Everything you need to know about the Formula 1 Belgian Grand Prix

Red Bull has won a record 12 consecutive Formula 1 races, and is looking to make it lucky 13 in Belgium on Sunday night.

The defending champions have been untouchable this season, with the rest battling for second and third.

But the famous Spa-Francorchamps circuit in Belgium is renowned for creating unpredictable races.

Here is what you need to know about the Belgian Grand Prix.

Where is the race?

The circuit of Spa-Francorchamps is located in the forests and rolling hills of the Ardennes region of south-east Belgium.

The original layout of the track used public roads between the towns of Francorchamps, Malmedy, and Stavelot.

The current format of the circuit was redeveloped in 1979, and has undergone other smaller adjustments since then.

What do I need to know about the track?

Spa-Francorchamps is the longest track on the F1 calendar, measuring 7,004 metres.

The circuit is a favourite with fans and drivers, with long, fast straights and tricky corners making it exciting from start to finish.

Turns 2-4 are the most famous on the circuit, with the fast chicane of turns 2 and 3 — named Eau Rouge and Raidillon — then flying up the hill to turn 4 which leads to the long straight. 

Coming back down the hill is fast, with sweeping corners ready to catch out the smallest mistake. 

There are several overtake opportunities for the drivers, with turns 5 at the end of the straight, and the final chicane usually the best spots.

How can I watch the race in Australia?

The only place to watch all the action is via the Fox Sports stable of broadcasting channels.

It will be available on both Foxtel and Kayo Sports, with the race starting at 11pm AEST.

What happened last year?

Max Verstappen produced his most dominant performance of the 2022 season, winning the Belgian Grand Prix after starting 14th on the grid. 

Verstappen started in the lowly position because of grid penalties, but it did not seem to matter as the Dutchman passed the cars ahead of him with ease.

It was an afternoon to forget for seven-time world champion Lewis Hamilton, who retired after causing a collision with Fernando Alonso. 

Hamilton was labelled an “idiot” by Alonso, who did not take kindly to his race being compromised.

Fast facts

First grand prix — 1950Number of laps — 44Lap distance — 7,004mRace distance — 308.052kmFastest lap — 1:46.286 Valtteri Bottas (2018)Loading