Here’s the complete 2026 Formula 1 Belgian Grand Prix schedule for U.S. fans, including practice sessions, qualifying, race time and how to watch every session from Spa-Francorchamps.

Formula 1 heads to the legendary Spa-Francorchamps Circuit for the 2026 Belgian Grand Prix, one of the most iconic races on the calendar. The event takes place July 17-19 and marks the final traditional race weekend before Formula 1’s summer break.

Here’s everything U.S. fans need to know, including the complete 2026 Belgian Grand Prix schedule, television information and key facts about the historic Belgian circuit.

2026 Belgian Grand Prix schedule (United States)

All times below are shown in Eastern Time (ET).

Unlike previous editions, the 2026 Belgian Grand Prix follows the traditional Formula 1 weekend format, featuring three practice sessions, qualifying on Saturday and the race on Sunday.

How to watch the 2026 Belgian Grand Prix in the U.S.

Formula 1 fans in the United States have several viewing options throughout the weekend.

The complete race weekend will be available through:

• ESPN
• ESPN2
• ABC (selected sessions)
• ESPN+
• F1 TV Pro

F1 TV Pro also provides onboard cameras, live timing, team radio and additional race coverage for subscribers.

Spa-Francorchamps remains Formula 1’s ultimate driver’s circuit

Located in Belgium’s Ardennes Forest, Spa-Francorchamps is the longest circuit on the Formula 1 calendar.

Circuit facts:

• Length: 7.004 km (4.352 miles)
• Race distance: 44 laps
• Total distance: 308.176 km (191.5 miles)

The track features legendary corners including Eau Rouge, Raidillon, Pouhon and Blanchimont, while the Kemmel Straight allows cars to exceed 215 mph (350 km/h).

Eau Rouge and Raidillon remain among Formula 1’s most famous corners.

Belgian Grand Prix winners and records

Several Formula 1 legends have enjoyed success at Spa-Francorchamps.

Most Belgian Grand Prix victories:

• Michael Schumacher — 6
• Lewis Hamilton — 5
• Ayrton Senna — 5

Recent winners include:

• 2025: Oscar Piastri
• 2024: Lewis Hamilton
• 2023: Max Verstappen

Pole position record:

• Lewis Hamilton — 6 poles

Fastest qualifying lap:

Lando Norris (2025) — 1:40.562

Spa-Francorchamps has produced some of Formula 1’s greatest races.

The 2026 Belgian Grand Prix schedule features one of the most anticipated weekends of the Formula 1 season. With Spa-Francorchamps’ combination of high-speed straights, dramatic elevation changes and unpredictable weather, the Belgian Grand Prix consistently delivers some of the championship’s most exciting racing before Formula 1 heads into its summer break.

Charles Leclerc has overhauled his Ferrari steering wheel software for the first time since joining the team, introducing a redesigned interface to better manage the demands of Formula 1’s new 2026 regulations.

For the first time since joining Ferrari, Charles Leclerc has completely redesigned the software layout of his steering wheel. The Charles Leclerc steering wheel 2026 update marks one of the biggest personal changes of his Formula 1 career, helping him adapt to the new technical regulations while improving access to crucial race information.

The redesigned interface debuted during Ferrari’s strong 2026 campaign and reflects how drivers have been forced to rethink their cockpit management under Formula 1’s latest generation of power units.

Leclerc redesigns his Ferrari steering wheel for the first time

Since arriving at Ferrari in 2019, Leclerc had maintained virtually the same steering wheel display layout, making only minor adjustments over the years.

Unlike former teammate Sebastian Vettel, who preferred displaying a large amount of information simultaneously, Leclerc always favored a clean, minimalist interface with larger, easier-to-read data.

That philosophy remained unchanged throughout his partnership with Carlos Sainz, who adopted a similar layout with only small personal modifications.

For 2026, however, Ferrari’s star driver decided to completely rethink the software to better suit the demands of the new regulations.

Charles Leclerc introduced a completely redesigned steering wheel display for the 2026 Formula 1 season.

New displays improve energy management and race information

The biggest change involves the organization of the steering wheel display.

Information such as speed, engine RPM, brake balance and lap count has been moved into compact side windows, freeing the center of the screen for more important live data.

Among the new features are:

• Tire temperature display
• Brake temperature monitoring
• MGU-K energy deployment indicator
• Regeneration status display
• Updated boost management graphics

Ferrari has also introduced a vertical energy bar showing exactly when the MGU-K is deploying or recovering electrical energy, allowing Leclerc to react more efficiently throughout each lap.

A new boost indicator with multiple status blocks helps manage short bursts of additional electrical power during overtaking and defensive situations.

The updated Ferrari steering wheel software places greater emphasis on energy management and tire monitoring.

Ferrari also improves launch procedures for 2026

Another important addition to the Charles Leclerc steering wheel 2026 software is a dedicated turbo readiness indicator used during race starts.

With Formula 1’s new regulations eliminating the MGU-H and changing how electrical power is delivered below 50 km/h, turbo management has become far more important.

Ferrari now uses a progressive visual indicator that combines:

• Percentage-based turbo readiness
• Red, white and green status colors
• Full confirmation when the turbo reaches optimal operating speed

The system gives drivers immediate feedback before the start, helping maximize acceleration when the lights go out.

Ferrari’s new turbo readiness indicator helps optimize race starts under the 2026 Formula 1 regulations.

The Charles Leclerc steering wheel 2026 redesign illustrates how Formula 1 drivers continue adapting to an increasingly sophisticated technical environment. By reorganizing critical information and introducing new energy management tools, Ferrari has given Leclerc a cockpit better suited to the demands of the sport’s latest generation of hybrid technology, while maintaining the clean interface that has defined his driving style since arriving in Maranello.

Jenson Button believes George Russell’s inconsistent 2026 Formula 1 season is linked to the Mercedes W17 rather than the driver, while praising Kimi Antonelli’s remarkable pace and consistency.

Jenson Button believes George Russell’s Mercedes 2026 difficulties have little to do with the British driver’s talent and far more with the characteristics of the Mercedes W17. While rookie sensation Kimi Antonelli continues to impress with his speed and consistency, Button argues that the current car naturally suits the young Italian’s driving style, leaving Russell under increasing pressure in the Formula 1 title fight.

The 2009 Formula 1 World Champion also believes Antonelli’s confidence and fearless approach have made him one of the standout performers of the 2026 season.

Button believes the Mercedes W17 favors Antonelli

According to Button, Russell spent previous seasons driving a Mercedes that wasn’t fast enough to fight for championships but perfectly matched his driving style.

That situation has changed dramatically in 2026.

The Mercedes W17 has become a genuine title contender, yet its handling characteristics appear to suit Antonelli much better than Russell.

Button believes the issue is not a lack of pace from Russell but rather that the car rewards a different driving approach.

George Russell has struggled to extract maximum performance from the Mercedes W17 during the 2026 Formula 1 season.

Kimi Antonelli’s consistency has impressed Button

Button highlighted Antonelli’s remarkable ability to deliver competitive pace every race weekend.

Although the Italian has made occasional mistakes during his second Formula 1 season, Button believes one characteristic has remained constant: raw speed.

He also pointed to Russell’s comments about rear tire degradation, suggesting Antonelli may be managing the Mercedes differently through fast corners.

Drawing comparisons with Fernando Alonso’s Renault driving style during the mid-2000s, Button suggested Antonelli could be rotating the car more aggressively to preserve the rear tires over long stints.

Kimi Antonelli continues to impress with his speed and consistency in the 2026 Formula 1 championship.

The championship battle is increasing the pressure on Russell

Button also believes the psychological aspect of the championship is becoming increasingly important.

Russell started the season strongly, but Antonelli’s series of victories has shifted momentum inside Mercedes.

The former world champion believes Antonelli’s youth allows him to race without the burden of championship expectations.

At just 19 years old, the Italian approaches every race with confidence and freedom, something Button says naturally changes once a driver realizes a world title is genuinely within reach.

Button expects that pressure will eventually affect Antonelli as the championship progresses. However, for now, he believes George Russell’s Mercedes 2026 struggles are primarily the result of a car better suited to his teammate’s driving style rather than any decline in Russell’s performance. As the Formula 1 season enters its decisive phase, Mercedes will need both drivers performing at their best if it hopes to secure both championships.