F1 Belgian GP LIVE: George Russell stripped of victory as car breaks rules
Russell has been disqualified from Sunday’s race with his car having failed a post-race check
George Russell was disqualified from Sunday’s Belgian Grand Prix just hours after claiming a thrilling victory on track.
The 26-year-old opted for a bold race strategy, pitting only once for tyres, and it seemed to have paid off in brilliant fashion as he fended off a late challenge from Mercedes team-mate Lewis Hamilton to claim what he thought was his third win in Formula One.
However, in an initial post-race check, Russell’s Mercedes car was found to be 1.5 kg under the weight permitted in the regulations, following the obligatory drainage of fuel.
The matter was referred to the FIA stewards, who an hour later confirmed that Russell had been disqualified from the race classification. The driver himself, it has been reported, found out about the disqualification whilst on his way home to Monaco.
Follow live updates from the Belgian Grand Prix with The Independent
Lewis Hamilton hints at Mercedes error after missing out on win to George Russell
Lewis Hamilton suggested that Mercedes pitted him too early as he missed out on victory at the Belgian Grand Prix on Sunday.
Hamilton’s team-mate George Russell claimed a stunning win as the younger Brit made his hard tyres last for 30-plus laps on a one-stop strategy.
Meanwhile Hamilton, and the rest of the chasing pack, opted for two stops and although the seven-time F1 world champion was within half-a-second of Russell in a thrilling finale, he could not squeeze past his team-mate.
Full report below:
Lewis Hamilton hints at Mercedes error after missing out on win to George Russell
Hamilton could not catch team-mate George Russell as Mercedes secured a one-two finish in Belgium
Mercedes boss Toto Wolff:
“Today we were clearly ahead of everyone.
“We didn’t think it was possible so we thought he should stay out and he made it last!”
F1 Belgian Grand Prix: George Russell after his win...
“Amazing result, definitely didn’t predict this win in our strategy meeting. Car was feeling awesome, tyres felt great - kept saying we should do the one-stop. Well done to Lewis, he controlled that race, if circumstances were slightly different, he’d have got the victory.
“I was focusing a lot during the race, it was a team effort. All the strategy guys did an amazing job, we rolled the dice but it was only possible because the car was feeling great.
“Three wins in six for us now, I’d want another race next weekend. So well deserved for everyone back at Brackley and Brixworth!”
F1 Belgian Grand Prix: Lewis Hamilton after finishing second...
“We definitely didn’t expect it, congratulations to George and the team. We had a disaster on Friday, car was nowhere. But it was fantastic today.
“I was trying to get close to George, he did a great job going long on the tyres. Every stint I had tyres left but the team pulled me in. Unfortunate but it is what it is.
“If we can continue these types of performance, it will be fantastic. We’ve got to keep pushing.”
F1 Belgian Grand Prix: Time for the podium!
Three in four wins for Mercedes! And the fourth time in a row (after British constructor McLaren last week) that the British national anthem is played on the F1 podium!
TOP-10 IN BELGIAN GRAND PRIX:
1. George Russell
2. Lewis Hamilton
3. Oscar Piastri
4. Charles Leclerc
5. Max Verstappen
6. Lando Norris
7. Carlos Sainz
8. Sergio Perez (+fastest lap)
9. Fernando Alonso
10. Esteban Ocon
F1 Belgian Grand Prix: Oscar Piastri after finishing third...
“I thought I could get the Mercedes. Clean air was such a big difference, I picked up a lot of pace, managed to get a nice tyre delta for the last stop - but clearly you just needed to keep going as George showed! We managed the race very well. Very happy with the result.
“Even Lewis didn’t quite have enough pace, it wasn’t quite enough.
“It’s been a really good couple of weeks, a lot of points, made inroads on Red Bull today, but everyone is looking forward to a break.”
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!
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
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!
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