F1 LIVE | The first free practice for the 2022 Belgian Grand Prix

The Belgian Grand Prix kicks off with the first free practice session. After a long summer break, the drivers resume the F1 season on the Spa-Francorchamps circuit. Follow FP1 with this live blog from GPblog.

The Formula One season traditionally resumes after the summer break with the Belgian Grand Prix. The teams and drivers have been able to enjoy a well-deserved holiday, as the factories have to be closed for a fortnight during this period. Now everyone is up and running again and it is time to continue the title fight.

Max Verstappen is in pole position to prolong his world title. The Dutchman won eight of the first 13 races and is well ahead in the championship. The Red Bull Racing driver has 80 points more than his nearest rival Charles Leclerc. The Monegasque has been given a fast car by Ferrari, but the F1-75 is not very reliable. Besides, the Italian's strategy failed more than once in the first half of the season.

At Spa-Francorchamps, the drivers will have to feel their way around the track after the modifications. The section at Eau Rouge, for example, has been slightly modified, giving the track more of an 'old school' effect, according to Verstappen. It remains to be seen what this will mean for the proportions. The first free practice starts at 14:00 local time, and with the live blog you will miss nothing of all the action on the track.