In a day packed with action both on and off the track at Spa-Francorchamps, the F1 world championship leader led second practice by almost nine-tenths of a second over title rival Charles Leclerc.
But both drivers will start the Belgian GP from the back of the grid due to respective engine change penalties, which will also affect Lando Norris, Esteban Ocon, Valtteri Bottas and Mick Schumacher.
F1 headlines were dominated by Audi’s announcement that it will enter F1 as an engine supplier from 2026, while it is expected to partner Sauber, who will end its partnership with Alfa Romeo at the end of 2023.
Meanwhile, drama continued in the F1 driver market, with Oscar Piastri’s situation due to be decided by an F1 Contract Recognition Board next week to understand whether he remains an Alpine driver or is free to move to McLaren.
What time does qualifying start for the Belgian F1 Grand Prix?
Qualifying for the Belgian GP starts at 16:00 local time (3:00pm BST), using the usual format of Q1, Q2 and Q3 knockout sessions.
Date: Saturday, August 27, 2022
Start time: 16:00 local time – 15:00 BST
Esteban Ocon, Alpine A522
Photo by: Sam Bloxham/Motorsport Images
How can I watch Formula 1?
In the UK, Formula 1 is broadcast live on Sky Sports, with highlights shown on Channel 4 several hours after the race has finished. Live streaming via NOW is also available in the UK.
Sky Sports F1, which broadcasts F1 races, can be added as part of the Sky Sports channels, which costs £20 a month for new customers. Sky Sports can also be accessed through NOW with a one-off payment of £11.98p or a monthly membership of £33.99p per month.
How can I see the Belgian F1 GP classification?
In the UK, all F1 practice, qualifying and races are shown live on Sky Sports F1 and Sky Sports Main Event, with qualifying coverage of the Belgian GP starting at 2:00pm BST on Sky Sports F1 and Sky Sports Main Event at 2:45pm BST.
Channel: Sky Sports F1 and the Sky Sports Main Event
Start time: 2:00pm BST August 27, 2022 and 2:45pm BST August 27, 2022
Autosport will do live text coverage of qualifying here.
When can I see the highlights of the F1 Belgian GP qualifying?
In the UK, Channel 4 is broadcasting highlights from qualifying for the Belgian GP at 6:30pm BST on Saturday. The full program will be 90 minutes long and will cover both qualifying and closing of the main talking points of the race weekend so far.
Throughout the 2022 F1 season, Channel 4 will broadcast highlights from every qualifying and race from every event. Highlights will also be available on Channel 4’s catch-up-on-demand services.
Channel: Channel 4
Start time: 6:30pm BST August 27, 2022
Lewis Hamilton Mercedes W13
Photo by: Andy Hone/Motorsport Images
Will F1 Belgian GP qualifying be on the radio?
Live radio coverage of every practice, qualifying and race for the 2022 F1 season will be available on BBC Radio 5 Live, BBC 5 Live Sports Extra or via the BBC Sport website.
Coverage of qualifying for the Belgian GP will begin at 3:00pm BST on the BBC Sport website and on the BBC Sounds app.
What is the weather forecast for qualifying at Spa Francorchamps?
Mild but dry weather is forecast for Saturday afternoon for the start of qualifying, but with a strong chance of showers at Spa-Francorchamps. The temperature is set at 22 degrees Celsius at the start of qualifying, two degrees lower than qualifying at the Hungarian GP last time.
Results of free practice 2
Free practices 1 Results
