Let’s take a look at the top and minimum speed by driver for each lap of the 2023 Formula 1 Belgian Grand Prix at the Spa-Francorchamps circuit in Stavelot:
Minimum speeds in the Belgian Grand Prix
Key factors influencing minimum speed:
What is commonly called ‘mechanical grip’ (grip levels when neglecting the effect of downforce) and driving style (e.g. sacrificing the minimum cornering speed to save time on corner entry or exit)
The highest minimum speed was 12km/h higher than in the Sprint (where the track was wet): 71 vs 59km/h
Rain caused a 17% decrease which means that grip was 31% lower under the rain (lateral acceleration is proportional to the speed squared)
Top speeds:
Logan Sargeant reached 356km/h during the race at Spa. The Williams were running a very unloaded wing: they reached 349 and 345 ON AVERAGE in their 15 best attempts
George Russell’s top speed was 20km/h higher than Lewis Hamilton despite running more loaded: he got frequent, strong tows. The same goes for Max Verstappen vs Sergio Perez.
The difference in top speeds between teammates is also down to their front wing, suspension and ride height setups, and not only just dependent on their rear wings.
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