Orange plumes expected in Belgium as champion driver seeks more F1 glory

Max Verstappen is romping away to the 2023 Formula 1 Drivers' championship, having amassed a 110-point lead over Red Bull teammate Sergio Perez after the season's opening 11 races.

With the sport now heading into the Belgian Grand Prix before a four-week break in August, Verstappen is eager to register his third victory around the Spa-Francorchamps circuit.

The Dutchman has been on an incredible winning streak, winning nine of the 11 races this season - the last seven coming in succession.

READ | 'It's easy to blame the track' - Verstappen defends Spa after death of young driver

And, as is the case for many drivers on the grid, Spa is the defending champion's favourite and he is looking to make the most of his chances in this year's race.

"Spa is my favourite track, of course," said Verstappen.

"So, I'm looking forward to racing there and seeing the fans - it should be a fun weekend. It's our final push before the summer break."

Belgium is situated next to Verstappen's homeland of the Netherlands, so a big contingency of 'Super Max' fans donning their bright orange outfits is exptected.

Threat of rain

The last few seasons, the Belgian GP has been turned on its head as rain wreaked havoc on proceedings. According to early predictions, every session this weekend could be at risk of it ... again.

Friday and Saturday will see maximum temperatures of 19°C, while Sunday will be a breezy 16°C. The chance of rain on the three days is 80%, 90%, and 70%.

Verstappen, looking extremely comfortable behind the wheel of his RB19, oozed confidence ahead of the weekend, saying that the rain would make the race "a bit more interesting and chaotic".

READ | History, strategy, and rain: The conundrum F1 teams face ahead of the Belgian GP

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