was yet another win for Prema Racing!

Formula 3 Feature Race Podium Finishers celebrating :

The F3 race got quickly followed by the Formula 2 Feature Race!

The Formula 2 drivers line up on the grid!

The Race is a go-go!

Video Link of the Start of the Feature Race :

Jack Doohan leading after a brilliant strategy call :

As the F2 race continued, I visited the Fan Zone. I had won a selfie contest and Spa Grand Prix had asked me to visit the fan booth to collect my prize. I won an Alpine F1 cap signed by both the drivers and a t-shirt with all the circuits printed from the 2022 season! Amazing!!

The F2 cars negotiate their way through Raidilion, onto the Kemmel Straight, a sight to behold indeed :

Jack Doohan celebrating with this team on Parc Ferme, his first-ever F2 Feature Race win, a deserved one indeed!

Parc Ferme Celebrations ( Video Link ) :

Getting onto the Podium to celebrate his success! Well done Jack Doohan!

Video Link to the Podium Celebrations :

The F2 Feature race got followed by a Red Bull Air Show!

Some stunts performed in the air :

Soon enough, it was time for Charles Leclerc to visit the guests in the Ferrari F1 Club for a quick Q&A!

Charles Leclerc Interview in the Ferrari F1 Club ( Video Link ) :

Post his interview, I decided to head down to the support race paddock to congratulate Jack Doohan on his maiden Feature Race win!

As I made my way down I bumped into someone famous!

Jacky Ickx, an F1 legend and six-time Le Mans winner :

Down at the support race paddock, I caught a glimpse of the vintage cars lined up for the Drivers' Track Parade!

More selfies followed!

Bernd Maylander, Formula 1 Safety Car Driver :

Paul di Resta, Ex-F1 Driver and Sky Sports F1 Presenter :

Finally, after waiting for the debrief to end, I had a chance to meet and converse with Jack about his weekend! Such an amazing human being and I wish him all the best for the future!

The man, with his spoils from the weekend!

As I legged it back to the Paddock Club, I realized that I had missed the only Pit Lane Walk on Sunday :(

Once I got back to the club, I quickly went through the menu to see what appealed to my palette...

Enjoying some lunch before the real action begins :

As the drivers headed out for their sighting laps, the mechanics made their way to the grid to get the cars ready for the race :

The activity on the grid is increasing steadily :

Running through the grid, through a series of photos :

National Anthem time :

The drivers make their way back to their cars to get ready for the Formation Lap :