PREVIEW: Belgian Grand Prix - Start times, odds and predictions!

After weeks without racing for the summer break, Formula 1 is BACK! It returns at the Belgian Grand Prix where Lewis Hamilton will be looking to extend his lead at the top of the Drivers' Championship!

Last year

In 2018 Lewis Hamilton stormed to pole for the Belgian Grand Prix but he had to settle for second place in the race as Sebastian Vettel regained the lead in the Drivers' Championship, that would be the last race he won to date.

However, the big news was happening off the track as Force India arrived at the race at Spa under new ownership. A Lawrence Stroll led consortium helped the team out of administration but they became a new team, Racing Point Force India after applying for late entry.

What to expect this year

With Mercedes utterly dominant this year it wouldn't be a surprise to see them leading the field and driving off into the distance. However, Spa is one of the few circuits that Ferrari may fancy their chances on a power heavy circuit that will suit them more than other circuits. However, the questions remain whether they can find the right mix of reliability and speed.

Lewis Hamilton and Sebastian Vettel are both on three wins apiece and will be targeting a fourth. They are not the most successful driver at the Belgian Grand Prix with Kimi Raikkonen in the lead with four victories at Spa.

Alex Albon will be looking to impress on his first Red Bull start but with Honda and Red Bull's straight line speed significantly worse than the Mercedes and the Scuderia they face an uphill battle. The man he replaced Pierre Gasly will want to prove his former employers wrong on his first race back at Toro Rosso.

McLaren have shown their supremacy in the midfield battle in recent races so if there's any chaos up front expect them to be well placed for an outside shot at the podium. 

What time is it on?

Friday 30th August

FP1: 10:00 - 11:30

FP2: 14:00 - 15:30

Saturday 31 August

FP3: 11:00 - 12:00

Qualifying: 14:00 - 15:00

Sunday 1st September

Race: 14:10 - 16:10 

Betting odds

Belgian Grand Prix winner

Lewis Hamilton: 7/4

Sebastian Vettel: 3/1

Charles Leclerc: 3/1

Valtteri Bottas: 7/1