Lewis Hamilton wins Belgian Grand Prix after George Russell DQ

In a shocking turn of events at the Belgian Grand Prix, Mercedes’ George Russell was stripped of his victory after race officials discovered that his car was underweight. This unexpected twist not only cost Russell his win but also elevated his teammate Lewis Hamilton to the top spot. Here’s a detailed look at the unfolding drama and its implications.

A Controversial Decision

The controversy began when race officials found Russell’s No. 63 Mercedes to be underweight during the post-race inspection. The car initially weighed 798.0 kilograms, which is the minimum weight requirement. However, after draining the fuel tank, the car weighed in at 796.5 kilograms, falling short of the required weight by 3.3 pounds. This discrepancy led to the stewards reviewing the race outcome.

At the hearing, Russell’s representatives admitted that the underweight condition was a genuine error by the team, without any mitigating circumstances. This acknowledgment left the stewards with little choice but to overturn the race result, stripping Russell of his hard-earned victory.

Mercedes’ Response

Mercedes team principal Toto Wolff expressed a mix of disappointment and resolve following the stewards’ decision. “It is what it is, the mistake has happened,” Wolff said, emphasizing the need for the team to learn from this error. Despite the setback, Wolff pointed out the positives, highlighting the strong performance by both drivers during the race. “Obviously for George, it’s a massive blow,” he added, acknowledging the emotional impact on Russell.

An Epic Race

The Belgian Grand Prix was a thrilling spectacle from start to finish. Russell, who had started from pole position, opted for a bold strategy of making only one pit stop on the 10th lap of the 44-lap race. This decision proved crucial as it allowed him to maintain a slight edge over his competitors, despite the aging tires.

Hamilton, who finished as the runner-up before being declared the winner, made two pit stops and launched a fierce pursuit of Russell in the final laps. The Brit came tantalizingly close, getting within a second of Russell in the last four laps, but couldn’t overtake his teammate. McLaren’s Oscar Piastri finished just 1.1 seconds behind, making it one of the closest finishes in recent memory.

Hamilton’s Season Triumph

With this adjusted win, Hamilton secured his second victory of the season, following his triumph at the British Grand Prix earlier in July. The victory not only boosted Hamilton’s morale but also added crucial points to his championship tally. This season has seen Hamilton consistently performing at a high level, and the win at Spa-Francorchamps further solidifies his status as one of the top contenders.

Piastri and Leclerc on the Podium

The reshuffling of the results meant that McLaren’s Oscar Piastri was promoted to second place, marking a significant achievement for the young driver. Piastri’s performance was commendable, and this podium finish will undoubtedly be a highlight in his burgeoning career.

Ferrari’s Charles Leclerc, who had started from pole position, finished third. Leclerc’s race was a blend of strategic driving and sheer determination, allowing him to secure a podium finish despite the fierce competition. This result adds another strong performance to Ferrari’s season, with Leclerc showing consistent form throughout.

Verstappen’s Comeback

Championship points leader Max Verstappen finished fourth after starting from 11th on the grid due to an engine penalty. The Red Bull driver’s race was a masterclass in overtaking and strategic driving, showcasing his exceptional skills. Verstappen’s ability to climb through the ranks and finish near the top underscores his dominance this season.

Implications for the Championship

The reshuffled results of the Belgian Grand Prix have significant implications for the championship standings. Hamilton’s win narrows the gap between him and the leading contenders, intensifying the battle for the title. For Russell, the disqualification is a setback, but his performance throughout the race demonstrated his potential and resilience.

The race at Spa-Francorchamps will be remembered not only for the drama off the track but also for the high-quality racing that unfolded. As the season progresses, teams and drivers will be keen to avoid such costly errors and focus on securing their positions in the championship standings.

 A Race for the Ages

The Belgian Grand Prix 2024 will go down in history as a race filled with high drama, strategic brilliance, and unexpected twists. George Russell’s disqualification was a harsh reminder of the stringent regulations in Formula One, where even the smallest discrepancies can have significant consequences. For Lewis Hamilton, it was an unexpected but welcome boost to his championship campaign.

As the Formula One circus moves on to the next race, the lessons learned from Spa-Francorchamps will undoubtedly influence strategies and preparations. The championship battle is heating up, and fans can look forward to more thrilling races as the season progresses.