Formula 1 returns this weekend with the Belgian GP at Spa-Francorchamps, and the FIA has already defined the participants of the traditional press conferences that precede the event. Max Verstappen and Kimi Antonelli are among the confirmed names, while Lewis Hamilton will not participate in the official sessions with the drivers.
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This absence of the seven-time champion draws attention at an important moment in the season. Hamilton is in third place in the championship, 32 points behind Antonelli and only seven behind George Russell, after finishing third at the British GP.
Spa-Francorchamps hosts the category after a two-week break and promises extra challenges in 2026. In addition to the well-known Eau Rouge and Raidillon corners, the Belgian circuit will be the scene of a new concern related to the energy management of the cars, leading the FIA to confirm five straight mode zones for the weekend.
Media activities begin on Thursday. The first press conference is scheduled for 2:30 PM local time in Spa and will feature Esteban Ocon, Max Verstappen, and Alexander Albon. Half an hour later, Charles Leclerc, Kimi Antonelli, and Liam Lawson will answer journalists’ questions.
Kimi Antonelli arrives at the Belgian GP as the championship leader, despite seeing his advantage shrink after finishing only 15th in Silverstone. The nineteen-year-old Mercedes driver has a 25-point lead at the top of the standings.
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Meanwhile, Verstappen arrives in Spa surrounded by speculation about his future. Rumors involving a possible transfer to McLaren continue to circulate, increasing interest around his participation in the press conference.
Hamilton and the other British drivers will not be present at the official sessions organized by the FIA. According to the published schedule, they will fulfill their media commitments through television interviews and meetings with the written press throughout Thursday.
On Friday, it will be the turn of the team representatives to participate in the press conference, with Allan McNish from Audi, Graeme Lowdon from Cadillac, and Alan Permane from Racing Bulls. During the rest of the weekend, Formula 1 will maintain the traditional format, with interviews of the top three on the grid after Saturday’s qualifying session, and again with the top three finishers after Sunday’s race.
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