Lewis Hamilton Wins Belgian Grand Prix After George Russell’s Disqualification

Lewis Hamilton clinched victory at the 2024 Formula 1 Rolex Belgian Grand Prix under dramatic circumstances after his Mercedes team-mate George Russell, who initially crossed the finish line first, was disqualified due to a technical infringement. The disqualification stemmed from Russell’s car being found underweight in the post-race inspection, a violation confirmed by a Technical Delegate’s Report.

Thrilling Mercedes Duel

The race featured an intense battle between the Mercedes drivers. Hamilton, utilizing a two-stop strategy, was chasing down Russell, who had opted for a single pit stop. This strategic difference set the stage for an exciting final segment of the race, with Hamilton closing the gap but ultimately finishing just 0.526 seconds behind Russell on the track. However, the post-race disqualification handed the victory to Hamilton.

Race Start: Leclerc’s Early Lead and Hamilton’s Overtake

Charles Leclerc started from pole position and led the race initially. However, within two laps, Hamilton overtook Leclerc, showcasing his dominance at Spa-Francorchamps, a track where he had previously won four times. Hamilton’s strong performance early in the race set the tone for his eventual victory.

Strategic Gamble and Disqualification of Russell

Russell’s decision to pit early on Lap 10 of the 44-lap race and run a one-stop strategy was a significant gamble. He managed his hard tyres effectively, maintaining the lead despite Hamilton’s relentless pursuit. However, the subsequent discovery that his car was underweight led to his disqualification, a result of what Mercedes termed a “genuine error.”

Podium and Points Adjustments

Oscar Piastri, who had finished third on the road, was promoted to second place following Russell’s disqualification. This promotion marked a significant achievement for McLaren. Charles Leclerc moved up to third, providing a much-needed boost for Ferrari. Max Verstappen, who had started from P11, made an impressive recovery to finish fourth, showcasing Red Bull Racing’s resilience.

Detailed Race Results

Below is a detailed table of the race results following the adjustments due to Russell’s disqualification: