An F1 Race Weekend goes by so quickly. Before we knew it, Sunday was already here! After a long Saturday and next to minimal rest, it was time for an early morning start again on Sunday, to avoid traffic woes to the track.

Good Morning from Graz. En route to the circuit :

The walk to the Paddock Club entrance :

Welcome to the Club Suite :

Coffee and Croissants to kick start the day :

Building up to an eventful Sunday, the F3 Feature Race is the first order of the day :

While I was watching the F3 Race, a friend offered me a Paddock Pass to spend some time downstairs. I took the opportunity without any hesitation. It was an amazing time inside the Paddock :

I was aware that Lewis Hamilton would be visiting the Club Suite around noon for a quick Q&A. I decided to skip the interview and prolong my stay in the Paddock to get a better opportunity to meet him, and it worked!

Seven-Time World Champion, Lewis Hamilton, Scuderia Ferrari F1 Team! A Selfie after almost 9 years!

I also met others from the Motorsports fraternity.

Former F1 Supremo, Bernie Ecclestone :

Former F1 Driver, Le Mans winner & Chairman of GPDA, Alexander Wurz :

Mick Schumacher, Alpine Endurance Racing & son of F1 Legend, Michael Schumacher :

I decided to visit the iconic tunnel that goes under the track. One of the rare upgraded tunnels from old school tracks!

It was soon time for lunch so I decided to head back upstairs for a quick bite before returning to the Paddock to meet more drivers after the Track Parade :

Charles Leclerc, Scuderia Ferrari F1 Team :

Esteban Ocon, Moneygram Haas F1 Team :

Nico Hulkenberg, Stake F1 Team :

With the Track Parade and final pit lane walk complete, it was time to return to the Club Suite and grab a vantage point for the race.

As the race start neared, Aston Martin mechanics had to rush Lance Stroll's car to the FIA Centre for some last-minute approvals.

The Red Bull Air Show :

The Medical and Safety Cars head out for track inspections :

The Pit Lane light turned green, and it was time for some sighting laps for the drivers :

Video Link :

Drivers made it to the grid slots, and the mechanics began their race preparations :

Some more stills from the grid :

The Drivers gather at the front of the grid for the National Anthem :

The drivers climb into their cars for the race start :

The formation lap got underway, but it was an aborted start after Carlos Sainz Jr's car suffered from an engine issue and eventually caught fire inside the pit lane.

1st Formation Lap ( Video Link ) :

Time for the 2nd Formation lap :

Video Link :

Video Link for the Race Start :

The Safety Car got deployed just after the Start ( Video Link ) :

Shots from the Race :

Fernando Alonso Pit Stop ( Video Link ) :

Lando Norris took the race win from Oscar Piastri and Charles Leclerc. Lewis Hamilton was P4 in the other Ferrari. Since a Ferrari driver finished on the podium, I had the opportunity to attend the podium ceremony. 

Getting a vantage point under the podium :

Stills from the Podium Ceremony :

The Podium finishers posing for the cameras :

Video Link for the Trophy and Podium Celebrations :

The Pit Lane after all the festivities :

As I made my way back to the Paddock Club, I got to meet some more amazing podium personalities!

Randy Singh, Racing Director, McLaren F1 Team. We had a very wholesome discussion about strategies!

A WEC Legend, a descendant of the Austrian Royal Family, Ferdinand Habsburg :

I returned to the Paddock Club, and it was time to say bye to the team hosts :(

A Selfie with the hosts of the Ferrari F1 Club in Austria!

Post the farewells, I made my way down to the paddock again to spend some more time and meet more drivers!

Lance Stroll, Aramco Aston Martin Racing F1 Team :

Paul Aron, Reserve Driver for BWT Alpine F1 Team :

The sun set over the Austrian GP Paddock, and it was time to bid farewell :

It's goodbye from the circuit & goodbye to the 2025 Austrian Grand Prix :

It was an amazing Sunday at the 2025 Austrian GP. More importantly, it was an amazing result for Scuderia Ferrari as the team finished 2nd best, only behind McLaren F1, the runaway favourites to lift the crown at the end of the season.

I have also compiled a Vlog about my Sunday Experience on my YouTube Channel.

Vlog Link :

A big thank you to the Scuderia Ferrari F1 Team and its hosts for a memorable Austrian GP weekend. The Paddock Club Diaries returns with another experience from the Belgium GP, this time with another team!

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!

The biggest day of the race weekend finally arrived! Sunday sees maximum attendance and the grand finale of any F1 weekend, the Grand Prix! My journey out of Graz began early in the morning due to the action-packed schedule, from the F3 and F2 Feature Races in the morning to the F1 Grand Prix in the afternoon. Also, the traffic situation would worsen as the day wore on. 

The Sunday experience is shot with the Sony RX10 IV and the Samsung Galaxy S24 Ultra!

En route to the circuit. Thankfully the journey was smooth with minimal traffic :

Walking up to the Paddock Club Entrance rather than taking the shuttle from the Taxi Stand. I walked through the F1 Village behind the Main Grandstand.

Kickstarting the Day with some Yogurt, Mushrooms and Croissants :

Spending some time in the Paddock. The Paddock is abuzz on Sunday as everyone gears up for the Grand Prix on Sunday Afternoon :

I got the chance to meet some famous faces in the Paddock too!

Alexander Wurz, former F1 Driver and now a race steward :

Daniel Ricciardo, Visa Cash App RB F1 Team :

1997 F1 World Champion Jacques Villeneuve :

Former F1 Driver Roberto Merhi :

Upcoming Formula 2 sensation and McLaren Academy Driver Gabriel Bortoleto :

Charles Leclerc was visiting the Ferrari motorhome for an interview with the team partners and the hosts were kind enough to invite me into the hospitality :

Oliver York did a stellar job at interviewing Leclerc!

Video Link of the Interview :

I then headed down for Sunday's only pit lane walk.

Stills from the final Pit Lane walk of the weekend :

The Scuderia Ferrari mechanics get ready for some Pit Stop Practice :

Video Link of the Pit Stop Practice :

A moment with friends and hosts from the Scuderia Ferrari F1 Team :

A moment with Rally Racer Christine GZ, who was born in Pondicherry, India :

Having a quick bite before the Grand Prix :

Enjoying the Air Display by the Austrian Air Force :

A Video of the Air Display :

The drivers head out of the pit lane for their sighting laps :

Mechanics walk over to the grid with the necessary equipment :

Wheeling the cars into the grid slots and the drivers hop out for their final loo breaks :

The front of the grid being readied for the National Anthem :

Shots of the Grid :

Football Freestylers Arnaud Sean Garnier & Jasmin Janssen showcase their skills ( Video Link ) :

Hans Zimmer and his troupe present their rendition of the National Anthem :

The Drivers assemble at the front of the grid for the National Anthem :

A rendition of the Austrian National Anthem by Hans Zimmer ( Video Link ) :

Time for the final preparations on the grid :

Formation Lap gets underway :

Video Link of the Formation Lap :

The Race Start ( Video Link ) :

Stills from the Race :

Video Link of Fernando Alonso's Pit Stop :

Lando Norris retires from the Austrian GP ( Video Link ) :

The Scuderia Ferrari F1 Team drivers racing hard for a good result :

Lando Norris, who retired after an incident with Max Verstappen, stands at the McLaren pit wall for the remainder of the race :

Chequered Flag ( Video Link ) :

George Russell won the Austrian Grand Prix over Oscar Piastri and Carlos Sainz Jr. Charles Leclerc was P11 in the other Ferrari. An incident on the opening lap damaged the front wing of Leclerc's car and it was an uphill task to recover positions from thereon.

The Paddock and the crowds gather to witness the podium ceremony :

Getting a vantage spot to view the celebrations :

The Podium Ceremony underway :

Video Link of the Podium Celebrations :

The crowd soaking in the atmosphere :

The podium finishers walk back to the cool-down room. Glad to capture Russell smiling ear-to-ear :

The Paddock Club shut for the weekend shortly thereafter, and it was time to say goodbye to one of the best Paddock Clubs in the F1 Calendar.

Time for an ice cream to celebrate an amazing weekend :

I got down from the Paddock Club and saw a couple waiting with bated breath outside the Paddock Entrance. Soon enough, I knew why!

Hans Zimmer, the legendary Score Composer and Music Composer! So approachable, so friendly!

Yuki Tsunoda, Visa Cash App RB F1 Team :

Pierre Gasly, Alpine F1 Team :

Carlos Sainz Jr, Scuderia Ferrari F1 Team :

Time to say goodbye to Red Bull Ring after an amazing weekend!

I also compiled a Vlog on my YouTube Channel about the Sunday experience!

The Vlog about my Sunday Experience at the Austrian GP :

All in all, it was a bitter-sweet day for Ferrari with Sainz Jr on the podium and Leclerc's progress getting hampered by the incident on the opening lap. Nevertheless, it felt great to be back at the Red Bull Ring after 9 years.

The scenery and the views around the track were as beautiful as they were back then!

A Big Thank You to the hosts of the Scuderia Ferrari F1 Team for a memorable weekend at the 2024 Austrian GP. Although the hosts changed for the season, it was amazing to meet the new hosts and make new friends!

The Paddock Club Diaries returns with experiences and memories from the Belgian GP!

Raceday had finally arrived! It was the day when Bharat ( India ) would host its first-ever MotoGP race. It was the day when the country would be back on the motorsports map, after a decade! Sunday promised to be a busy day with races in Moto3, Moto2 and of course MotoGP.

We headed out early on Sunday morning to not get delayed in traffic en route to the circuit!

Driving to the circuit on Raceday!

It seemed like we reached the Paddock quite early!

As soon as we entered the Paddock, we got to meet more people from the MotoGP Fraternity!

Mr Paolo Simoncelli, Team Owner, Sic58 Squadra Corsa :

Jake Dixon, Gas Gas Aspar Team, Moto2 :

David Munoz, Boe Motorpsorts, Moto3 :

David Alonso, Gas Gas Aspar Team, Moto3 :

Franco Morbidelli, Monster Energy Yamaha, MotoGP :

After spending a few hours in the Paddock, it was time to get ready for the upcoming races. Although we stayed in the Paddock for the Moto3 Race, we headed to the Main Grandstand for the Moto2 and MotoGP events.

But first, time for some lunch in the Hospitality :

The walk to the Main Grandstand was through the tunnel, under the track!

Views from the Main Grandstand, the Moto2 riders congregating on the grid for their race :

The MotoGP teams ready the bikes in their respective garages while the Moto2 field gets ready for its race :

Formation Lap of the Moto2 Race ( Video Link ) :

The Moto2 riders lining up for the race start :

Race Start ( Video Link ) :

A turn one incident saw a multi-rider crash, and the race got red-flagged :

The riders return to the pit lane :

Video Link of the Formation Lap of the Race Restart :

The race is about to get underway after a break of 40 minutes, with the length shortened to 12 laps.

Moto2 Race Restart ( Video Link ) :

Shots from the Moto2 Race :

Pedro Acosta wins the race! Joe Roberts overtook Sergio Garcia for the final podium place in a thrilling last-lap battle :

Chequered Flag after the Race ( Video Link ) :

The riders returned to the pit lane after the race.

Pedro Acosta, Tony Arbolino & Joe Roberts, the podium finishers from the Moto2 Race :

Time for some celebrations :

Podium Celebrations ( Video Link ) :

The podium finishers enjoy the adulation from the crowds :

It was now time for MotoGP to take centre stage!

The Team Garages are abuzz with activity as the riders get ready to head out for sighting laps :

The riders heading out onto the pit lane :

The team personnel and VIP Guests make their way to the starting grid :

The mechanics help the riders navigate through the personnel to their respective grid slots :

The Honda riders make it to their grid positions :

Shots from the grid as everyone prepares for the inaugural MotoGP race :

MotoGP Formation Lap ( Video Link ) :

The 2023 MotoGP of Bharat is a go!

Race Start ( Video Link ) :

Some Stills from the race :

The Race in Progress ( Video Link ) :

Marco Bezzecchi won the race from Jorge Martin & Fabio Quartararo. Martin almost lost P2 to Fabio but the Spaniard recovered himself and held on. Joan Mir was P5 for Honda with Marc Marquez recovering to P9 after an early crash.

Fabio Quartararo engages with the fans after the race, throwing over some race wear too!

Jorge Martin suffered from intense dehydration and had to be attended to by the medical staff. This led to a delay in the podium festivities. Meanwhile, we enjoyed ourselves near the podium :

Presenting the podium finishers of the 2023 MotoGP of Bharat :

The Trophy Presentation :

Time for the Prosecco to be sprayed on the podium :

Marco Bezzecchi, Jorge Martin & Fabio Quartararo, the top 3 finishers of the 2023 MotoGP of Bharat :

Video Link for the Podium Celebrations :

With the Podium celebrations done, it was time for everyone to pack up and head to the next circuit. The teams packing up their bikes : 

As I made my final few rounds of the length of the paddock, I met some more motorsports fraternity!

Simon Crafar, former racer & Ace Commentator :

Jose Luis Martinez, Assistant & Best Friend to Marc Marquez :

The Paddock getting emptier by the hour :

The team personnel with the podium finishers' trophy! I also got a moment with Pablo Nieto, the team manager for the Mooney VR46 Racing team :

Pablo Nieto, Team Manager, Mooney VR46 Team, MotoGP :

Meeting riders and personnel continued into the evening!

Joe Roberts, Italtrans Racing Team, Moto2 :

Dennis Foggia, Italtrans Racing Team, Moto2 :

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!

Time truly flies when one is at a Formula 1 weekend and before I realized, Sunday was already here! It was Raceday and I decided to leave sooner to ensure a timely arrival at the circuit. Although the circuit is close to the city of Barcelona, the traffic situation along with the narrow access roads, more than doubled the travel time!

How indulging was race day at the Spanish GP? How did the home heroes fare? Here is a quick recap with some stills from Sunday, shot with the Sony RX10 IV and Samsung Galaxy S23 Ultra.

En route to the circuit. The traffic situation worsened on Sunday and I had to walk for 2 km to make it to the Paddock Club.

Finally, at the Paddock Club entrance :

The view of the circuit on Sunday Morning :

Starting the day with some Coffee and Croissants :

Post Breakfast, it was time to enjoy the action on track with the F2 Feature Race :

F2 Feature Race Formation Lap ( Video Link ) :

F2 Feature Race Start ( Video Link ) :

Shots from the F2 Feature Race :

Oliver Bearman won the Feature Race from Enzo Fittipaldi and Victor Martins. Jack Doohan finished in P6.

Right after the Feature Race, I had the opportunity to visit the Fan Village and I made the trek down to enjoy the atmosphere there :

I returned just in time to the Ferrari F1 Club to attend Carlos Sainz Jr.'s interview. The home hero had a front-row start and hoped to put pressure on Verstappen in the race.

Shortly after Carlos Sainz's interview, Team Principal Frederic Vasseur visited the Ferrari F1 Club :

Video Link to this Interview :

A Selfie with the Boss!

I decided to have lunch before the Pit Lane Walk on Sunday :

The Final Pit Lane Walk of the weekend :

Some shots with the Samsung S23 Ultra :

Post the Pit Lane Walk, it was time to grab a vantage spot for the Race Start! Shortly after I reserved my place, the Pit Lane got opened and the drivers headed out of their garages for sighting laps :

The mechanics wheeling the cars to the grid :

The grid is a hive of activity before the formation lap :

Famous faces, mostly footballers, gracing the F1 Spanish GP grid :

The drivers gathering for the National Anthem :

The drivers run back to relieve themselves before getting into the car :

The grid emptied of all non-essential personnel as the clock ran down to the formation lap start :

Time for the Formation Lap :

Video Link :

The 5 Red Lights went out and the Spanish GP was a go!

Video Links to the Race Start :

Shots from the Race :

The Scuderia Ferrari F1 drivers pushing throughout the race :

Charles Leclerc pitting during the Race ( Video Link ) :

The Pit Walls are busy with strategy calls :

Max Verstappen won the Spanish GP from Lewis Hamilton and George Russell. Carlos Sainz Jr could only manage P5, while Charles Leclerc was P11.

Video Link of the Chequered Flag at the end of the Race :

Mercedes AMG Petronas F1 personnel celebrating a double podium :

The drivers returning to Parc-Ferme after the race :

Post-Race Interviews of the Podium Finishers:

The gates open to allow the fans to enter the track and get close to the podium celebrations :

After my farewells to the hosts in the Paddock Club, I went downstairs to spend some time in the Paddock :

I got to meet some motorsport personalities during my time in the Paddock.

Mark Webber, Multi-race winner in F1 and a WEC Champion :

Sergio Perez, Red Bull Racing F1 Team :

Nice to meet Billy Monger, racer turned presenter :

SHAKIRA!! No Introduction is needed!

Patrick Kluivert, Dutch Footballer who played for FC Barcelona :

Randy Mamola, a Moto GP Legend. He is such an amazing man to talk to about racing in general :

Liam Lawson, Red Bull Racing Reserve Driver, now driving for Scuderia Alpha Tauri F1 :

Andreas Seidl, Sauber Motorsports CEO :

David Coulthard, an F1 legend and currently a commentator & Red Bull Racing Ambassador :

Christian Horner, Team Principal, Oracle Red Bull Racing F1 Team :

Extreme E and Rally Racer Christine GZ :

Valtteri Bottas, Alfa Romeo Stake F1 Team :

Andrew Shovlin, Mercedes AMG Petronas F1 Trackside Engineering Director :

Peter Bonnington, the man who says those famous words as his race engineer - "Ok Lewis, it's Hammer time!"

George Russell, Mercedes Petronas AMG F1 Team :

As I exited the circuit, I spent a moment at an Ayrton Senna memorial :

Returning to the city after a hectic Sunday :

I have also shared my Sunday Experience on my YouTube channel.

Video Link :

Although Scuderia Ferrari F1 failed to achieve a better result despite a promising weekend, it was still a fighting display by both Carlos Sainz Jr. and Charles Leclerc.

Thank you to the Scuderia Ferrari F1 Team and the Hosts of the Ferrari F1 Club for all the hospitality and care shown to me over the weekend. It was truly a memorable weekend, yet again! I am thankful to the Almighty for the privilege to attend these events and meet some famous people from the motorsports world and otherwise!

The Paddock Club Diaries will make a return soon, with experiences from the 2023 Belgian GP weekend. However, before that, I have to document my experience from the Centenary Race of the 24 Hours of Le Mans!

Excited to share about the WEC Weekend... soon!

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 :

Formation lap time :

Formation Lap ( Video Link ) :

Ready to race!

Race Start ( Video Link ) :

The Race gets underway :

End of Lap 1 ( Video Link ) :

A First lap collision between Hamilton and Alonso brought out the Safety Car, with the former bowing out of the race :

Safety Car Deployed in the Race ( Video Link ) :