Hamilton declared Belgian GP winner after Russell DQed / Verstappen's lead narrows
28 July 2024
By Bob Francis, Managing Editor
Go Full Throttle Racing News
SPA-FRANCORCHAMPS — In a dramatic turn of events at the Belgian Grand Prix, Lewis Hamilton clinched victory after his teammate George Russell was disqualified for an underweight car during post-race inspection. A crushing blow to the young Brit who drove a technically perfect race.
Race Dynamics
The race began with Hamilton overtaking Charles Leclerc early on, establishing a strong lead. Meanwhile, George Russell, who had opted for a one-stop strategy, was in a fierce battle to maintain his position. The Mercedes duo was set for a close finish, with Russell initially crossing the line ahead of Hamilton.
The Disqualification
However, post-race inspections revealed that Russell’s car was underweight, leading to his disqualification. The FIA’s stringent regulations on car weight are designed to ensure fair competition and safety. According to the rules, any car found to be under the minimum weight limit is subject to disqualification, regardless of the driver’s performance on the track.
Russell’s disqualification was a significant blow to the Mercedes team, as it not only cost them a potential 1–2 finish but also impacted their standing in the Constructors’ Championship. The team expressed their disappointment but acknowledged the importance of adhering to the regulations.
Podium Finishers
With Russell out of the running, McLaren’s Oscar Piastri moved up to second place, marking a remarkable achievement for the young driver. Ferrari’s Charles Leclerc, who had been overtaken by Hamilton early in the race, secured the third spot on the podium.
Notable Performances
Max Verstappen showcased his skill by recovering from a P11 start to finish fourth. Lando Norris and Carlos Sainz also delivered strong performances, rounding out the top six.
Rules are Rules
The Belgian Grand Prix will be remembered not just for Hamilton’s victory but also for the dramatic disqualification of George Russell. This incident highlights the importance of strict adherence to racing regulations. But F1 fans, especially Mercedes F1 team fans, are happy to see both cars up front and contending for the win after a tough first half of the season.
GFT F1 AI Driver Rankings after the Belgian GP
While Max Verstappen, thanks to a 4th place finish at Spa, minimized the damage to his points lead and GFT F1 AI Driver Ranking, however, his lead continues to narrow- now just 78 driver points.
Winner’s quote
“We had such a disaster on Friday — the car was really nowhere — and we made some changes,” said Hamilton after the race. “Hard to see what it was going to feel like obviously because of the wet yesterday, but the car was fantastic today and we really owe it to everyone both here doing a solid job through the pit stops and strategy and the guys back at the factory.”
Next Race
F1 is on summer break, returning for the Dutch Grand Prix at Circuit Zandvoort on August 23–25.
