Pirelli has officially released the data and technical details related to the Spa-Francorchamps circuit, as well as the three tyre compounds it will bring to the track for the 2025 edition of the Belgian Grand Prix. This race weekend remains one of the most anticipated on the entire Formula 1 calendar. In a move aimed at adding a level of unpredictability to the strategic dynamics of the weekend, Pirelli has opted for a configuration that has not been seen since the 2022 Formula 1 season, involving a notable deviation in the compound selection. Below are all the details, including which teams may benefit the most.
Spa-Francorchamps: a true challenge for cars, drivers… and tyres
The Spa-Francorchamps circuit is a track that truly needs no elaborate introduction. It is widely referred to in motorsport circles as “The University of Motorsport,” a nickname that reflects both its history and its complexity. Stretching over a distance of more than seven kilometers, Spa is the longest circuit on the current Formula 1 calendar, winding through the dense and picturesque Ardennes forest.
Ahead of last year’s edition of the race, a large portion of the circuit underwent resurfacing work, aimed at improving grip levels, reducing overall abrasiveness, and significantly lowering lap times. The changes have made the track even more demanding in terms of tyre strategy and setup precision.
From an aerodynamic point of view, Spa is classified as a low-downforce circuit. However, it remains essential to find a balanced setup that does not compromise the car’s performance too heavily in the middle sector. While drivers can gain a substantial advantage in top speed on the long Kemmel Straight and the straight that leads to the Bus Stop chicane, they also risk struggling considerably between turns 6 and 16 if the aerodynamic setup is not well-calibrated.
Pirelli’s tyre compound choices: a reason for Ferrari to be optimistic?
Turning to the tyre compounds that Pirelli will bring to the track: for the first time since the 2022 Australian Grand Prix, the Italian tyre manufacturer has chosen to apply the so-called “compound skip.” For the 2025 Belgian Grand Prix, the hard tyre will be the C1, the medium will be the C3, and the soft will be the C4. This means skipping over the C2 compound entirely. According to pre-race simulations, this particular selection could result in a race that is more open and competitive than initially anticipated.
Adding another layer of complexity to the weekend is the fact that this will be the third Grand Prix of the season to feature the Sprint format. Under current sporting regulations, teams receive one fewer set of tyres compared to traditional race weekends. In detail, the allocation will consist of six sets of Soft tyres, four sets of Mediums, and two sets of Hards. During the Sprint Qualifying session, teams will be obliged to use the Medium (yellow) compound in Q1 and Q2, while the Soft (red) compound will be mandatory in Q3.
Given the harder nature of the compounds selected for Spa, which teams could be in line to benefit the most from this configuration? Based on current performance trends, the McLaren Formula 1 team appears to be well-positioned. The two papaya-liveried cars have consistently shown strong pace in various track conditions and circuit types throughout the season.
Behind McLaren, the situation becomes less clear. On paper, considering the characteristics of the Spa-Francorchamps circuit, Scuderia Ferrari might have an advantage over both Mercedes and Red Bull Racing. Moreover, as observed in several recent Grands Prix, the Ferrari SF-25 has performed significantly better on harder tyre compounds, whereas it has occasionally struggled with the softer compounds, such as the C6 used earlier in the season.
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