In a stunning twist at the Belgian Grand Prix, Mercedes driver George Russell, who had tactically held off teammate Lewis Hamilton, was disqualified, leading to Hamilton being declared the winner.
The race began with Charles Leclerc sprinting from the start, while Sergio Perez’s maneuver to block Hamilton allowed the latter to snatch second place. George Russell found himself wedged between McLarens, with Oscar Piastri advancing and Lando Norris facing a setback that saw him falling through the ranks.
Hamilton, seizing the opportunity with the aid of DRS, overtook Leclerc to take the lead on just the third lap, while Perez lagged behind, battling car issues. As positions shifted, the retirement of Guanyu Zhou due to hydraulic failure marked an early exit from the GP.
Amidst pit stop strategies, Hamilton noticed tire wear, prompting a wave of pits among the lead drivers. Mercedes and Red Bull executed critical stops as Russell and Max Verstappen engaged in fierce competition. Despite these challenges, Russell managed an impressive overtake on Perez, creating a chase sequence with Verstappen close behind.
The dynamic pit strategy saw Russell opt for a bold one-stop approach, leading in a Mercedes 1-2 formation ahead of Hamilton, who steadily closed the gap. Meanwhile, Piastri, the fastest on the track, loomed menacingly as he approached the duo.
In the race’s nail-biting conclusion, the Mercedes drivers were neck and neck, with team instructions urging them to maintain sufficient space. Piastri’s relentless pursuit meant the top three cars were only moments apart. However, the celebratory finish for Russell turned grim as the FIA disqualified him for a technical infringement, handing the win to Hamilton.
This unexpected result commiserated Russell while elevating Hamilton into the winner’s circle, with Oscar Piastri and Charles Leclerc rounding out the podium finishes.
The Belgian Grand Prix proved to be a chess game of strategy and endurance, culminating in a dramatic conclusion with Russell’s disqualification. Hamilton’s victory highlighted the unpredictable nature of racing, where every decision holds potential surprises.
