The Latest Breaking News from Spa

Most Formula 2 rookies would be happy to sit fifth in the standings with one round remaining, with one win and nine podiums to their name. But not Victor Martins. The self-effacing, ever-critical Frenchman claims his 2023 has been “average”, despite sitting as the best-performing first-year driver.

Most Formula 2 rookies would be happy to sit fifth in the standings with one round remaining, with one win and nine podiums to their name. But not Victor Martins. The self-effacing, ever-critical Frenchman claims his 2023 has been “average”, despite sitting as the best-performing first-year driver.

Hulkenberg has started 193 F1 races – not including the 2013 Melbourne, 2015 Spa and 2020 Silverstone races he failed to start – with a best result of fourth.

The start of the Saturday sprint event at Spa was delayed by rain, and when it eventually got underway the cars ran on full wet tyres behind the safety car – as mandated by the rules – before the field was released.

The perils of racing single-seaters in the rain were highlighted last month by the fatal accident of Formula Regional racer Dilano van 't Hoff at Spa, with the lack of visibility in the rain a major factor in the multi-car collision that claimed the Dutchman's life.

The perils of racing single-seaters in the rain were highlighted last month by the fatal accident of Formula Regional racer Dilano van 't Hoff at Spa, with the lack of visibility in the rain a major factor in the multi-car collision that claimed the Dutchman's life.

A few weeks ago Ricciardo was first touted as a possible post-shutdown replacement for Nyck de Vries at the Faenza team, with the Dutchman expected to have a last chance to prove himself with the run of European races up to Spa.

On Friday afternoon Perez qualified third for the Spa-Francorchamps race, behind team-mate Max Verstappen and Ferrari's Charles Leclerc.

It was the Belgian’s first running in an F1 car since he tested for Mercedes in Abu Dhabi at the end of 2021.