Belgian GP Race Report: Verstappen close to his second title
Belgian GP Race Report: Verstappen close to his second title
Max Verstappen moved closer to becoming a two-time Formula One champion winning the Belgian Grand Prix from P14. Despite the Dutch driver’s poor starting position due to making power unit and gearbox adjustments, Verstappen had taken the lead within half the race’s distance and sailed to the finish line.
Engine Penalties Everywhere
A wave of power unit grid penalties around the track ensured that fans would be treated to an exciting grand prix. Max Verstappen, Charles Leclerc, Esteban Ocon, Lando Norris, Zhou Guanyu, Mick Schumacher, and Yuki Tsunoda picked up grid penalties. As a result, they were all forced to the back. Valtteri Bottas replaced fewer parts, allowing him to move in front of them on the grid.
Sainz got off to a great start, quickly overtaking Perez into the first turn as the latter struggled to get off the line. And to make matters worse for Perez, Hamilton and Alonso both profited from his unappealing getaway.
Lewis Hamilton and Fernando Alonso collided heavily while battling for the second position. However, the British driver suffered more damage and was forced to withdraw from the race.
On Lap 12, Sainz changed his pit strategy from softs to mediums after Perez let Verstappen through and take the lead. The Dutchman increased his advantage until lap 15. Then, he overcame Sainz’s deficit by seizing the lead on lap 18 after making another free pit stop on lap 31. He outran Perez by more than 18 seconds in a commanding performance that included the fastest lap.
Sainz fought for third with George Russell, who had overtaken Charles Leclerc but missed out on the last podium spot by less than two seconds.
Charles Leclerc eventually moved up to fifth place. Still, a poorly timed late pitstop to earn the fastest lap bonus point backfired. He was speeding in the pitlane and received a five-second penalty, which caused him to fall behind Fernando Alonso to sixth in the final standings.
