The FIA has confirmed an important measure for the Belgian Grand Prix of Formula 1, in Spa-Francorchamps, by establishing five activation zones for the straight mode along the circuit. The decision reinforces the concern with energy management on one of the most demanding tracks on the calendar.
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This news gains relevance after the concerns shown by the drivers before the British GP, when there was fear of large performance differences caused by the phenomenon known as super clipping. Although the impact at Silverstone was less than initially expected, Spa promises to bring the topic back into focus.
The Belgian circuit is considered particularly challenging due to its long straights and the few opportunities to recover energy throughout the lap. To minimize this scenario, cars will be able to use the straight mode in five specific sections, allowing simultaneous activation of the front and rear wings to reduce aerodynamic drag.
One of the most notable points will be the descent between La Source and Eau Rouge. Drivers will be able to use the system before the iconic sequence of corners, but the wings will be closed again for safety reasons before entering Eau Rouge.
The other zones will be distributed between La Source and Eau Rouge, on the Kemmel straight towards Les Combes, at the exit of Stavelot, with deactivation before Blanchimont, and on the final stretch towards the Bus Stop chicane. The configuration was defined to balance performance and safety on a layout known for its high speeds.
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McLaren team principal Andrea Stella stated that Spa will present a particular challenge for all teams, especially due to the impact on power unit management and the energy available during the lap. According to him, the situation is reminiscent of what was observed at Silverstone, although in a potentially more complex context.
“Much of the concerns related to energy use before the British GP ended up being less severe than expected, allowing competitive races,” said Stella. Still, the manager highlighted that drivers reported concerns about the unpredictability of speed differences, something that, in his assessment, deserves attention.
For the Italian manager, Spa should amplify this challenge due to even longer straights. Stella added that despite the introduction of the five straight mode zones, there will be points on the circuit where the feature cannot be used due to the high lateral forces generated in certain corners.
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