Formula 1 in Belgium - Russell-Sieg on the brink - Verstappen limits damage
George Russell weighed in at only 1.5 kilograms less than expected after his surprise Formula-1 win in Belgium, causing concern for a third career triumph and leaving Lewis Hamilton in a potential profit. The mandatory weigh-in following the strategic thriller at Spa-Francorchamps revealed that Russell's car, number 63, was 1.5 kilograms under the minimum weight of 798 kilograms for a Formula-1 car.
The Technical Delegate handed the matter over to the race stewards for further investigation, with a Mercedes representative summoned. This put Russell at risk of disqualification, which would have primarily benefited his Mercedes teammate Hamilton, who had finished only 0.5 seconds behind after a one-stop masterclass from Russell.
Russell sought refuge in the shadows after his daring performance in the Mercedes double victory. Max Verstappen, Formula-1 World Champion, could only follow the thrilling spectacle from a distance and inadvertently extended his thirst.
Verstappen missed the chance to achieve a fourth consecutive Spa victory due to a penalty as he finished fifth. Despite his relentless pursuit, Verstappen was able to extend his World Championship lead over McLaren's Lando Norris to 78 points, as Norris finished directly behind Verstappen.
Russell stormed to victory in the Mercedes with a slim margin over Hamilton in the Belgian Grand Prix. In contrast to his pursuers, the sixth-place starter Russell took a risky strategy with only one tire change, fearing his gamble later. Norris' teammate Oscar Piastri finished third, having celebrated his first career win just a week earlier in Hungary.
"Whispering George" praised Mercedes Team Principal Toto Wolff in the team radio after Russell's second season victory and the first double victory for the Silver Arrows since Brazil 2022. "Fantastic result. I didn't predict this win in our strategy meeting this morning," Russell said, beaming as he lifted his trophy high. "The car felt fantastic."
Verstappen could not fulfill his dream of a fourth consecutive Spa victory from eleventh place on the grid. Perez, Verstappen's Red Bull teammate, started from the first row for the first time since the Chinese Grand Prix in April but could not hold a top position, finishing eighth. "Not a top race, but a good race. We're not the fastest anymore," Verstappen said. He had "given it everything."
Red Bull Motorsport advisor Helmut Marko acknowledged their disappointment but praised the Grand Prix winner: "That was incredible from Russell." For Nico Hülkenberg, the weekend held no success. The Haas regular started 16th and finished 19th.
Red Bull's dominance is waning
The former dominance of Red Bull is a known fact to the Red Bull team from Sebastian Vettel. In qualifying, Verstappen demonstrated his class, distancing Charles Leclerc in the Ferrari by 0.595 seconds. However, due to Verstappen using a regulation-violating fifth engine of the year, he was required to start from the back of the grid. Leclerc was awarded the 25th pole position of his career.
We were used to being the pace-setters, but it's different today, admitted Red Bull motor racing advisor Marko. The reason being the numerous construction sites off the asphalt, such as the spectator grandstands obstructing our team's progression last in Hungary, thought the Austrian: "It's more Netflix-like for us now."
This situation with Perez also played a significant role. The Mexican has had a contract since the beginning of June that runs until the end of 2025, with an option for another season. However, after a strong start to this year, Perez has been falling behind. The 34-year-old is at risk of being dropped during the Formula 1 holidays.
Verstappen's "race for damage control"
"That's not enough," Marko stated on the TV broadcaster Sky. "We'll get together on Monday evening in England and analyze it." For Marko, the theoretical case for Perez's dismissal, Red Bull reserve driver Liam Lawson (22) along with Daniel Ricciardo (35) and Yuki Tsunoda (24) from sister team AlphaTauri are ready.
Perez had to let Hamilton pass Lewis Hamilton in the Mercedes after a tough duel from the very beginning. Verstappen started the second lap as eighth, right behind his championship rival Lando Norris. The McLaren driver had once again had a suboptimal start and veered off the track onto the grass. Hamilton took the lead from Leclerc.
Verstappen was in a dilemma. The Dutchman wanted to put pressure but couldn't afford to wear out his tires. "I see it as a race for damage control," said Verstappen and pulled into the pits for an early pit stop, only to get stuck in traffic as the 14th.
Russell goes for a bold strategy
The 26-year-old continued to push towards the top three. At the halfway point, Verstappen only had Russell in the second Mercedes, McLaren driver Piastri, Leclerc, and the leader Hamilton ahead of him.
Leclerc opened the parade of the front-runners, who all opted for a second pit stop to mount a new set of hard tires. Hamilton reacted shortly thereafter. However, his teammate Russell held the lead and eventually outmaneuvered the competition. Then, Russell's service vehicle caused anxious moments.
Russell's bold strategy paid off, as he managed to maintain his position despite the delay caused by his service vehicle. The Mercedes team showed their strategic prowess, allowing Russell to stay ahead of the competition. This move put additional pressure on Lewis Hamilton, who also needed to pit for new tires.
Hamilton attempted to overtake Russell after his tire change, but the young driver proved to be a formidable opponent. With his slim margin for error, Russell expertly navigated the Ardennes circuit, avoiding any mistakes that could cost him the lead. The crowd at Spa-Francorchamps held their breath as the two Mercedes drivers battled it out.
Despite Hamilton's best efforts, he was unable to overtake Russell. The British driver had to settle for second place, marking a significant victory for George Russell in his career. The result also had implications for the Formula-1 championship, as it further narrowed the gap between Hamilton and Max Verstappen, the current Formula-1-World-Champion from Red Bull Racing.
Meanwhile, Charles Leclerc finished the race in third place, securing yet another podium finish for Ferrari. The Monegasque driver has shown consistent performances throughout the season, positioning himself as a strong contender for the championship title. With several high-stakes races remaining on the calendar, the Formula-1 season is shaping up to be a thrilling spectacle.
