New Delhi: After a break of three weeks, Formula One is back with the Belgium Grand Prix, starting the second half of the 2025 season. The season resumes at Circuit of Spa Francorchamps amidst roars of rumours about the drivers’ market. The biggest change perhaps was in Red Bull team principal Christian Horner’s dismissal after serving at the position for two decades, and now will be replaced for the rest of the season by Lauren Mekies, coming from Racing Bulls, where Alan Permane is going to take over the reins.
In terms of the driver market, the biggest whiff of rumour is in Mercedes’s interest in Max Verstappen, with the Dutch driver spotted with Mercedes Toto Wolff boarding a private jet. With George Russell’s contract coming to an end in 2025, a lot of the driver lineup depends on whether Mercedes will renew the Brit’s contract. Wolff, though, has currently rested the rumours a little, noting that Russell and Kimi Antonelli are currently their top priority.
How drivers and teams stand
DRIVER STANDINGS (12/24 races)
Piastri’s lead is cut to eight points 👀#F1 #BritishGP pic.twitter.com/hXuMhyUOmP
— Formula 1 (@F1) July 6, 2025
In terms of driver standings, at the halfway mark, Oscar Piastri remains in the lead with 234 points, with a margin of just eight points ahead of his teammate, Lando Norris. Norris, at the back of some extraordinary races, has managed to shorten the gap between himself and his Australian teammate, which at one point looked unassailable. Following the two Papaya boys is defending champion Verstappen, collecting 165 points after 12 rounds in the season. The 27-year-old is the only one this season to win multiple races apart from the two McLaren drivers.
12 points behind him is Russell, who has been the best bet for Mercedes this season, winning them their only Grand Prix of the season in Canada. Charles Leclerc, with 119 points, and Lewis Hamilton, with 103 points, stand behind, followed by Mercedes driver Antonelli. The two Ferraris have shown pace briefly, giving them more consistent performance.
Thanks to the amazing driving of the two drivers, scoring consistently and finding the podium and regular wins, McLaren have a strong campaign in defending the driver’s championship with 460 points so far. Standing far behind at second place is Ferrari, who have collected 222 points this season. Mercedes are just behind with 210 points, and in some way, the second place has seen a lot of competition with the two teams giving a fierce fight for the second place.
Red Bull have collected 172 points, and it is the second seat that has been giving them trouble with Verstappen not at his best this season. However, they will hope for a change in fortune from here of course. Williams are fifth with 59 points and with all teams now having points to their name the second half of the season could be very interesting as well.
When and Where to Watch the F1 Belgian GP?
Fans can watch all F1 Belgian GP sessions and actions on the Fancode and F1 TV apps. The qualifying on Saturday is scheduled to happen at 7:30 PM IST. The Sunday race is scheduled at 6:30 PM IST.