Post-covid, airline travel has become an expensive affair. The prices shot up, thanks to fuel surcharges & other miscellaneous expenditures. It became a logical choice for travellers to have extended holidays.
2023 was a year where I travelled extensively ( domestically ) and had the opportunity to visit Europe twice, first for the Spanish Grand Prix and 24 Hours of Le Mans and then for the Belgian Grand Prix.
The two trips were less than a month apart & the second trip was for almost three weeks! Once again, I chose to fly to Brussels and use my friend's home as a base to explore the unexplored cities from the European continent!
My outbound flight was on 13th July and my return flight was on 2nd August. Thankfully, with my miles upgrade, I had the luxury of flying in First Class on both my journeys!
Time to revisit the memories from the past!
Mumbai - Brussels ( Emirates First ) ( 13th July 2023 ) :
Bags packed and ready!
The Chauffeur was ready to ferry me to the airport :
After a brisk check-in, security and immigration, it was time to relax in the lounge. The view was amazing as always!
The binge journey begins :
Not many guests in the lounge in the morning :
It was soon time to board the flight to Dubai.
Shots of the First Class Suite for the first leg to Dubai :
The pushback begins :
Taking off from Mumbai ( Video Link ) :
Bye Mumbai, see you in 3 weeks!
The menu onboard, quite diverse for a short flight :
Being selective about my dietary demands :
Coco Jalila chocolates always elevate the dining experience :
After 2.5 hours, we were hovering over Dubai, preparing for touchdown :
Welcome to Dubai, the hub of Emirates :
Landing at Dubai International Airport ( Video Link ) :
An escorted buggy service to make my transit through Dubai seamless!
After breezing through security, time for some unwinding in the First Class Lounge :
A two-hour layover and it was time to board the Game-Changer Boeing 777-300ER to Brussels!
My seat :
The pushback begins!
Taxiing to the runway :
Taking off from Dubai bound for Brussels ( Video Link ) :
Up up and away! Brussels here we come!
Time to watch Minions!
The menu for the flight :
Have always been a fan of movie snacks onboard Emirates :
An extensive fare for lunch en route to Brussels :
The views from above are so beautiful, all thanks to the Almighty!
Time for a quick nap! Love how comfortable the bed is!
Hovering over the city, as we make our final approach :
Touchdown Brussels :
Touchdown in Brussels ( Video Link ) :
Welcome to Brussels, the heart of Europe!
The Emirates Chauffeur was ready & set to drive me to my friend's home!
Brussels - Mumbai ( Emirates First ) ( 2nd August 2023 ) :
The Emirates Chauffeur service dropping me to the airport :
Brussels Airport, walking over to the lounge after a brisk check-in & security but immigration took an eternity!
Enjoying the treats in the lounge, one of the best in Europe :
It seems like the Airport staff at Brussels had to change a wheel on the Boeing 777-300ER :
Some Stills of Seat 1A onboard the First Class Game Changer Suites by Emirates :
The Pushback begins :
Taking off from Brussels ( Video Link ) :
The Menu for the flight to Dubai :
Movie-time snacks, from popcorn to sliders to hors d'oeuvres :
Enjoying a hearty dinner, on board Emirates, a guest is always well fed :
Coco Jalilla Chocolates anyone?
Time to get a few hours of sleep :
The Voyager app accurately shows the flight path :
Landing in Dubai, a beautiful morning :
Touchdown at Dubai International Airport ( Video Link ) :
The Emirates Ground Service for First Class passengers who are transiting through Dubai features an escorted service to the Departures section via a buggy :
Post the security checks, it was time to enjoy the treats on offer in the First Class lounge :
A quiet First Class Lounge at Dubai International Airport :
An old-gen seat for the final leg to Mumbai :
The pushback begins :
Take off from Dubai, until next time!
Takeoff from Dubai bound for Mumbai ( Video Link ) :
A healthy drink and a coffee for the final leg :
Circling above the city, awaiting clearance for touchdown :
Landing at Mumbai International Airport on a rainy afternoon :
Landing at Mumbai Airport :
A moment with a former Indian Cricketing Legend and T20 World Cup Winner Robin Uthappa!
The ride home :
I also made a Vlog on YouTube documenting my experience from Mumbai to Brussels ( the outbound journey )!
Vlog Experience from Mumbai to Dubai ( Video Link ) :
Vlog Experience from Dubai to Brussels ( Video Link ) :
The Gamechanger Suites remains the industry - leader when it comes to travelling luxuriously! The service on board Emirates was impeccable and one wonders what more will the carrier do to further elevate the experience!
The Flying Diaries will return in 2024, with itineraries already lined up for June-July-August!
2023 was a special year for motorsports lovers. Besides Formula 1 having its longest season, the World Endurance Championship celebrated the 100th year of racing in Le Mans. Also, later in the year, India would host the inaugural MotoGP of Bharat.
Ever since I received the news that it was the 100th year of Le Mans, I drew plans to be a part of the event. Considering how expensive it has become flying in and out of Europe, I also tried to merge an F1 weekend with the WEC event. Finally the itinerary got set and I would travel to Europe to attend both the F1 Spanish Grand Prix and the Centenary Edition of the 24 Hours of Le Mans in what would be one of my longest trips to the continent!
As always, Emirates was the choice of airline ( thanks to the perks of Skywards Gold ) and although its been an year since this travel got completed, this blog post is about revisiting those memories from this legendary trip!
My outbound journey was on 27th May and the return on 13th June. I upgraded myself from Business to First ( with miles ) for the Dubai - Brussels and Brussels - Dubai legs.
Mumbai - Brussels ( Emirates First ) ( 27th May 2023 ) :
The bags are packed and it's time to head to the airport!
The Emirates Chauffeur driving me to Terminal 2 in Mumbai :
After a smooth and seamless check-in, security and immigration, it was time to get some downtime in the Adani lounge. Since my Mumbai - Dubai leg was in Business class, I tried to find a quiet spot.
The view from the lounge! A glorious morning in Mumbai :
After a restful time in the lounge and a quick breakfast, it was time to board the flight to Dubai.
My seat :
With a view!
The pushback and taxi began :
Up and away, stunning visuals from the city above :
Takeoff from Mumbai ( Video Link ) :
The menu onboard :
Enjoying some Indian fare :
Dubai beckons :
Landing at Dubai International Airport ( Video Link ) :
Touchdown Dubai!
A selfie with Shriya Saran, a famous Indian Celebrity! She was so gracious!
After a swift security check, I headed down to the First Class Lounge :
The brilliant First Class Lounge, enjoying an ala carte spread!
It was time to board the flight to Brussels, time to experience the Gamechanger Suites!
Popcorn, Dates, Arabic Coffee and some stills of some other goodies :
Taxiing to the runway :
Bye Bye Dubai :
Takeoff from Dubai bound for Brussels ( Video Link ) :
Live TV is a great feature on Emirates and I had the luxury of watching the F1 practice session from Monaco :
Vitality Boost, Chips and some popcorn :
The dine-on-demand menu, one of the most elaborates in the Airline industry :
Enjoying the food onboard :
For me, the showstopper were these chocolates by Coco Jalila. An elaborate spread indeed!
After a hearty meal, a couple of hours later, it was time to watch the F1 Qualifying :
We still had a couple of hours before landing into Belgium and I decided to get some sleep :
The Voyager app sharing our exact location amongst the clouds :
Hovering over Brussels :
Landed!
Touchdown at Brussels International Airport ( Video Link ) :
Welcome to Brussels! The Emirates Chauffeur was ready to ferry me to my friend's home :
Brussels - Mumbai ( Emirates First ) ( 13th June 2023 ) :
Saying goodbye to friends and heading to the airport :
Some stills from Brussels International Airport :
Enjoying a meal in the well-spread lounge :
My seat for the journey to Dubai. The new-gen Boeing 777-300ER ran into a technical snag so Emirates didn't offer the Gamechanger Suite for the return journey. :(
Amenities galore onboard :
The aerobridge withdraws from the aeroplane :
The sun setting on yet another evening in Brussels as we prepare for pushback and departure :
Takeoff from Brussels ( Video Link ) :
The menu for the return flight :
A hearty dinner!
The bed is ready as I prepare to sleep for a couple of hours :
Nearing touchdown :
Touchdown at Dubai International Airport ( Video Link ) :
Landing in Dubai International Airport :
Spending some time in the Lounge and having a quick bite :
The seat for the final leg, an old-gen 777-300ER :
The menu for the final leg, I decided not to eat, was too stuffed!
The pushback and the taxi to the runway :
Goodbye Dubai, see you soon!
Taking off from Dubai International Airport ( Video Link ) :
Hovering over the city, waiting for clearance to land :
Touchdown at Mumbai International Airport ( Video Link ) :
To the disembarkation gate :
Heading home from the airport with Emirates Chauffeur :
It was a great experience on Emirates in the mixed class. Yes, the disappointment of not having the Gamechanger Suite on the return journey remained but the service more than made up for its absence.
The Flying Diaries makes a return soon, with another journey to Brussels, which was just 3 weeks later!
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!
The Hosts at the Ferrari F1 Club, such amazing moments with them, so gracious and welcoming as always :
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 calendarfor 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 :
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.
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 :
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 :
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!
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!
The 2nd F1 race that I had the privilege of attending in 2022 was the 2022 Belgian Grand Prix. The trip to Belgium was my last Emirates experience before COVID-19. With the Belgian Grand Prix organizers opening the doors to the fans, I couldn't resist returning to my favourite circuit!
I had flown on the Game Changer Suites, the latest offering in First Class in the Boeing 777-300ER and the trip to Brussels gave me the chance to experience opulence all over again! The outbound journey was on 25th August and the return was on 12th September.
Although the Mumbai-Dubai leg was in First Class, I was yet to receive an upgrade ( with miles ) on the Dubai-Brussels leg. Thankfully, just before boarding, Emirates released the seats and I was able to enjoy First Class both ways!
Mumbai - Brussels ( Emirates First ) ( 25th August 2022 ) :
Bags are ready for the trip to Brussels, a long holiday!
A BMW 5 Series for the drop to Mumbai International Airport, thanks to Emirates Chauffeur Service :
The turnaround time to go through check-in, security and immigration was short and it was time to unwind in the lounge!
The Adani First and Business Class Lounge, looking stunning as ever at Mumbai International Airport :
An elaborate spread in the Lounge. First Class guests also enjoy ordering from an Ala Carte menu. The Kathi Roll and the Molten Chocolate Cake are my personal favourites!
There is a different charm and intrigue while flying during monsoons. Mumbai airport in the early hours of the morning :
Finally, after 3 years, back on the Airbus A380! The First Class Suite looks so amazing! The memories are fresh as ever!
The pushback begins :
Taking off from Mumbai for Dubai ( Video Link ) :
Breakfast service to Dubai :
Stuck to some Yogurt, Cappuccino and Pain au Chocolat :
Touching down at Dubai International Airport :
Landing Video Link :
I did Vlog on the First Class Experience on board the Emirates Airbus A380. It was a short trip but was able to cover quite a lot en route.
Video Link :
Emirates offers an escorted transfer service for First Class Passengers and it was nice to enjoy special treatment while transiting through the airport terminal.
The First Class Lounge in Dubai International Airport :
Boarding wasn't via the aerobridges and we had to take the shuttle to make our way to the aircraft.
Being driven to the aircraft in an Emirates shuttle for First Class passengers :
Hello Game Changer Suites!
As we began preparations for takeoff, I marvelled at how brilliant the suite screens were!
Taking off from Dubai bound for Brussels ( Video Link ) :
Up in the air and amazing views of Dubai :
The Palm Jumeirah!
Breakfast and Lunch on offer for the trip to Brussels :
Starting with a Vitality Boost, with some nuts and crisps, followed by Chicken and Lemongrass Consomme, Prawn Machbous and Almond Streusel Cake :
En route to Europe!
Emirates recreating the night sky onboard :
The bed is ready. Time for a nap before landing in Brussels :
Preparing our final approach to Brussels :
Touchdown Belgium!
Touching Down at Brussels International Airport ( Video Link ) :
A Mercedes to ferry me to Hasselt, thanks to Emirates Chauffeur service :
The various drive modes in an S Class :
En route to Hasselt, some really beautiful sights along the way :
I had the opportunity to do a full walkthrough of the Game Changer Suite and created a vlog on my Youtube.
Video Link to the First Class Experience on the Game Changer Suites :
Brussels - Mumbai ( Emirates First & Business ) ( 12th September 2022 ) :
Brussels is a destination where Emirates has multiple services in a day. I decided to opt for the last flight out which allowed me to enjoy most of the day with my friends.
A Mercedes Luxury Van takes me to Brussels International Airport :
Check-in, Security and Immigration complete, I made my way to the lounge at Brussels International, a lounge I have gotten well versed with over the years.
Walking to the Lounge at Brussels International Airport :
The Lounge, not the most stocked in Europe and remains the most under-whelming experience still :
The views though are amazing :
It was soon time to board and the Game Changer dons a new look when the sun goes down. The ambience and the lighting effects bring a different vibe to the suite.
The First Class Game Changer Suite looks stunningly beautiful at night :
The Pushback commences :
I have been a big fan of the Voyager app on board Emirates. The flight info software shares a plethora of information to flyers and is quite an interesting feature to enjoy inflight.
The Voyager app shows the plane getting ready for the journey back to Dubai :
Taking off from Brussels :
The Menu for the flight to Dubai, featuring a dinner and breakfast service onboard :
Popcorn, a first on Emirates for me, with Ginger Ale,Chips, Spring Pea Soup, Grilled Chicken and Chocolate Silk Cake :
Bingeing on food left me with no energy but to relax!
The bed is set, trying to get some sleep as we advance in time, into Dubai :
Touchdown Dubai International Airport :
Video Link to the Touchdown at Dubai International Airport :
The Emirates shuttle takes me back to the terminal building :
Once again, I enjoyed an escorted transfer service to the lounge, thanks to Emirates' new feature for First Class travellers. The final leg of my journey to Mumbai was in Business Class so I had to walk across to their dedicated lounge area.
The Business Class lounge at Dubai International Airport :
Dubai Duty-Free is a Shopping Haven!
The Business Class seat for my journey home :
Taxiing to the runway :
Up in the air, goodbye Dubai!
Takeoff Video :
Breakfast service to Mumbai :
Vitality Boost, Cappuccino and Vatana ( Peas ) Poha :
Nearing Touchdown in Mumbai, on a rainy Tuesday afternoon :
Landing at Mumbai International Airport ( Video Link ) :
A BMW 5 Series to take me home, thank you Emirates Chauffeur Service :
It was an amazing feeling to fly again on the Game Changer Suites. Emirates has a winner in its hands and I hope to see some of the design elements come out on their Airbuses too. A big thank you to Emirates for a memorable experience to Brussels and back! There will be more content in "The Flying Diaries" series in 2023! Thank you for all your support and love over the years!
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 ) :
Race Restarts after Safety Car period ( Video Link ) :
The Race restarts again :
Battles galore up and down the field :
Some more shots from the Race :
George Russell Pit Stop ( Video Link ) :
Sergio Perez Pit Stop ( Video Link ) :
Max Verstappen Pit Stop ( Video Link ) :
Pit Stop stills :
The Scuderia Ferrari F1 boys battling it out in the race :
Parc Ferme Interviews and Podium Presentations :
Parc Ferme Interviews ( Video Link ) :
The Lifting of the trophies! Well done to Verstappen, Perez and Sainz for their performances over the weekend!
Taking some photos of the Podium finishers :
Video Link - Podium Celebrations :
The fans invade the track and take over the start-finish straight as they hope to catch a glimpse of their favourite drivers :
As I made my way back to the Paddock Club, I met a Belgian superstar!
Belgian and Manchester City footballer Kevin de Bruyne :
With the Paddock Club shutting for the weekend, it was time to head downstairs to the Paddock.
The Paddock at Spa Francorchamps :
I met a host of famous people while I spent time in the Paddock.
Guenther Steiner, Haas F1 Team Principal :
Mats Hummels, Germany and Borussia Dortmund Football Team, my favourite centre-back :
Nicholas Latifi, Williams Racing F1 Team :
Zhou Guanyu, Alfa Romeo F1 Orlen Team :
Christian Horner, Oracle Red Bull Racing F1 Team Principal :
Yuki Tsunoda, Scuderia Alpha Tauri F1 Team :
A silver medalist at rowing in the Olympics and Daniel Ricciardo's Race Engineer, Tom Stallard :
A selfie, well not really, with the reigning World Champion Max Verstappen :
Esteban Ocon, Alpine Racing F1 Team :
Sergio Perez, Oracle Red Bull Racing F1 Team :
Daniel Ricciardo, McLaren F1 Team :
Fernando Alonso, Double World Champion, Alpine Racing F1 Team :
Mara Sangiorgio and Federica Masolin, journalists from Sky Sports F1 Italia :
The hosts at the Ferrari F1 Club! Such a great bunch of people! So blessed to know this trio, always cheerful, and welcoming and giving me memorable race weekends!
The sun sets on the Belgian GP weekend. We had to vacate the Paddock area earlier than usual since the teams needed to dismantle and ship everything to Zandvoort.
Returning to Hasselt, through village roads, the main highway was full of traffic!
A Vlog on the Sunday Experience at the 2022 Belgian GP, uploaded on my Youtube Channel :
Although Carlos Sainz Jr couldn't convert his pole position to a victory, it was a fine drive to bag P3 on Sunday. The Red Bull cars had too much pace and Max Verstappen cut through the field to take victory from Sergio Perez.
Charles Leclerc tried to bag the point for the fastest lap by pitting on the last lap of the race, but due to speeding in the pit lane, the Monegasque incurred a time penalty and finished P6. Another disappointing weekend for him. It was another difficult weekend for Ferrari but both drivers tried to extract the maximum.
A big thank you to Edge Global Events for organising the race passes for the weekend. Thank you to Scuderia Ferrari and the hosts at the Ferrari F1 Club for always being so welcoming and hospitable! I can't wait to return in 2023!
The Paddock Club Diaries might have ended for 2022, but there will be more content coming your way on the Blog! Thank you for all your support and love and wishing you all a wonderful 2023! God Bless you all!
Saturday is Qualifying day on an F1 weekend and when the feeder series like Formula 2 and Formula 3 have their Sprint Races. An action-packed Saturday translates into an early morning start and it isn't easy to get out of bed after a late Friday night.
Thankfully, I had rested well and was able to stick to my schedule for the day!
Enroute to the circuit :
Good morning, Circuit de Spa-Francorchamps :
Taking the Polestar shuttle to the Paddock Club :
The view of the Paddock on a cloudy Saturday morning :
Overcast conditions to begin the Saturday proceedings :
Some Coffee and Croissant to kickstart the day :
Carlos Sainz Jr visits the Ferrari F1 Club for an interview on Saturday morning :
Video Link of the Interview :
The menu for today :
Oliver Bearman took the win in the first F3 race of the weekend. Shots from the Parc Ferme :
Video Link of the Parc Ferme Celebrations :
The Podium celebrations followed shortly after :
Video Link of the Podium Celebrations after the F3 Sprint Race :
Lunch is served :
The first pit lane walk on Saturday :
Some shots with the Samsung S22 Ultra :
The Scuderia Ferrari F1 Team garage, looking regal as ever :
Felipe Drugovich, the MP Motorsport driver who eventually became the F2 Champion this year :
A Selfie with Arthur Leclerc, Prema Racing!
Emerson Fittipaldi, Double World Champion and a legend of F1 :
Caio Collet, MP Motorsport F3 Driver and Alpine Driver Academy :
Theo Pourchaire, Sauber Driver Academy and ART Grand Prix Formula 2 Driver :
Walking through the support Race Paddock and you discover some classics :
Time to capture some stills from FP3, just after the La Source hairpin :
Shots from FP3, from the comfort of the Ferrari F1 Club :
The Scuderia Ferrari F1 Team running its program in FP3. With Charles Leclerc starting at the back of the grid due to engine penalties, all hopes were on Carlos Sainz Jr to deliver in Qualifying as well as on Sunday.
Post FP3, the drivers lined up on the grid to practice their race starts :
Practice Starts at the end of FP3 ( Video Link ) :
The cars and the drivers return to the pit lane at the end of Free Practice 3 :
Post FP3, I decided to visit the garages housing the F1 Classic Cars and what a treat it was to behold these beauties, up close and personal!
It was then that I spotted a famous racer from Colombia chatting outside the F2 dining area.
So happy to see Tatiana Calderon back in F2 with Charouz Racing :
Soon enough, it was time to head back to the Paddock Club for the start of Qualifying.
Some stills from Qualifying. I had the privilege of being in the garage for Q2 and Q3.
Despite a mistake on his final run, Carlos Sainz Jr inherited the pole position, thanks to Verstappen's grid penalty. While Verstappen got bumped down to P14, Leclerc started P15.
As I walked back to the Paddock Club, I bumped into Zhou Guanyu from Alfa Romeo F1 Orlen.
Zhou Guanyu, Alfa Romeo F1 Orlen Team :
Post Qualifying, the guests in the Ferrari F1 Club had the opportunity to meet Mattia Binotto, the Team Principal for a quick Q&A :
Mattia Binotto Interview in the Ferrari F1 Club ( Video Link ) :
As Mattia Binotto said goodbye to us, it was time to enjoy the F2 Sprint Race and post that I had the opportunity of seeing a couple of the podium finishing cars up close :
Once again, just like in Hungary, I met my hero, the Legend! Mick Doohan, 5-time Moto GP World Champion, again!
Meeting those from the F1 Fraternity didn't end there. From there on, met a plethora of people!
Jack Doohan, Mick Doohan's son, who finished P2 in the F2Sprint Race :
Stoffel Vandoorne, Reigning Formula E World Champion :
Nyck De Vries, reserve driver for Mercedes AMG Petronas F1 Team :
Andrew Shovlin, Trackside Engineering Director, Mercedes AMG Petronas F1 Team :
James Vowles, Chief Strategist, Mercedes AMG Petronas F1 Team :
Nicholas Latifi, Williams Racing F1 Team :
Jost Capito, CEO and Team Principal, Williams Racing F1 Team :
Frederic Vasseur, MD, CEO and Team Principal of Alfa Romeo F1 Orlen Team :
Andreas Seidl, Team Principal, McLaren F1 Team :
Otmar Szafnauer, CEO and Team Principal, Alpine Racing F1 Team :
Lando Norris, McLaren Racing F1 Driver :
Peter Bonnington, famously known as Bono, Lewis Hamilton's Race Engineer :
Time to say goodbye to Spa Francorchamps and head back to the hotel. It had been a long day!
The Saturday Vlog from the Belgian Grand Prix on my Youtube Channel :
I headed back to Hasselt around 10 pm. This was the longest that I had ever been at a race track. It was a fulfilling day meeting drivers and F1 personnel, besides interacting with fellow fans during those hours.
With Carlos Sainz Jr starting in P1, things looked encouraging, most of us hoped to see him secure his 2nd win of the season.
Thank you to Edge Global Events for organizing the race passes, as well as to the hosts of the Scuderia Ferrari F1 Club for giving me yet another memorable Saturday at the races!
The Raceday experience follows shortly after this, so watch this space!
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-19led 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!
