In many senses, this is a home race for multiple drivers, some being half Belgian such as Lando Norris, Max Verstappen, and Lance Stroll, while others are close to home like French drivers Isack Hadjar, Pierre Gasly, and Esteban Ocon.

Isaac Hadjar commented on how special it is to go racing in Belgium and feeling the local love saying it is his “closest race from home”. 

Many of these drivers expressed their appreciation and gave things to the fans in French, their native language, at the Fanzone driver interviews, a special moment for the local community.

The fans show up and show out to support their favorite drivers from around the world, being a very energetic crowd. 

Local hero Max Verstappen expressed his awe at the crowd gathered at the Fanzone area to get a glimpse of the drivers on stage as “amazing to see”, reflecting on the love shown at a home race. 

The other drivers still expressed their great excitement to go racing at Spa as the circuit is known as one of the most iconic on the calendar. Forged in history, the fast speed circuit and changing weather brings unpredictability around every corner year after year. 

Formula One driver Ollie Bearman commented that even “just driving on this track is always very special”, showing appreciation for the deep roots held at Spa Francorchamps. 

Not only is the track iconic for the history behind it, but it is also greatly valued for its driving aspects, such as the many overtaking opportunities and pressure filled corners. 

Many drivers approach the weekend with the mindset that a lot can happen in 44 laps, giving some hope to even those that are expecting a starting position further back on the grid, such as Lando Norris due to his 10 place penalty. 

French driver Isack Hadjar is also hopeful for a race of overtaking on Sunday from the back of the grid due to his 30 place penalty. His teammate told the crowd he hopes the team can “bring some action and especially Isack from the back” for the racing fans. 

The atmosphere at Spa is unlike any other race on the calendar from the physical location to the excitement and history. The track is positioned in the middle of a forest, bringing in an element of connection with nature and seclusion when out on track. 

Fans climb the hilly terrain to find a spot between the trees, positioning themselves for the best view of the cars as they quickly make their way along the longest track on the Formula One calendar. 

The history of the track only adds to the excitement and honor drivers feel when racing on one of the most iconic corners, not only Eau Rouge and Raidillon, but the entire circuit as well.