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The Belgian Grand Prix of Formula 1 delivered incredible surprises and twists, with a concentration of emotions packed into the last weekend of July. It started with Saturday's qualifying, where Charles Leclerc unexpectedly secured pole position. The Monegasque Ferrari driver was rewarded for his courage and skill. In Q3, Ferrari pushed to the limit, taking a risk by completing only one lap on fresh tires as late as possible.
The gamble paid off with pole position, despite Max Verstappen setting the fastest time but being penalized ten positions for using a fifth internal combustion engine, one more than the allowed limit. Ultimately, Leclerc’s pole (1'53''754) stood, with Sergio Perez in second position (1'53''765).
The fourteenth round of the Formula 1 World Championship in Belgium saw a highly eventful post-race. At Spa-Francorchamps, George Russell emerged victorious, pulling off a masterpiece that astonished everyone. The British Mercedes driver defended his first place from teammate Hamilton's attacks, opting for a one-stop strategy. Russell's feat was remarkable, starting from sixth position. Completing the podium was Oscar Piastri, with Leclerc finishing fourth ahead of Verstappen.
However, a shocking twist followed: Russell was disqualified because his Mercedes W15 was found to be underweight. According to regulation article 4.1, the minimum weight of the car must be 798 kg without fuel. Russell's car was 798 kg with fuel, and without it, the weight obviously dropped. The difference was 1.5 kg, as detected by the FIA's technical delegate during the post-race inspection.
Consequently, Hamilton was awarded first place, with Piastri (McLaren-Mercedes) second and Leclerc third. Verstappen finished fourth, Norris fifth, and Carlos Sainz Jr. ended up in sixth position.
This unexpected turn of events in the Belgian Grand Prix was anything but ordinary. The Formula 1 World Championship will resume on the weekend of August 25 at Zandvoort for the Dutch Grand Prix.
