Belgian Grand Prix 2026: Alpine's Colapinto, Aston Martin's AMR26, and F1 calendar uncertainties

The 2026 Belgian Grand Prix will take place at Spa‑Francorchamps from 17 to 19 July. The 7.004‑km circuit, known for its high‑speed curves and changeable weather, will host three practice sessions, a Saturday qualifying and a Sunday race of 44 laps.

Alpine driver Franco Colapinto, who finished ninth in the British Grand Prix after gaining ten places, returns to Spa eager to build on his points‑scoring form. Team principal Steve Nielsen highlighted the tight battle for fifth in the Constructors' Championship, with Alpine just one point behind Racing Bulls.

Aston Martin’s AMR26, driven by Fernando Alonso and Lance Stroll, is set for its final appearance before being retired to a museum. The car has suffered from weight and reliability problems throughout the season, and chief designer Adrian Newey said the team hopes to finish the year on a stronger note before preparing a new chassis for 2027.

Separately, the F1 calendar faces uncertainty. Plans to re‑introduce the Bahrain Grand Prix and to keep the season‑ending races in Qatar and Abu Dhabi have been jeopardised by heightened Middle‑East tensions. Backup venues such as Istanbul, Imola or Portimão are being considered to meet the contractual requirement of at least 22 races.