Formula 1’s 2024 Belgian Grand Prix Race Review
Russel Disqualified, Hamilton Gets the Win
The 2024 Belgian Grand Prix at Spa-Francorchamps delivered a thrilling spectacle featuring strategic gambles, unexpected penalties, and intense battles on one of Formula 1’s most iconic circuits. Initially, George Russell appeared to clinch victory with a masterful drive, but post-race scrutineering revealed his car was underweight by 1.5 kg, leading to his disqualification. This penalty handed the race win to Lewis Hamilton, who had finished second on track. Oscar Piastri, who also drove an outstanding race, was promoted to second place, showcasing his potential despite a slow pit stop that may have cost him the victory.
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Belgian Grand Prix Qualifying Drama
Verstappen’s Dominance
Max Verstappen topped the timesheets with a stellar 1:53.159 despite wet conditions in a dramatic qualifying session for the Belgian Grand Prix at Spa-Francorchamps. His 10-place grid penalty for a new gearbox means Charles Leclerc, who qualified second, will start from pole. Red Bull’s Sergio Perez secured third, while Mercedes’ Lewis Hamilton was fourth. McLaren’s Lando Norris and Oscar Piastri took fifth and sixth. Carlos Sainz, Nico Hülkenberg, Fernando Alonso, and Lance Stroll rounded out the top ten. The session saw Haas cars and Yuki Tsunoda eliminated in Q1, highlighting the challenging conditions.
Top 10 Qualifiers
- Charles Leclerc (Ferrari) – Inherited pole after Verstappen’s penalty.
- Sergio Perez (Red Bull) – Strong qualifying, starting from P2.
- Lewis Hamilton (Mercedes) – Consistent performance, starting P3.
- Lando Norris (McLaren) – Impressive P4.
- Oscar Piastri (McLaren) – Solid P5.
- George Russell (Mercedes) – Starting P6.
- Carlos Sainz (Ferrari) – P7.
- Fernando Alonso (Aston Martin) – P8.
- Esteban Ocon (Alpine) – P9.
- Max Verstappen (Red Bull) – After the penalty, starting P11.
Belgian Grand Prix Race Day Highlights
Russell’s Strategic Masterclass
George Russell initially delivered an outstanding performance, managing his tires expertly and crossing the finish line first. Starting from P6, Russell showcased his racecraft and strategic understanding, particularly in the latter stages, where tire wear became critical. His ability to maintain pace on aging tires was crucial to his apparent victory.
Hamilton’s Mixed Emotions Turn to Triumph
Lewis Hamilton finished second on track, closely following his teammate Russell. However, post-race scrutineering revealed that Russell’s car was underweight by 1.5 kg, leading to his disqualification. This penalty promoted Hamilton to the podium’s top step, granting him the race win. Despite the unusual circumstances, it was a strong result for Mercedes, showing their competitive edge.
Piastri’s Stellar Drive
Oscar Piastri delivered a stellar performance, ultimately finishing in second place after Russell’s disqualification. Piastri’s race was impressive, marked by consistent pace and strategic moves. However, a slow pit stop cost him valuable seconds, potentially denying him his second F1 victory. This performance underscored Piastri’s growing reputation as a future star in Formula 1.
Leclerc and Ferrari’s Challenge
Charles Leclerc, who started from pole, faced challenges with tire degradation and the relentless pace of the Red Bulls and Mercedes. He secured a podium finish, highlighting Ferrari’s ongoing development and competitiveness this season.
Verstappen’s Recovery Drive
Starting from P11, Max Verstappen showcased his typical relentless drive, making his way through the field to finish in the top five. His race was marked by bold overtakes and strategic pit stops, demonstrating why he remains a championship favorite despite the grid penalties.
2024 Belgian Grand Prix Final Standings
| RANK | DRIVER | COUNTRY | TEAM | FASTEST LAP |
| 1 | LEWIS HAMILTON | BRITAIN | MERCEDES | |
| 2 | OSCAR PIASTRI | AUSTRALIA | MCLAREN | |
| 3 | CHARLES LECLERC | MONACO | FERRARI | |
| 4 | MAX VERSTAPPEN | NETHERLANDS | RED BULL | |
| 5 | LANDO NORRIS | BRITAIN | MCLAREN | |
| 6 | CARLOS SAINZ JR | SPAIN | FERRARI | |
| 7 | SERGIO PEREZ | MEXICO | RED BULL | 1.44.701 |
| 8 | FERNANDO ALONSO | SPAIN | ASTON MARTIN | |
| 9 | ESTEBAN OCON | FRANCE | ALPINE | |
| 10 | DANIEL RICCIARDO | AUSTRALIA | RB | |
| 11 | LANCE STROLL | CANADA | ASTON MARTIN | |
| 12 | ALEXANDER ALBON | THAILAND | WILLIAMS | |
| 13 | PIERRE GASLY | FRANCE | ALPINE | |
| 14 | KEVIN MAGNUSSEN | DENMARK | HAAS | |
| 15 | VALTERRI BOTTAS | FINLAND | SAUBER | |
| 16 | YUKI TSUNODA | JAPAN | RB | |
| 17 | LOGAN SARGEANT | UNITED STATES | WILLIAMS | |
| 18 | NIKO HULKENBERG | GERMANY | HAAS | |
| RETIRED | ZHOU GUANYU | CHINA | SAUBER | |
| DISQUALIFIED | GEORGE RUSSEL-UNDERWEIGHT | BRITAIN | MERCEDES |
Conclusion
The 2024 Belgian Grand Prix was a testament to strategic excellence, driver skill, and the unpredictability that makes Formula 1 so captivating. The post-race drama with Russell’s disqualification added an unexpected twist, handing Lewis Hamilton the victory. Despite a slow pit stop, Oscar Piastri’s remarkable drive and second-place finish, highlighted his potential. The performances of Hamilton, Leclerc, and Verstappen added to the excitement, and as the season progresses, the battle for the championship remains wide open, promising more thrilling races ahead. Formula 1 is taking its summer break and will return to Action from August 23-25th in Zandvoort for the 2024 Dutch Grand Prix.
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