Ferrari’s Charles Leclerc will start from the front of the pack for Sunday’s Belgian Grand Prix despite Max Verstappen taking a hugely impressive pole position at a rain-hit Spa-Francorchamps.
Verstappen reigned supreme throughout qualifying but the Dutchman’s 10-place grid penalty for an engine change means he will line up from only 11th on the grid.
His demotion elevates Leclerc to the sharp end with Sergio Perez second, one place ahead of Lewis Hamilton. Lando Norris will start fourth in his McLaren.
Verstappen has been bumped down the order for taking on his fifth internal combustion engine of the season here, one more than the four he is allowed.
Follow live updates from the Belgian Grand Prix with The Independent
F1 Belgian Grand Prix: George Russell…
“Amazing strategy, you guys are the best come on!
Wolff to Russell: “Tyre whisperer!”
That was Russell’s call to go for a one-stop strategy – and what a call it was!
Russell jumps into the arms of his Mercedes team in pure elation!
Kieran Jackson28 July 2024 15:29
F1 Belgian Grand Prix: George Russell wins at Spa-Francorchamps!
What a stunning, stunning drive by George Russell! He holds off Lewis Hamilton by 0.5 seconds for a Mercedes one-two!
Oscar Piastri takes third place!
What a terrific race at under the Spa sunshine! Russell’s third F1 win – and definitely his best yet!
Top-10: Russell, Hamilton, Piastri, Leclerc, Verstappen, Norris, Sainz, Perez (fastest lap), Alonso, Ocon
Kieran Jackson28 July 2024 15:26
F1 Belgian Grand Prix: Lewis Hamilton is too far back! (Lap 44/44)
Hamilton just can’t get it done!
What a tactic this has been by George Russell to keep first place! Stunning!
He’s on the verge of another win here!
Kieran Jackson28 July 2024 15:24
F1 Belgian Grand Prix: George Russell holds off Lewis Hamilton again (Lap 43/44)
Both Mercedes cars go deep at turn 1 and Hamilton isn’t close enough again as they go up the hill!
Just one-and-a-half laps left – and Piastri is just one second off Hamilton too!
Kieran Jackson28 July 2024 15:22
F1 Belgian Grand Prix: Lewis Hamilton backs out of a move! (Lap 42/44)
Hamilton has a look down the inside at the end of the Kemmel Straight – but doesn’t go for it!
Russell doing everything he can to hold off his team-mate!
But Oscar Piastri is catching Hamilton rapidly now, just two seconds behind!
Which way will this swing?!
Top-10: Russell, Hamilton, Piastri, Leclerc, Verstappen, Norris, Sainz, Perez, Alonso, Ocon
Kieran Jackson28 July 2024 15:21
F1 Belgian Grand Prix: Russell and Hamilton are allowed to race (Lap 40/44)
No team orders! Hamilton will have to get the move done on Russell..
Bono to Hamilton: “Just give each other plenty of space.”
Hamilton now within 0.5 seconds and has DRS and a tyre advantage.
Kieran Jackson28 July 2024 15:19
F1 Belgian Grand Prix: Hamilton now just one second off Russell (Lap 39/44)
OK, so will Mercedes simply tell Russell to move aside – surely they will?!
The gap just one second now.
Piastri is 4.8 seconds behind Hamilton with five laps left.
It should be a Mercedes one-two – but which way round?!
Kieran Jackson28 July 2024 15:16
F1 Belgian Grand Prix: Oscar Piastri overtakes Charles Leclerc (Lap 37/44)
Big move from Oscar Piastri!
The McLaren has superior pace down the Kemmel Straight and gets it done on Leclerc around the outside… just!
Piastri up to third – and now has Lewis Hamilton, five seconds down the road, in his sights.
At the front, Hamilton continues to shave Russell’s lead – it’s now 3.7 seconds.
Top-10: Russell, Hamilton, Piastri, Leclerc, Verstappen, Norris, Perez, Sainz, Alonso, Stroll
Kieran Jackson28 July 2024 15:11
F1 Belgian Grand Prix: Lewis Hamilton on team radio (Lap 35/44)
“What’s my pace, am I on target to beat him or not?” asks Hamilton.
Bono: “It’s close, it’s close.”
Hamilton: “Understood.”
The gap is 5.2 seconds to Russell. And he’s 2.9 seconds clear of Leclerc in third, but the Ferrari is under pressure from Oscar Piastri now.
Kieran Jackson28 July 2024 15:07
F1 Belgian Grand Prix: George Russell is going to the end (Lap 33/44)
Russell, as he often does, gambling then and is going to the end on these tyres!
Hamilton is cutting the gap though, it’s now 5.4 seconds.
Leclerc is 2.6 seconds down the road, while Norris is just inside DRS range on Verstappen in fifth.
Top-10: Russell, Hamilton, Leclerc, Piastri, Verstappen, Norris, Perez, Sainz, Alonso, Bottas
Kieran Jackson28 July 2024 15:05
