Belgian GP 2026 schedule: Qualifying, race start time and TV channel

Everything you need to know about the Belgian Grand Prix 2026 schedule, including practice, qualifying, race start time, UK TV channel and Spa timetable.

After the recent British GP won by Charles Leclerc, Formula 1 returns to one of its most iconic venues this weekend as the Belgian Grand Prix takes place at Spa-Francorchamps.

The 13th round of the 2026 Formula 1 World Championship sees drivers take on the legendary 4.35-mile circuit, which is famous for corners like Eau Rouge, Raidillon and Blanchimont. With championship points becoming increasingly valuable in the second half of the season, Spa often produces some of the most unpredictable and entertaining racing of the year this weekend.

Here’s everything UK fans need to know about the Belgian GP 2026 schedule, including practice, qualifying, race start time and how to watch live.

Belgian GP 2026 schedule

The Belgian Grand Prix weekend runs from Friday, July 17, to Sunday, July 19, with two practice sessions on Friday before qualifying takes place on Saturday and the Grand Prix on Sunday.

What time does the Belgian Grand Prix start?

The Belgian Grand Prix is scheduled to begin at 4:00pm BST on Sunday, July 19. The race will be held over 44 laps of the Spa-Francorchamps circuit, covering a total distance of just over 308 kilometres.

As always, weather conditions could play a significant role at Spa, where rain has often transformed races even when forecasts predicted dry conditions in the peak of the European summer.

With overtaking opportunities into Les Combes and the Bus Stop Chicane, combined with the circuit’s long straights and dramatic elevation changes, Spa often throws up exciting races.

What time is Belgian GP qualifying?

Qualifying takes place on Saturday, July 18, from 5:00pm to 6:00pm BST in an hour session that will determine the starting grid for Sunday’s Grand Prix.

Unlike the British GP two weeks ago, there will be no Sprint Race this time around. The F1 in Belgium will follow the typical format, where drivers will be competing across the familiar Q1, Q2 and Q3 knockout format.

Track evolution is often particularly important at Spa as the circuit offers significant grip improvements throughout qualifying. Teams will also be hoping to boost performance through the demanding first part of the track while balancing straight-line speed with downforce for the twisting middle section of the lap.

How to watch Belgian Grand Prix in UK?

Sky Sports F1 will provide live coverage of every Belgian Grand Prix session throughout the weekend, including all three practice sessions, qualifying and Sunday’s race.

Highlights are also expected to be shown on Channel 4 later on qualifying day and after the Grand Prix, allowing fans without a Sky Sports subscription to catch up with the weekend’s key moments.

Coverage begins on Friday with Practice 1 before building towards Sunday’s race at Spa-Francorchamps. Sky Sports News also provides extensive updates across the weekend, including track side interviews with drivers and team members.

Belgian GP track: What to look out for at Spa-Francorchamps

Spa remains one of Formula 1’s biggest challenges due to high-speed corners along with unpredictable weather and erratic elevation changes.

Much of the pre-weekend discussion has been on how teams will balance low drag for Spa’s long straights with enough downforce to remain competitive through sectors two and three.

And how teams conduct their tyre management will also play an important role over the course of the whole race, not to mention the changing weather conditions that could quickly influence strategy if rain falls during the weekend.

As the championship battle continues to build up, every point could prove massive, which is why the Belgian Grand Prix one of the standout races of the 2026 Formula 1 season.